-Jonalyn Geronimo, Mark Nhel Martinez & Marga L. Taganas
Baguio Central University’s College of Business Administration (CBA) hosted the third installment of its dynamic series, “Navigating Competencies of CBA Students Towards Agile and Future-Proof Young Business Professionals,” on April 22, 2025, at the MJF Hall, Main Campus. This series theme “Inspire and Aspire: The Alumni Edition,” placed a spotlight on the journeys and achievements of distinguished alumni from different industries and profession, fostering a celebration of growth, legacy, and professional development.
Featured speaker Mr. Randy B. Samonte, MBA, currently the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Health- Drug Abuse Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, shared insights drawn from real experiences and lessons learned, covering topics like how students will turn the backpacks into briefcases or school uniforms to corporate attires and asked the students the glow-up they want. Mr. Randy also presented the real value of a business degree and the vast opportunities after graduation. Additionally, he explained the importance of widening your networks and professional branding. He closed his inspirational talk by discussing the trends shaping the future by leveraging information technology (such as Al) and the power of lifelong and continuous learning.
Ms. Donna Fe N. Amseden, a real estate agent and administrative staff at VTW Real Estate Marketing, opened the students’ eyes to the potential for success. She shared that many may thought that failure was the antithesis of achievement, but the world showed us that fear is actually the opposite of success. The remark “malayo pa pero malayo na” that she left shows realization of how her patience and determination made it all possible. She also demonstrated how her role as her family’s breadwinner drove her to become a professional businesswoman.
Ms. Manilyn D. Botilas, MPA, currently a Project Development Officer II at the Department of Education- Cordillera Administrative Region, emphasized that students should embody the AGILE mindset where A stands for Adaptability, G for Growth Mindset, I for Innovation, L for Leadership, and E for Empathy to navigate the challenges of the modern world. She highlighted that adaptability enables students to adjust to changing circumstances, while a growth mindset fosters continuous learning and resilience. Innovation encourages creative problem-solving, leadership inspires initiative and responsibility, and empathy ensures meaningful connections with others. Furthermore, Ms. Botilas emphasizes the importance of initiative, urging students not to wait for opportunities to knock but to create it themselves. This call to action reinforces the AGILE principles, encouraging students to take charge of their futures with determination and purpose.
The featured speakers openly shared their personal stories of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning in today’s rapidly evolving business and professional landscape. The alumni’s experiences served as real-life examples of how CBA graduates can successfully navigate career challenges and seize emerging opportunities. This celebration of legacy and aspiration not only equipped students with practical insights from those who once walked the same halls but also strengthened the bond between current students and the university’s growing network of accomplished alumni.
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