• KEITH BRANDON CARI-AN
The Agora Youth Awards, a prestigious annual program organized by the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), has announced its top 10 finalists for 2024, with the Silliman University Junior Marketing Association (SUJMA) proudly standing out as the sole representative from the Visayas Region.
SUJMA’s team is comprised of five incoming fourth-year college students from the College of Business Administration (CBA), including Theodore Dominic de Castro, Xelianne Pearl Jaculbe, Jastine Mae Rasonable, Dignity Lagunay, and Aaron Ramas-Uypitching, whose project will compete in the national case competition on July 29 to 31, 2024, in Parañaque City.
They will be accompanied by their adviser, assistant professor Lou Shien Ban Granaderos, and program coordinator, assistant professor Leonidas Cañete.
This year marks the 32nd iteration of the awards, which recognize outstanding marketing practices that significantly contribute to the profession’s growth in the Philippines.
When the Agora Youth Awards opened nominations through their official Facebook page on April 10, SUJMA submitted a detailed 30-page entry document, which was acknowledged by the organizers May 10.
A month later, the top 10 finalists were announced, and the SUJMA received June 21 a confirmation email, reaffirming their inclusion to the program.
SUJMA’s marketing excellence has been recognized alongside other nominees from notable institutions, like the De La Salle University-Manila, Cavite State University, Central Luzon State University, Bulacan State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig, San Beda University, and Xavier University.
The Agora Youth Awards not only celebrates marketing excellence but also serves as a platform for community impact.
Leah Marie Ayeng, chief executive officer and director for Youth Academe at PMA, emphasized this broader mission, stating: “The Agora Youth Awards is a platform that looks at community impact beyond competence because that is what it takes to be a changemaker.”
Her commitment to enriching the young marketers’ experience highlights the importance of innovative approaches in the evolving marketing landscape.
Finalists will engage in various activities designed to enhance their exposure and networking opportunities, including a professional photo shoot, participation in a “Day in the Life” feature, and recognition on the PMA’s business page.
Meanwhile, SUJMA will present a marketing plan developed, in collaboration with a partner-business establishment, which is a critical component of the competition facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
First launched in 1979, the Agora Awards has evolved into one of the most prestigious marketing awards in the country, recognizing excellence across various categories, including Marketing Company of the Year, Marketing Agency of the Year, and Marketing School of the Year.
Service-learning
On July 20, the SUJMA, in partnership with the Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) 7 class, headed by Aia Teves, also conducted a heartwarming outreach program at Bata ng Calabnugan, a home for orphaned and at-risk girls.
This initiative aimed to provide support, care, and joy to the young ones.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, Katawan Ko ‘To and the SU Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning, for providing transportation and making this event possible. Your generosity and support have made a significant difference in the lives of these girls,” SUJMA said in a Facebook post. | NWI
