Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
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Photo courtesy by: Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines ‘Official’ Facebook Page.
Student delegates from the Department of Financial Management (DFM) earned national recognition after three teams advanced to the Top 10 of the ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026 – Philippine Championship, with Green Fund Partners securing the 1st Runner-Up position and bringing home a total of PHP 60,000 in prizes.
Composed of Deanna Margaret B. Baldosa, Frank Errol Y. Enriquez, and Elaizabeth R. Nucum, all students taking the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management (BSBA FM), Green Fund Partners placed second nationally and received a PHP 50,000 prize. Also advancing to the National Top 10 were Vera Verde, composed of Marjorie Cabato, Jhamae Trisha De Guia, and Justin Paul Canilang, and Banaag ReGen, composed of Bart Patrick Familar, Jio Antonio Lazaro, and Daphney Rose Santos. Both teams likewise earned PHP 5,000 each.
The teams navigated a series of challenges, from an online examination and concept note submission to case study development, presentation, and the final boardroom simulation. For Green Fund Partners, the journey was defined by continuous learning, adjustment, and perseverance. Baldosa described their experience as a “gradual process of learning, adjusting, and becoming more confident in our own work,” noting that the competition required them to move beyond understanding ESG concepts and consider how their recommendations could work in practice.
Behind the national finish were moments of uncertainty and self-doubt. Enriquez recalled feeling overwhelmed from the early stages of the competition and questioning whether their team could compete against students from established universities. Reaching the Top 10, he said, brought relief after their “sleepless nights of reviews and information overload,” while advancing to the Top 5 gave the team another opportunity to prove themselves.
Nucum likewise reflected on the sacrifices required throughout the competition, particularly the time and effort devoted to preparation. For her, securing the podium finish made “all the 28 hours worth of meeting” worthwhile, turning the challenges and sacrifices into a milestone for the team.
The pressure extended beyond the case study itself, making teamwork essential to the team’s progress. Baldosa shared that one of their biggest challenges was “managing the pressure while making sure that the quality of our analysis did not suffer.” Through open discussions, constructive criticism, and trust in one another’s strengths, the team learned that “teamwork is not about having all the answers, it is about building something stronger together.”
For Enriquez, the support of his teammates proved especially important during difficult moments. Despite the pressure and unexpected challenges during the final stages, he credited his teammates for encouraging him to continue. “I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am to have my teammates with me,” he shared, emphasizing the strength he drew from the people who stood beside him throughout the competition.
The students also attributed their performance to the academic preparation and mentorship provided by DFM. Baldosa cited the department’s Research and Feasibility Study activities as part of the technical foundation that prepared them for the competition, while the coaches’ feedback helped strengthen their analysis, presentation, and confidence in defending their recommendations. Enriquez similarly recognized the faculty and coaches who continuously challenged their ideas and helped them prepare for the competition.
The delegation expressed its appreciation to Head Coach Gem B. Galupar, Christian Neil A. Ramos, Dr. Antonette G. Belago, Dr. Elizabeth F. Perez, Jorge Edward Chang, and alumni coaches Frances San Juan and Laujen Joy Endozo for their guidance and support throughout the competition.
Beyond the awards, the students hope their experience encourages fellow PUPians to take opportunities despite uncertainty. Baldosa urged fellow students “not to be afraid to start before you feel ready,” while Enriquez offered a direct message to those struggling with self-doubt: “JUST TRY. JUST DO IT.” Nucum likewise encouraged her fellow PUPians to “never stop aiming for the best” and to seize opportunities to achieve bigger things.
The achievement highlights PUP students’ ability to translate academic learning into practical solutions for sustainability and financial challenges while embodying the University’s Core Values of Integrity, an Excellence. It likewise advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through skills-based learning, responsible financial practices, innovation, sustainability-conscious decision-making, and collaboration among students, faculty, coaches, and alumni.
With three teams advancing to the national Top 10 and Green Fund Partners finishing as 1st Runner-Up, the DFM delegates have marked a significant milestone for the department and demonstrated that PUPians can compete, innovate, and create meaningful impact in pursuit of a more sustainable and responsible future.
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