MANLAKO simulation showcases student innovation, entrepreneurship in Baguio – HERALD EXPRESS

BAGUIO CITY— Booths showcasing student-run enterprises filled the Baguio City National High School Auditorium during the two-day “MANLAKO: Business Enterprise Simulation” held on October 14 and 15, 2025, as part of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) 2025 Startup Week Launch. The event, spearheaded by the Department of Education Baguio City Division (DepEd Baguio City) in partnership with the Technological Consortium for Awareness, Readiness, and Advancement of Knowledge in Innovation (TARAKI) under the Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST CAR), served as a platform for senior high school learners to demonstrate their creativity, business skills, and innovative ideas.

18 public secondary schools across Baguio City participated in the event, including Rizal National High School, Happy Hollow National High School, Baguio City National High School, Doña Aurora National High School, Roxas National High School, Pines City National High School, Baguio City National Science High School, Pinsao National High School, Magsaysay National High School, Joaquin Smith National High School, Lindawan National High School, Fort Del Pilar National High School, Santo Tomas National High School, Irisan National High School, Guisad Baguio National High School, Pinget National High School, San Vicente National High School, and Quezon Hill National High School, along with other partner institutions. Their booths featured a wide variety of products and services such as food and beverages, handcrafted items, souvenirs, artworks, tattoo art, and even technical services including solar and CCTV installation.

Chery Joben, a faculty member of Baguio City National High School, said the event aimed to help students gain real-world entrepreneurial experience by running their own simulated businesses. She noted that October is celebrated as Entrepreneurship Month, which makes it an ideal time to showcase students’ innovative products and skills. Joben added that the activity provides students an avenue to apply what they have learned in class to practical business operations.

Mary Jane Malihod, Education Program Supervisor for Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), explained that this year’s MANLAKO event marked the second phase of the program, focusing on enabling learners to transform their knowledge and creativity into tangible business ventures. She emphasized that the initiative encourages students to think critically and work collaboratively as they create products and services reflective of their talents and acquired competencies.

Schools Division Superintendent Soraya Faculo commended the students and teachers for their active participation, describing the event as a meaningful platform for experiential learning. “This activity is not only about selling; it is about networking, showcasing, and learning. One day, we hope to see these learners become financially independent, capable of supporting themselves and contributing to their communities through the skills they are developing today. As you go around and see what other students are offering, pay attention not just to their products but also to how they present and deliver them. When we dine outside, we do not only look at the food; we observe the quality of service. That same principle applies here. Good service leaves a lasting impression, and your values, professionalism, and attitude toward customers are just as important as the products you create. The more you listen, the better you become because innovation is not a one-time act; it is a process of refining what you already do well,” Faculo said.

She further noted that initiatives like MANLAKO reflect DepEd’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship education in senior high schools, preparing learners to become future innovators, job creators, and leaders in their chosen fields.

The MANLAKO: Business Enterprise Simulation concluded with students gaining valuable experience in product development, marketing, customer service, and business management. The event successfully bridged classroom learning with practical enterprise exposure, demonstrating how education and innovation can empower young people to contribute to economic growth and sustainability in the Cordillera region. By Annjay Domilies