Simulation Pays Off; 47 Students Top the MSU SASE Social Enterprise Conference 2k19: Biuilding

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE 2K19: BUILDING PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS

| Aquisah Alia Guro

MSU-MSHS participated in the Social Enterprise Conference organized by the Marawi Tourism Social Enterprise Inc. (MTSE) in partnership with the Buhay Mindanaw. Holding the theme "Building Partnership for Progress", the event took place on November 3-4, 2019 at the Charm-Pavilion, MSU-Marawi City. Grade 12 students from the academic tracks Accountancy and Business and Management (ABM), and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) represented our institution. Young entrepreneurs from distinct organizations also participated in the conference. Prestigious people were invited as guest speakers for the formal event namely: Mr. Annuar Mustafa, RSW, MTSW; Prof. Wenden Lontua, Abdul Mojeb A. Pangompig, CPA, REB, MIFP, JD.; Atty. Maisara C. DamdamunLatiph; Prof. Richard Celeste, MBM, REB.; Asmarie M. Labao, MPA; Dr. Sarifa Sofia Macarambon-Ali; Pres. Habib W. Macaayong, DPA; and Hon. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. Also present were some of the famous local entrepreneurs in Marawi, whom their own brands and collections were presented in foreign countries. Participants were obliged to wear formal attire, and cultural attire during the two-day conference. On the first day of the event, guest speakers gave a lecture about peace, profit, the people, and the planet. The afternoon session continued on a lecture about social enterprise and partnership. The participants were then grouped according to the table in which they were seated. Each group was required to work together and come up with a business idea that they would like to pursue. It was called a "pre-pitching session" where the participants were allotted limited time to collaborate with their group mates and discuss their ideas. After discussing, each group had to choose a representative to present their business idea in front of the judges. After thorough deliberation, the judges then chose 9 representatives who caught their interest; two of which were from MSU-Marawi Senior High School, Mr. Samsoden Potawan of HUMSS and Ms. Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan of ABM. On the second day of the event, guest speakers delivered inspirational messages in the morning, whereas in the afternoon, different well-known innovators showcased their business, how they came up with it, and what inspired them to pursue it. The final pitching session continued at 3 PM, where the selected 9 representatives were once again called to present on stage, this time with a different panel of judges. The Top 3 presenters of Business Ideas was then chosen for the small grant. When the result was announced, the Top 3 representatives were granted cash prize for them to launch their business ideas. Although the 2 speakers from our institution were not able to make it to the Top 3, what was most important is that the students learned various things especially the importance of Social Enterprises in our country and experienced the thrill of the conference.