Graphics by John Carl Acosta
Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSE) students of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus secured third place in the FME Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Development Forum (LEAD) 2026: Business Model and Prototype Workshop and Competition, held at the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte, on March 23-24.
Organized by the Faculty of Management and Economics (FME) of VSU, the two-day on-site event brought together students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and young innovators from the region for expert-led seminars, workshops, mentorship sessions, and a culminating pitching competition on business model development and prototyping.
Moreover, EVSU was represented by two teams: Grain Vista Café with KapeKo Rice and Tala Ventures with Tala EcoFloss.
Grain Vista Café team, composed of fourth-year BSE students Aliana Maria Akala, Marnette Jane Constantino, and Dimple Mae Go, claimed third place with KapeKo Rice, an innovative venture that reimagines traditional coffee using locally sourced rice grains under the guidance of John Manuel Catuday.
Meanwhile, Tala Ventures team composed of Jesalyn Martinez, Suzanne Claire Ramirez, and Margiel Talledo gained recognition for their participation in the competition with their product Tala EcoFloss.
Further, fourth-year BSE student and participant of Grain Vista Café, Aliana Maria Akala, shared that one of the biggest challenges they faced during the innovation process and business pitching was addressing concerns about using rice to create a product like coffee that may not be accessible to everyone.
”Some of the panels asked if instead of eating the rice, we are making it into a coffee that not everybody can afford. However, we are looking at the positive side that we or we will be contributing to the economy, and that is giving the rice a brand new identity beyond the plate,” Akala said.
She added that beyond supporting local farmers, they also aim to create a greater impact on society, particularly in the employment sector.
The FME LEAD 2026: Business Model and Prototype Workshop and Competition empowers innovators to transform ideas into sustainable ventures that promote growth and development in the agricultural sector.
Article by Nicole Cheyne Formentera