Central Philippine University’s CBA Champions Sustainability at AFSL 2025
Central Philippine University (CPU) continued its strong run in sustainability-driven innovation as a College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) student team placed among the top winners in the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders (AFSL) 2025 Philippine National Competition. The event, held in partnership with KPMG Philippines, RG Manabat & Co., CPAs, and the PICPA Committee on Faculty Development and Research, showcased the next generation of leaders tackling real-world environmental and social challenges through business-minded solutions.
Outstanding Performance: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability
CPU’s entry, Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability, earned three major recognitions: Top 18 Video Entry, 2nd Best Video, and 1st Runner-Up in the national eliminations. The project highlights the Nasidman Small Fisherfolk Association’s (NASFA) sustainable practices in the fisheries sector, emphasizing adaptability and community-based innovation. The narrative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably responsible consumption and production, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods. The achievement marks CPU’s continued commitment to applying classroom theory to community impact.
Team Composition and Mentorship
The CPU team comprises four BS Accountancy third-year students: Prince Joshua G. Ferrer, Ernie D. Lagud, Jicel Kate A. Marañon, and Eillene D. Pador. They were guided by Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista of the Department of Accountancy. Under her mentorship, the team translated research, data, and stakeholder narratives into a compelling, action-oriented video that resonates with policymakers, practitioners, and academics alike.
Other CPU Entries Earn Notice
Two additional CPU projects also made significant waves in the national competition:
- Rainwater: A Gift of Nature Wielded for a Sustainable Future by Jayson V. Arquisola, Adrian Carl F. Esmenos, Rose Marie L. Posadas, and Kimara T. Yap (all from various BS programs under the CBA banner). This entry explored innovative water-management solutions that promote climate resilience and resource stewardship.
- BrewCycle: Enhancing Sustainability in Already-Sustainable Specialty Coffee featuring Rheyzzel Mae L. Demoral, Maricris R. Maglalang, Joelyza J. Olarte, and Stefanie Alyssa A. Parcon. The project examined sustainable practices across the coffee supply chain, from sourcing to waste reduction.
All three CPU entries benefited from the guidance of Prof. Bautista, underscoring the department’s emphasis on integrating sustainability with solid accounting and business practices.
About AFSL and Its Regional Purpose
The ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders (AFSL) competition is a year-long online case challenge that unites secondary and tertiary students from ASEAN member countries. The 2025 theme, “Empowering ASEAN Youth for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Community in Action,” highlights the interconnectedness of climate action, education, equality, and economic development. The national round in the Philippines invited 47 video submissions, each addressing environmental, social, or economic issues aligned with specific SDGs. The top entries advanced to a panel interview, where originality, feasibility, and depth of understanding determined the final standings.
What This Means for CPU—and for Philippine Education
CPU’s success at AFSL 2025 reinforces its reputation for academic excellence and sustainability-driven education. By mentoring students to craft practical, scalable solutions to real-world problems, CPU demonstrates how universities can contribute to national development while preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving global economy. The program’s emphasis on SDGs aligns with a broader push for sustainable business education in the Philippines and across ASEAN.
Looking Ahead to the ASEAN Final
The NASFA team’s triumph positions CPU for potential advancement to the ASEAN final round in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 7, 2025. The ASEAN stage will bring together teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, all competing to present innovative, community-centered solutions. The Philippine teams stand to gain not only recognition but also invaluable experience in cross-border collaboration and policy-oriented problem-solving.
How to View CPU’s AFSL Submissions
Fans and stakeholders can view CPU’s AFSL video entries through the links provided by the organizers and the Philippine Accounting Education Forum’s official Facebook page, which hosted public viewing from September 27 to October 3, 2025. The entries include:
- Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability
- Rainwater: A Gift of Nature Wielded for a Sustainable Future
- BrewCycle: Enhancing Sustainability in Already-Sustainable Specialty Coffee
Conclusion
CPU’s achievements at AFSL 2025 reflect a robust model of education that combines rigorous accounting training with a passion for sustainable development. As these young leaders prepare for the ASEAN final, their work serves as a beacon for other Philippine universities to pursue impact-driven research and collaborative, community-centered solutions.
