Visayas State University (VSU) Ekonomistas bagged 1st Runner-Up in the Case Analysis Presentation Category with their entry "AgrEnergy: Harnessing the Power of Agriculture and Renewable Energy for Philippine Economic Security" at the National Economics Summit (NES) 2023 on September 9, at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), Quezon City.
Under the mentorship of Professor Lemuel Preciados, the five-man team namely: Chrissa Jane Alfaro (Business Economics-4), Rhyz Danielle Astorga (Business Economics-4), Ceasar Peter Aves (Business Economics-4), Jamill Dumaguing (Business Economics-4), and Niño John Vitor (Environmental & Development Economics-3) also took home the Best Presenter Award, beating a total of 13 teams all over the country.
In an interview with AMARANTH, Aves shared the team’s advocacy for transitioning to sustainable practices to save current resources for the future, which aligns with their winning entry for the competition.
"Living in a world where resources are finite requires us to collectively fulfill the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations," Aves said.
Moreover, Dumaguing shared that aside from winning the competition, their experience was also an avenue for learning as they met with various speakers and witnessed other case studies from economic students all over the country.
"Continue to aim high and never be limited by your fears. Normally, you'll see yourself as small if you're surrounded by the big universities in the country, but always remember that you are a VISCAN and YOU CAN! Padayon mga #EkonomistaSaBiska", Dumaguing added as encouragement for the Viscans.
The following are the prizes that they received as 1st runner-up and best presenter:
•5,000 Php cash
•3,000 Php worth of wellness products
•NES Medals
•NES Plaque as Best Presenter