THE School of Business, Accountancy, and Management (SBAM) concluded the week-long celebration, “SBAM WEEK 2025: Thrive 360 Innovate, Lead through Sustainability” with the SBAM Culminating Gala: A Night to Remember last Apr. 25. The event celebrated the spirit, achievements, and creativity of the SBAM community.

      In his opening remarks, Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, Dean of SBAM, stated that he, along with other SBAM administrators, is honored to be part of the pioneer batch of administrators. “We are part of history, and I would be interested to know how people in the future will look at us on our modest achievements,” the dean expressed. The administrators have been hands-on with the planning process of this event since last year.

     The former president (2019-2020) of the Junior People Management Association of the Philippines (JPMAP), Hannah Ocoma, who graduated in 2020, left a few inspirational tips for all the guests. She is now the owner of her tailoring shop and the Human Resource Head of Carabineros Development and Vite & Go Foods. 

     Ocoma shared how she was not the ‘obvious choice’ for most things—academics, business, and leadership. However, this did not stop her from stepping up, emphasizing that anyone can be the ‘surprising choice’ if not blessed to be the obvious one. Before she ended her talk, Ocoma left the student-leaders with a thought to hold on to in times of doubt: “We think leadership is all about confidence and charisma; but a lot of times, leadership is about borrowing beliefs from friends, professors, and partners, until you can build your own.”

     This is followed by the awarding of three SBAM week events as judged by the administrators. Junior Financial Executives’ “Escape Room: A Race Against Fraud” was titled the Most Innovative Event Design, while the Autofest 2025, headed by the Bedan Entrepreneur Society, was awarded the Most Engaging Event. Then, the Junior Bedan Marketing Association received the ‘Best Use of Theme’ award for their community service entitled “Green Starts with Us: Embracing the 3Rs for a Better Tomorrow.”

     Aside from this, honorary awards were presented to two SBAM students for being top passers on the Center for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (CPACE) exam. Rolando Miguel Gureng (IV-BSBA-MM) and Eiram Joseph Lumagui (IV-BSBA-MM) were included in the top 4 and 10 of the passers, respectively. 

     In an interview with Jholhaimen Dimaporo (II-BSBA-HR), the current President of JPMAP and the overall chairperson for SBAM Week, he expressed his appreciation for the committees that contributed to the success of the event, “For me, it wasn't just a celebration or a culmination of the SBAM Week, but it was a celebration of the camaraderie within the School of Business, Accountancy, and Management.”

     He also explained that the difference with this year’s SBAM night was that the students were encouraged to attend the event to promote inclusiveness, and that they ensured slots for non-student leaders. “We didn't want to give the impression that the event is just for organization or committee members,” he said. Another addition this year was the SBAM King and Queen awards, given to students who embodied the values of an SBAM student and who had heavily contributed to the success of the SBAM Week. These awards were given to Deo De Vera (II-BSBA-HR) and Sindey Solis (III-BSLM).

     A unity ceremony took place before the night ended. The students, along with the administrators, recited a pledge as leaders of the SBAM community. As a sign of continuing the legacy, the event concluded with the turnover of the overall SBAM chair to the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants for the next academic year. This transition marks another achievement for the SBAM community, as they look forward to another year of success.