Saint Mary’s University (SMU), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted a series of activities promoting green business practices among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen environmental awareness and sustainability in local entrepreneurship.

The initiative stemmed from a previous research that identified good practices among MSMEs in energy conservation but noted limited awareness and implementation of broader green initiatives such as renewable materials, eco-packaging, zero-waste disposal, and sustainable product development. 

To address these gaps, SMU and DTI launched a joint information dissemination project that featured resource speakers from the energy, business, and academic sectors. The collaboration began in August 2023, when Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva, lead researcher, met with Ms. Rowena F. Mayangat, then Division Chief of Consumer Protection at DTI Nueva Vizcaya, to present the research findings and propose the joint project. Moreover,  follow-up meeting on September 18, 2023, defined the roles of SMU and DTI, as well as the target participants for the program. Additionally, DTI later recommended aligning the activity with Consumer Welfare Month in October, themed “Gen S: Generation Sustainable.”

The partnership underscored these goals through a webinar titled “Entrepreneurs for the Environment: Leading the Green Revolution,” jointly organized by the SMU School of Accountancy and Business, the School of Graduate Studies, and the DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Office. The online event gathered 17 MSME owners, 80 students, two DTI representatives, and eight SMU employees.

The webinar featured several key sessions, including a lecture on Energy Saving Practices by Engr. Maximino C. Gabatino III of the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO), which emphasized efficient energy use and its impact on carbon footprint reduction. Ms. Jennelyn A. Pauig, owner of Dom’z Buko Pie in Bagabag, shared her experience in zero-waste disposal, highlighting how coconut husks and other by-products were repurposed into profitable products. Ms. Cleofe Abiva of CAMJ Food Products also shared her own waste reduction methods in tomato-based product development.

Mr. Richard C. Siuagan, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist of DTI Nueva Vizcaya, delivered a lecture on Green Manufacturing and Product Development, discussing the seven green wastes, the green manufacturing cycle, and emerging eco-friendly business trends.

Dr. Villanueva concluded the activity by presenting his study, “Green Business Practices, Challenges, and Prospects: A SMU-DTI Engagement Research,” which invited further input from participants and partner agencies. In response, Mr. Siuagan expressed DTI’s continuing support for green initiatives, while Ms. Mayangat encouraged the conduct of hands-on trainings on zero-waste product development and information campaigns for green consumers in future collaborations.

Furthermore, SMU and DTI reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening MSME sustainability, underscoring the importance of partnership between educational institutions and government agencies in advancing environmental advocacy and responsible entrepreneurship.

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