St. Paul University Philippines

CARITAS. VERITAS. SCIENTIA.

St. Paul University Philippines

CARITAS. VERITAS. SCIENTIA.

FUELING THE FUTURE: SPUP’S 26TH REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPO SHOWCASES INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

February 13, 2026
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The 26th Regional Business Expo, held from February 11 to 13, 2026, successfully gathered students and faculty from Business, Tourism, and Hospitality programs across Region II and the CAR Region for a dynamic three-day celebration of innovation, sustainability, and collaborative learning. Anchored on the theme “Fueling the Future: Driving Sustainable Innovation Across Business, Tourism, and Hospitality,” the event served as a platform for academic enrichment, industry dialogue, and active student engagement. The first day featured (Atty. Michael Paggabao, Assistant Regional Director, Department of Trade and Industry), who discussed “Strengthening Entrepreneurship and Startups through an Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem,” followed by Dr. Raquel Santos, (DOST Senior Research Specialist), who presented “Innovating Tourism and Business: Turning Local Experiences into Fundable Startups.” The day concluded with a PEP Talk on career guidance, where SBAHM alumni shared professional insights and experiences.
On the second day, Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC, (University President), delivered the opening remarks, while the keynote address, presented by Dr. Jocelyn Carag (Education Supervisor) on behalf of Dr. Julieta Paras, (Director, CHED Region 02), emphasized higher education’s role in shaping future-ready industries. Technical sessions followed, including Mr. Carlito Ayco, (President, We Gen Philippines), on “From Vision to Impact: Embedding ESG and Responsible Leadership in Business and Tourism,” and Ms. Kristine Koleen Davila-Palagamas, (Vice President, SM Group Sustainable Office), on “Sustainable Business Models and Green Innovations.” The afternoon featured academic competitions, including the Skills Olympics and Talent Showdown for Tourism and Hospitality students, and the Quiz Bee, Case Analysis, and Product Presentation for Business, Accountancy, and Entrepreneurship participants.
The final day offered parallel sessions for specialized tracks. The Business and Entrepreneurship group attended talks on “Future-Ready Industries: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Competitiveness” by Mr. Ernesto Boydon, (Consultant, Transformative Digitalization) and “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence as Drivers of Sustainable Enterprises and Inclusive Economic Growth” by RD Dionisio C. Ledres Jr. (Regional Director, Department of Economy, Planning and Development). Simultaneously, the Hospitality and Tourism track featured Ms. Susan Santos de Cardenas (Founder, International Alliance of Regenerative Tourism) on “From Sustainability to Regenerative Strength: Regenerative Governance and Destination Legacy” and Dr. Joy Sheela Baraero-Era (Professor, FEU Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management) on “Innovation in Hospitality Operations: Energy, Waste, and Resource Efficiency.” The expo concluded with student research presentations highlighting sustainability, innovation, and industry development, reinforcing the event’s focus on preparing future-ready professionals and socially responsible enterprises.

By MARIE KRIZYA M. CALAGUI, DHM

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