CARRYING the theme “Cantonan Na!” the Bedan Entrepreneurs Society (BES) launched its General Assembly for the academic year last Oct. 21 at the Manny Reyes Hall.   On stage, various flavors of Lucky Me! pancit cantons were stacked, accompanied by their hosts and moderator wearing chef hats.

Continuing its wordplay-themed tradition from last year’s general assembly, ‘Rambutan’, BES promoted the event online—stating that it brings students and professors together, embracing the culinary theme. 

The program began as Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Jr., Dean of the School of Business, Accountancy, and Management (SBAM), delivered his opening remarks. He emphasized the significance of the event in reconnecting the community and highlighting the accomplishments, plans, and goals of the organization.

“Over the past year, BES has achieved several milestones that we can all be proud of. It has organized sessions, events, and engaged in outreach and collaboration. We have continued to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit that defines what students are and what the program is all about,” he noted.

Following the dean’s address, the program proceeded with the introduction of the new officers of BES for the academic year 2025-2026, formally presenting the student leaders who will lead and guide the organization's initiatives, events, and projects presented by BES moderator, Atty. Ryan Cancio.

After the presentation of officers, the assembly continued with a surprise video tribute dedicated to their moderator in celebration of his birthday. The BES officers expressed their gratitude for his unwavering support and wished him continued health and success.

Taking the stage, BES President John Emmanuel Sualog (IV-BSE) presented the lineup of activities and events that the organization has prepared for the upcoming year. Among the activities are the Entrepreneurship Summit, Sports, Health and Wellness Program, Outreach Projects, Bazaars, Fundraising Events, and the much-anticipated SBCA Autofest.

“Everything we do in BES is holistic. Every event, every project, and every effort has a sense of purpose, learning, and connection,” he elaborated.

To foster teamwork and participation, students were divided into breakout rooms for each event, where they shared ideas and helped plan the upcoming activities. After the sessions, Atty. Cancio showcased the fourth-year students’ products to inspire the first- to third-year students to start conceptualizing their own.

Adding excitement to the program, the “Noodle Rush” Pancit Canton Eating Contest brought energy and laughter to the event. Two representatives from each year level competed to finish their pancit canton first, as the crowd erupted in cheers and chants while encouraging their contenders.

As the event came to a close, “The Check & Bill” segment, led by Miguel Rafael Diwa (IV-BSE), BES Treasurer, and Renz Chester Panol (IV-BSE), BES Auditor, tackled the organization’s current financial status and upcoming plans. They proposed the collection of a membership fee from students to further support their planned line of activities, emphasizing the importance of properly securing and allocating funds entrusted to the officers for the benefit of all members.

Their plan included utilizing the funds to renovate and create additional storage for the Lion’s Den, as well as to convert an underused business center into a functional meeting room. Moreover, their allocation emphasized using the funds to support the upcoming BES events planned for the school year ahead.

To cap off the event, Jericho Andrew Oquias (III-BSE), BES Public Relations Officer and project head of the assembly, expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success—including the sponsors, partner organizations, professors and faculty members, participants, and guests—for making the gathering possible and successful.

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Ashley Nicole Buan (I-BSE), first-year level representative of BES, shared that her key takeaway from the event was to be more involved in the organization’s activities. She added that she looks forward to the upcoming Bazaar and SBCA Autofest, as it will be her first time experiencing them. 

When asked about her experience as a member of BES and how she envisions herself growing with the organization, Buan shared that she sees herself organizing more events in the future.

“Since beginner palang ako being an officer, ang una kong na-feel is kinabahan ako siyempre kasi beginner ako. Siguro kapag gumawa ako ng maraming events next year,” she said.