𝗕𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟱 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲

By Aira Nicole Delostrico

Beating over 71 competitors nationwide, the team of students from Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) students secured a spot as top 5 finalists in the Food Category with their creation, Green Essence Concentrate, at the 18th Business Idea and Development Awards (BIDA) 2024, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College, Marikina, on October 2, 2024.

The proposal was presented by students Mark Globen Barotilla, Frankie Rose Mondala, Maria Elena Francisco, Jackielyn Valderama, and Reynan John Funa, under the guidance of their university coaches Dr. Melinda Conlu and Michael Vincent Barrera. Their product, Green Essence Concentrate, offers a unique and sustainable alternative to conventional souring agents, drawing inspiration from local ingredients such as tamarind, wild sour fruits, and libas. The concept stemmed from Dr. Conlu’s research, aimed at providing innovative solutions using indigenous and sustainable resources.

In a Facebook post, coach Michael Vincent Barrera shared his appreciation for the support from university staff and his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “A great milestone has been achieved! Congratulations on representing CAPSU and the College of Education in the national competition. Bring all the knowledge and experiences you've gained to excel in future endeavors. I'm incredibly proud of your accomplishments and how far you've come with that GREEN ESSENCE CONCENTRATE.”

BIDA is an annual competition organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Education Committee. It seeks to inspire and empower young entrepreneurs by promoting innovation and development in business ideas.