By Karren Jay G. Asgar
YES CPU Student Chapter 2024–2025 officers strengthen their camaraderie and leadership during their team building, embodying the organization’s commitment to service, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Aside from academic excellence in various fields, Central Philippine University (CPU) has long been a nurturing ground for student leadership, service, and innovation. Through student-led organizations under the guidance of the Student Development and Programs (SDP) Office, headed by Director Alfred Morales, CPU continues to empower students to become well-rounded leaders in their disciplines and communities.
Another organization that embodies this vision is the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines – CPU Student Chapter under the College of Business and Accountancy, which was recognized as the Outstanding Student Organization (Special Category) during the Student Organizations and Fraternities Evaluation and Exhibit held on May 2, 2025, at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.
“The YES CPU Student Chapter holds a unique position within CPU”, Ken Charles Hallara, Chapter’s President shared in an online interview. “Our mission is mainly to strengthen the community involvement of the college through projects and outreaches.”
Founded on June 1, 2022, the YES Central Philippine University Student Chapter (formerly ENACTUS CPU Organization) is a certified member of YES Philippines, a national organization that unites student and business leaders who are committed to harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to drive global progress and foster successful ventures.
The organization aims to develop future-ready entrepreneurs by equipping students with the skills, experiences, and mindset needed for both business success and social impact. Through this affiliation, YES CPU continues to build a strong network of aspiring entrepreneurs who actively engage in community development, innovation, and leadership.
Held on May 23, 2025, the YES CPU Inauguration 2025 marked a significant milestone as the 2024 officers formally turned over their responsibilities to the newly elected 2025 officers.
“Throughout the year, we carried out several major outreach projects to help communities through Education, livelihood training, and collaborated with other organizations and government agency,” Hallara said.
Notably, the organization implemented PAGHILINUGPONG: Empowering Communities Through Livelihood and Education in Brgy. Rumbang, Pototan and Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City, in collaboration with CPU JPAMA, CPU ACE, CPU Psychological Society, the School of Graduate Studies, the College of Theology, the CBA Student Council, and the Department of Agriculture. It also launched Project Kabuhayan: Mushroom Fruiting Bags Making Workshop in Brgy. Rumbang, which was later expanded through Project Kabuhayan 2.0 in Brgy. Badiang, New Lucena, both in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.
When asked how Hallara would describe the culture within the organization, he highlighted YES CPU’s strong commitment to community upliftment and sustainable development. “Through this work, we not only expand our academic understanding but also gain crucial real-world insight. In the CPU environment where people strive to achieve academic validation, YES CPU provides us with the invaluable opportunity to engage with reality and acquire firsthand experience in what it truly means to be a Young Entrepreneur, bridging theory with purposeful action,” he remarked.
He also shared that one of their most memorable experiences took place during the PAGHILINUGPONG outreach in Brgy. Rumbang, Pototan, Iloilo. He recalled how the genuine interest and enthusiasm of the community stood out, as residents listened attentively, asked questions, and actively engaged in the activities. “The people were very thankful, and it made me realize how important it is to help others. This experience inspired me to continue joining outreach programs and give back to the community.”
As a message to future Centralian students considering joining the organization, Hallara encouraged them to embrace growth and broaden their perspectives. He emphasized that being part of the chapter means engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and learning to understand others by seeing the world through their eyes, joys, struggles, and true needs. “Give yourself room for improvement,” he said. “If we learn to empathize and work together, we can help build a more sustainable world.”
With its foundation in service, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, the YES CPU Student Chapter continues to thrive as it empowers students to become socially responsible leaders, fosters sustainable development, and inspires the next generation of Centralians to create meaningful impact beyond the classroom.