CPUs Path to the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders 2025 Triumph
Central Philippine University (CPU) continues to elevate its reputation for 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. This annual, online case challenge—featuring collaboration with KPMG Philippines, RG Manabat & Co., CPAs, and the PICPA Committee on Faculty Development and Research—attracts entries from across the country and aims to cultivate young leaders who can design practical, scalable solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Top Achievements: Catch to Cost and More
CPU’s video submission titled “Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability” earned three major recognitions in the national eliminations: Top 18 Video Entry, 2nd Best Video, and 1st Runner-Up. This strong showing not only validates CPU’s commitment to impactful, community-centered innovation but also qualifies the team for consideration in the ASEAN-level competition scheduled for November 7, 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The team comprises BS Accountancy third-year students Prince Joshua G. Ferrer, Ernie D. Lagud, Jicel Kate A. Marañon, and Eillene D. Pador, guided by Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista of the Department of Accountancy. The entry spotlights the Nasidman Small Fisherfolk Association (NASFA) and its sustainable practices in the fisheries sector, emphasizing adaptability and community-based solutions that advance responsible consumption, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods—the core of several SDGs.
Other CPU Entrants: Rainwater and BrewCycle
CPU also advanced with two additional compelling entries that demonstrated breadth in sustainability-focused problem-solving. “Rainwater: A Gift of Nature Wielded for a Sustainable Future” featured a team including Jayson V. Arquisola (BS Management Accounting 4), Adrian Carl F. Esmenos (BS Accountancy 3), Rose Marie L. Posadas (BS Management Accounting 4), and Kimara T. Yap (BS Management Accounting 4). Their project explored innovative rainwater utilization as a resource for future resilience.
“BrewCycle: Enhancing Sustainability in Already-Sustainable Specialty Coffee” brought together Rheyzzel Mae L. Demoral (BS Management Accounting 4), Maricris R. Maglalang (BS Management Accounting 4), Joelyza J. Olarte (BS Accountancy 3), and Stefanie Alyssa A. Parcon (BS Accountancy 3), highlighting sustainable practices within the specialty coffee supply chain. Both teams benefited from the guidance of Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista, underscoring CPU’s strong mentorship model in sustainability education.
Why AFSL Matters for CPU and the Region
The AFSL competition is more than a contest; it’s a platform for young leaders across ASEAN to develop multidisciplinary, innovative solutions aligned with SDGs. This year’s theme—“Empowering ASEAN Youth for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Community in Action”—embraces the interconnected roles of climate action, education, equality, and economic development in shaping resilient communities.
With a national field of 47 video entries, the AFSL format emphasizes originality, feasibility, and depth of understanding. The top teams proceed to an interview round, and the eventual ASEAN finalists will compete in Indonesia, vying for recognition, cash prizes, and regional exposure that can accelerate real-world impact.
CPU’s Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability Education
CPU’s success at AFSL reflects the university’s broader mission to integrate sustainability into academic excellence. By fostering student projects that address environmental and social challenges, CPU equips graduates to lead in fields ranging from accounting and management to public policy and entrepreneurship. The AFSL achievements also underscore the value of mentorship—how qualified faculty like Prof. Bautista guide students to transform local challenges into scalable, community-centered solutions.
What’s Next
The two national winners from the Philippine National Competition will advance to the ASEAN Final Round in November 2025. CPU’s teams now stand as strong contenders, poised to showcase innovative approaches to sustainable development and youth leadership on a regional stage. The efforts of these BS Accountancy and BS Management Accounting students illustrate how collaboration, critical thinking, and practical impact can drive progress toward a more sustainable future for ASEAN and beyond.
Explore CPU’s AFSL Submissions
Catch to Cost: NASFA’s Story of Adaptability and Sustainability
URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FRrE2AcQZ/
Rainwater: A Gift of Nature Wielded for a Sustainable Future
URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KDkwQVNya/
BrewCycle: Enhancing Sustainability in Already-Sustainable Specialty Coffee
