By Mikee Natinga Norico
From L to R: Ernie D. Lagud, Prince Joshua G. Ferrer, Eillene D. Pador, and Jicel Kate A. Marañon, all third-year BS Accountancy students from the College of Business and Accountancy, pose with their coach, Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista, after their team’s video entry, “Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability,” earned 1st Runner-Up in the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders 2025 Philippine Eliminations.
Central Philippine University (CPU) continues to make waves in sustainability-driven innovation as a student team from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) emerged among the top winners of the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders (AFSL) 2025 Philippine National Competition, held in partnership with KPMG Philippines, RG Manabat & Co., CPAs, and the PICPA Committee on Faculty Development and Research.
Out of 47 nationwide video submissions, CPU’s entry “Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability” secured three major recognitions—Top 18 Video Entry, 2nd Best Video, and 1st Runner-Up in the national eliminations. The recognition also qualifies the team for further consideration in the ASEAN-level competition to be held on November 7, 2025, at Universitas Terbuka, Jakarta, Indonesia.
The team is composed of Prince Joshua G. Ferrer, Ernie D. Lagud, Jicel Kate A. Marañon, and Eillene D. Pador, all BS Accountancy third-year students, under the guidance of their coach, Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista, faculty member of the Department of Accountancy.
Their video entry highlighted Nasidman Small Fisherfolk Association’s (NASFA) sustainable practices in the fisheries sector, showcasing adaptability and community-based innovation aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those on responsible consumption, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods.
Two other CPU entries also made strong showings in the competition:
- “Rainwater: A Gift of Nature Wielded for a Sustainable Future,” composed of Jayson V. Arquisola (BS Management Accounting 4), Adrian Carl F. Esmenos (BS Accountancy 3), Rose Marie L. Posadas (BS Management Accounting 4), and Kimara T. Yap (BS Management Accounting 4); and
- “BrewCycle: Enhancing Sustainability in Already-Sustainable Specialty Coffee,” composed of Rheyzzel Mae L. Demoral (BS Management Accounting 4), Maricris R. Maglalang (BS Management Accounting 4), Joelyza J. Olarte (BS Accountancy 3), and Stefanie Alyssa A. Parcon (BS Accountancy 3).
Both teams were also coached by Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista, a faculty member of the Department of Accountancy, College of Business and Accountancy.
The ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders (AFSL) competition is an annual online case challenge that brings together secondary and tertiary students from ASEAN member countries to propose multidisciplinary and innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year’s theme, “Empowering ASEAN Youth for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Community in Action,” underscores the vital link between climate action, education, equality, and economic growth.
For the Philippine National Competition, a total of 47 video entries were submitted by universities across the country. Each entry, with a maximum duration of 10 minutes, tackled pressing environmental, social, or economic issues in support of specific SDGs. Viewer engagement was measured through the Philippine Accounting Education Forum’s official Facebook page from September 27 to October 3, 2025.
The Top 18 entries advanced to the panel interview round on October 4, 2025, where finalists were evaluated based on originality, creativity, feasibility of proposed solutions, and depth of understanding of the issues presented.
Two grand winners from the national level will represent the Philippines in the ASEAN Final Round in Indonesia. These teams will receive ₱10,000 in cash prizes, ₱40,000 in pocket money, and medals and certificates of recognition from the organizers.
Participating countries in the ASEAN round include Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The AFSL competition seeks to train and develop young leaders across the ASEAN region to design creative, sustainable, and socially impactful solutions to real-world challenges.
Through this achievement, CPU continues to exemplify its commitment to academic excellence and sustainability-driven education, empowering students to lead innovative initiatives that address global environmental and social issues.
To view the CPU-CBA video entries, visit the following links:
Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FRrE2AcQZ/
Rainwater: A Gift of Nature Wielded for a Sustainable Future
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KDkwQVNya/
BrewCycle: Enhancing Sustainability in Already-Sustainable Specialty Coffee