07/10/2025
Project G.R.O.W.T.H. Launched in Barangay Carael: Empowering Local Entrepreneurs Toward Sustainable Success
In a collaborative effort to strengthen local entrepreneurship and promote sustainable business practices, the University of Luzon Graduate School, through its Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program, in partnership with the College of Business Administration and the Barangay Carael Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Council, successfully launched Project G.R.O.W.T.H. (Guided Resourceful Opportunities for Wealth, Transformation, and Holistic Development) in Barangay Carael held on October 5, 2025.
The event gathered several Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners from the community who actively participated in the series of discussions and mentoring sessions focused on improving their business management and innovation capacities.
The seminar featured four key learning sessions led by distinguished speakers:
โข Mr. Mardion U. Soriano discussed โFinancial Operation and Management for SMEs,โ emphasizing efficient budgeting, cash flow management, and financial decision-making for business stability.
โข Mr. Victor P. Claveria delivered a talk on โThe SME Supply Chain,โ highlighting the importance of supplier relationships, logistics efficiency, and value-chain collaboration.
โข Prof. Alvin O. Carillo presented โInnovation in SME,โ inspiring participants to integrate creativity and digital transformation in their business models.
โข The final topic, โThe Secret to Business Growth and Longevity: Sustainability for SMEs,โ discussed by Mr. Lyndon Mark Obedoza, encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt environmentally responsible and socially inclusive business strategies to ensure long-term success.
The launch was spearheaded by Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, Dean of the Graduate School, together with Dr. Jean V. Ramos, MBA Program Coordinator, and Dr. Amalia G. Dela Cruz, DBA Program Coordinator. The event was made possible through the partnership with the Barangay Carael SK Council under the leadership of Mr. John Patrick D. De Vera, which provided local support and engagement with the communityโs SME sector.
Project G.R.O.W.T.H. aims to empower local entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, business development strategies, and innovation-driven training that align with the Universityโs commitment to community extension, sustainable enterprise, and inclusive economic growth. The activity not only enhanced the participantsโ business knowledge but also fostered stronger collaboration between the academe and local government in nurturing resilient and progressive communities.
Project G.R.O.W.T.H. reflects the University of Luzonโs mission to be a catalyst of social innovation and community transformation, emphasizing its strategic role in supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting entrepreneurship and productivity, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by nurturing innovation-driven enterprises, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaborative engagements with local government and private stakeholders.