UP Students Develop Innovative Solutions for MSMEs Through Industry Partnerships
Quezon City, Philippines – The University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts (UP CFA), in collaboration with the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Rizal, recently recognized outstanding student projects under the Extension Service Program integrated into the D 151 – Intermediate Industrial Design II Course.
Through its faculty-in-charge coordinator, Professor Nina Elisa “Ninel” Constantino, the program serves as a unique platform where industrial design students apply design theories and methodologies to address real-world challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The partnership among UP CFA, UP ISSI, and DTI-Rizal enabled students to create marketing and product design solutions that contribute to enterprise growth while enhancing their academic and professional competencies.
Last June 2, 2026, a culminating activity featured the presentation and evaluation of student-developed marketing and product design development plans. Serving as evaluators were Assoc. Prof. Ma. Rita Badilla-Gudiño and Senior Lecturer Redemptor Bitantes from the UP College of Fine Arts, representing Director Melanie Moraga-Leaño were Mr. Joshua Garcia, MBA, Mr. Jeff Sumalabe, MBA, and Ms. Senedith delos Reyes, MBA from UP ISSI, together with Ms. Marlene De Luna, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist from the Business Development Division of DTI-Rizal.
Among the projects presented, two groups received special recognition for the quality, innovation, and potential impact of their proposed interventions for partner enterprises.
The Jurors’ Choice for Excellence award was conferred upon the team that developed the Marketing and Product Design Development Plan for Wooden Sparkle. The award-winning team consisted of Siva Alankar, Louis Martin Castulo, Pauline Nicole Olid, and Hannah Ramirez. The project demonstrated a strong integration of market-driven strategies and innovative design solutions aimed at enhancing the enterprise’s competitiveness and market reach.
Meanwhile, the Jurors’ Choice for Outstanding Work award was presented to the team behind the Marketing and Product Design Development Plan for Susana Bags. The team members, Erinne Grace Encienzo, Gwyne Elise Garcia, Jewelle Mae Macatangay, and Chloe Joie Wong, were recognized for their comprehensive analysis, creative design concepts, and practical recommendations that aligned with the enterprise’s growth objectives.
The Extension Service Program continues to exemplify the University’s commitment to combining academic learning with meaningful community engagement. By working directly with MSMEs, students gain valuable industry exposure while contributing to the development of local enterprises through design innovation, marketing strategies, and product development initiatives.
Through sustained collaboration among academia, government, and industry partners, the program not only enriches student learning experiences but also supports the broader goal of strengthening Philippine MSMEs as drivers of inclusive economic growth.