Despite the scorching summer heat, more than 60 determined students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) showed their resilience and commitment by joining the Eco-ViP Online Training and Pitching Competition for Ecotourism Entrepreneurship.
From May 9 to June 22, third-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) students collaborated with peers from Information Technology (BSIT) and Food Technology (BSFT) programs. Together, they immersed themselves in a series of online workshops designed to sharpen their skills in business planning and product pitching for sustainable ecotourism ventures.
The training sessions prepared participants to conceptualize innovative ecotourism products, develop comprehensive business plans, and pitch their ideas before a panel of judges. Winners will advance to compete against students from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), University of San Carlos (USC), and three universities in Vietnam—bringing PUP’s talent to the international stage.
Guidance from dedicated faculty mentors played a crucial role in the success of the program. Trainers included Assoc. Prof. Regina Zuniga, Asst. Prof. Julie Jane Lara, Dr. David John Apigo, Assoc. Prof. Luzviminda Tugade, Dr. Rock Bryan Matias, Assoc. Prof. Yolanda Montances, Dr. Manolito Tangan, and Asst. Prof. Bryan Joseph Oriondo. Their expertise ensured that students not only gained technical knowledge but also learned the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
For many participants, this was a new and transformative experience—combining tourism’s creative vision, IT’s technical innovation, and food technology’s scientific insights. The Eco-ViP training highlighted the importance of teamwork across disciplines in building sustainable business solutions for the future.
