Students from Saint Mary’s University (SMU) School of Accountancy and Business (SAB) secured two of the five major awards at the KINAYA 7.0 Social Entrepreneurship Development Program’s Business Pitching Competition held on October 21, 2026, at the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Mini Theater in Bayombong.

Leading SMU’s wins, AniWorth earned Best Overall Business Plan for its proposed social enterprise that transforms eligible surplus vegetables into marketable snacks, including tomato and cabbage chips. The team comprises King Ranier C. Ambeguia (BSE 4), Anasha Charmelotte V. Cinense (BSBA-MM 4), Julliana C. Panaligan (BSE 3), Daniella Evelyne E. Tolentino (BSBA-FM 2), and Maria Atasha Dorain Reyes (BSBA-MM 3). The team was coached by Mrs. Claire L. Guinomon and Mr. Roy B. Lumidao.

Meanwhile, DALAW won Most Innovative Product for its reusable cloth sanitary pads, which promote affordable and sustainable menstrual care while providing livelihood opportunities for women and menstrual health education for young girls. Its members are Khatarina Jane R. Castillo (BSBA-MM 3), Giorgia Trish C. Castillo (BSBA-MM 4), Josea Glorien T. Castillo (BSBA-FM 2), Ma. Anne Lorraine S. Corpuz (BSE 4), and Allia Jadyn A. Nicolas (BSTM 4). The team was coached by Ms. Mikaela Arantxa R. Nuestro and Mrs. Angela C. Garra.

The other awards recognized enterprises from partner institutions. Patulud of PLT College Inc. received Best Social Impact for its local tricycle-hailing application, while Vizora of NVSU–Bayombong won Best Environmental Impact for its three-in-one, bio-based crop protection product made from orange, ginger, and marigold. Katmona, also from NVSU–Bayombong, received Best Economic Potential for its katmon fruit-based food products.

The three-day KINAYA 7.0 culminating activities, held from October 20 to 22, were organized by PeopleDev International Corp. (PIC), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), and the Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines (PROMAP). Anchored on the theme “Empowering Communities through Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise,” the program brought together students, educators, and industry practitioners to promote innovation, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable community development.

The recognition highlights the Marians’ efforts to develop business concepts that address community needs while creating economic, social, and environmental value.