The 3rd-year Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship students from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial competencies by successfully pitching their groundbreaking project, Kawayan Agriponic Gardens, and securing a spot in the 2024 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Start-Up Component at the Provincial Level. This prestigious event, hosted by the Department of Agriculture–Western Visayas, culminated in an awarding ceremony on March 6, 2025, in Iloilo City, where Maria Niña Ysabelle Dela Cruz, Daniel Madali, and Sharajel Piniano received a grant of P80,000 to bring their vision to life.

The YFC program not only provides funding but also offers ongoing technical assistance and mentorship to help winners successfully implement their projects. The students have since evolved their initial idea into “BambooPonics,” their entry for the regional competition. This transformative social enterprise will be launched in collaboration with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village, benefiting 38 households in Brgy. Dinginan, Roxas City, under a Memorandum of Understanding between the university’s Outreach Office and GK.

At the heart of BambooPonics is an innovative bamboo-inspired hydroponic system designed to empower urban dwellers. By utilizing locally sourced bamboo, residents can transform their limited spaces into lush green oases, cultivating fresh produce without the need for traditional soil. This project also targets local restaurants that require a steady supply of lettuce, herbs, and other vegetables, while promoting eco-friendly practices by significantly reducing water consumption and plastic waste.

Moreover, this initiative provides farmers with the opportunity to learn new technologies, enabling them to sell pre-cut and treated bamboo as construction materials for the hydroponic modules. Farmers who might lack capital for PVC investments can establish nurseries, grow crops, enhance their livelihoods, and build a resilient community committed to sustainable agricultural practices.

The Young Farmers Challenge serves as a catalyst for youth innovation in agriculture. By engaging with this program, young entrepreneurs gain vital resources, mentorship, and funding to create sustainable farming solutions. Their participation not only boosts local food production but also strengthens rural livelihoods and nurtures the next generation of agricultural leaders.

For the students of CBA, pitching has been instrumental in shaping their entrepreneurial journey. It hones their communication, confidence, and critical thinking skills while fostering creativity and networking opportunities. Through real-world business simulations, they are empowered to articulate their ideas effectively, refining the competencies essential for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.