“WE saw the distinctiveness of the school continuing in its second year,” Atty. Juan Ruffo Chong, former Dean of the School of Business, Accountancy, and Management (SBAM), said in an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD. As the next academic year approaches, the Dean of SBAM and its co-curricular organizations reflect on the collective achievements and challenges faced by the school. 

     One of the highlights in his first year as SBAM Dean was the conduct of SBAM week, creating new cultures and traditions as a distinct business school. Among these new traditions is the turnover of the chairmanship of the SBAM week celebrations from the Junior People Management Association Philippines (JPMAP) to the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA). 

     Dean Chong also shared the challenges that come with operating under a new structure. They had to determine what could be done separately as schools and what practices should remain in common. Procedures were also developed, along with continual coordination with other schools for activities. “It’s a matter of alignment as well, that the Dean will be able to focus on the courses and then will be able to cultivate those courses,” he said.

Student and Community Empowerment

     For Marcus Sy (III-BSBA-MM), Internal Vice President of the Junior Bedan Marketing Association (JBMA), one of the most meaningful contributions of the organization was providing a platform for students to gain real-life experiences. He also shared that they had the chance to collaborate with Marillac Hills, a temporary shelter for young women, and created a lasting impact to empower the community. 

     “We also built a culture where members take initiative, no matter what role they are given,” Sy reflected. He noted that their events were more organized and well-received as they improved the organization’s internal systems and structure. He also believes that all of the events and contributions by JBMA will influence the next term, helping future leaders become more confident, active, and “ready to  bring the organization to even greater heights.”

The Heart of Partnership

     Fostering collaboration with all programs was the most impactful milestone that the JPMAP achieved this academic year as the Overall Chair for SBAM week, and establishing the first-ever Human Resource Carnival Amazing Race.  “JPMAP was able to create a milestone that everyone can remember, a beautiful project created with collaboration and a sense of camaraderie,” Jhohaimen Dimaporo (II-BSBA-HRM), former JPMAP President, said. 

     With less than 30 students in their department, Dimaporo made it his mission to make the SBCA community experience what the HR program can offer. He also mentions that JPMAP shall continue to collaborate and partner with organizations within and outside of SBCA.

Highlighting Bedan Culture 

     Keila Juanico (IV-BSBA-FM), President of the Junior Financial Executives, considered one of their proudest milestones as an organization was bringing the themes of Excellence, Work, and Community to life through impactful, values-driven initiatives throughout the academic year. Another milestone was their first-ever participation in the nationwide KitKat University Break Challenge. They competed against 15 universities and secured 4th place. 

     “The programs and activities established during this term are designed to serve as sustainable models that future leaders can continue to develop and improve,” she shared. Juanico combined academic initiatives with faith-based activities and community outreach, instilling a culture of responsibility and excellence, ensuring that members carry these values beyond their time in the organization.

Coming Back Stronger

     Through a series of impactful projects and strategic initiatives, the Bedan Entrepreneurs’ Society (BES) came back after six years of dormancy. For Carlos Dulce (IV-BSE), BES President, the organization not only revitalized its presence but also expanded its influence and the opportunities offered across other departments. “BES has shown that with vision, collaboration, and heart, it can once again be a driving force for change and excellence in the Bedan community,” he said. 

     Major initiatives such as the SBCA Autofest, Lex Vote: Voters’ Education, and Kickstart “Growing Your Wealth Wisely,” helped build strong relationships across departments through a unified sense of purpose. For the upcoming academic year, Dulce is confident that the next set of student leaders will continue the foundation BES has built. 

LegMacy Continues 

     The Junior Bedan Law Circle (JBLC) centered its activities on pursuing the Benedictine Value of Work and prioritizing issues affecting the nation. It organized events such as Justice Without Borders: An ICC Symposium and Elected: An Electoral Forum on Education for Change. Essa Saliendra (IV-BSLM), JBLC President, added that the organization’s participation in partnership or collaboration with other organizations allowed them to build camaraderie outside their department. 

     Besides the activities accomplished, Saliendra believes that the “LegMacy” they started shall prosper through the next leaders of the organization. “Our goal was never just to accomplish activities, but to create a lasting culture of excellence, unity, and growth here in the Legal Management community, which future terms can continue and improve upon,” she said.

Impact with Bedan Pride 

     “For the JPIA community, my officers and I have always made it a point to create projects that will benefit the SBCA JPIAns,” Sean Mendoza (III-BSA), JPIA President, said. He shared that he made most of their projects people-centered, ensuring the impact they would bring to the community. These activities include the 2nd SBAM Case Study Competition and the “Cornerstone of Effective Governance: Ethical Leadership and Accountability” seminar. 

     They also celebrated being the host school for the National Federation of JPIA, the mother organization of SBCA JPIA. All local chapters of JPIA in the NCR South district were invited to SBCA and compete in an accounting quiz bee. “We were able to show off the San Beda College Alabang community and impart Bedan values to our guests,” he said. 

     As Atty. Chong is now appointed Director of Tertiary and Graduate Education. He hopes to see a continuation of SBAM week and the activities of the different organizations in SBAM in subsequent years. He also looks forward to more activities that shall “cultivate their competencies as future professionals.”

     In the upcoming academic year, former Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Jr. shall serve as the new SBAM Dean.