SMU MBA students gain insights from local MSME and agricultural ventures
Strategic Management students from Saint Mary’s University under Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva gained firsthand insights on Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Agriculture during an enriching learning visit on May 3, 2025.
The first stop was JEM Food Products, a cacao enterprise in Buenavista, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, owned and managed by Ms. Jemimah Cristobal-Saquilon. JEM Food Products has carved a niche for itself with its exquisite cacao-based offerings, championing sustainable and high-quality chocolate production. Ms. Jemimah shared the inspiring journey of her business, from its humble origins as a cacao farm, nurtured by her and her husband’s dedication, to its current status as a producer of fine artisan chocolates and the signature tablea, which she proudly highlighted as her competitive advantage.
The visit to JEM Food Products offered a comprehensive view of strategic management in action, encompassing production processes, branding challenges, and future growth aspirations. Students actively engaged in discussions, particularly during a delightful tasting session featuring JEM’s diverse chocolate range, local orange wine, and crispy dried vegetables. Ms. Jemimah also underscored the company’s commitment to zero-waste production, showcasing their innovative repurposing of all parts of the cacao fruit.
Continuing their learning experience, the students then visited the Macababbad Orchidarium, Cacao, and Coffee Farm, where they were welcomed by owner Mrs. Sofia Macababbad. She shared her extensive experience in cacao and coffee farming, passionately advocating for the potential of cacao farming and encouraging the students to consider its global market opportunities. The day proved to be an enriching experience, providing a firsthand understanding of strategic management principles, sustainable practices, and the dynamic spirit of local entrepreneurship.
This learning visit aligns with responsible production (SDG 12), highlighting the local business’s dedication to sustainable practices and witnessing their zero-waste production efforts, decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) through the creation of local jobs and economic opportunities, and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17), highlighting collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in achieving business development and sustainability.
Written by: Joyce Ann Galamay and Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva
