The College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Administration (CBEA) of Rizal Technological University (RTU), in partnership with the Office of the Representative of the Lone District of Mandaluyong, once again conducted its flagship extension program titled “CBEA of CBEA: Community Business Education and Application of the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy” on September 2-3, 2026, empowering scholars from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) program of the Office of the Representative by enhancing their entrepreneurial knowledge, business competencies, and practical skills that can support employment, livelihood, and future enterprise development.

The two-day program brought together TESDA who were provided with opportunities to acquire relevant knowledge and skills beyond their technical and vocational training. The program recognized the importance of complementing technical competencies with fundamental business and entrepreneurial knowledge to help scholars become better prepared for employment, self-employment, livelihood opportunities, and potential entrepreneurial ventures.

Throughout the activity, resource speakers from CBEA and invited experts facilitated informative and engaging sessions focusing on essential concepts and practices in entrepreneurship and business management. The discussions covered relevant topics such as entrepreneurship, business planning, financial literacy, marketing strategies, customer relations, and business sustainability. The sessions were designed to provide the scholars with practical knowledge, strategies, and tools that they could apply in developing livelihood opportunities, managing personal or business finances, promoting products and services, and exploring potential business ventures.

The program also incorporated interactive discussions and learning activities that encouraged the active participation of the participants. Participants were given opportunities to ask questions, share their experiences, exchange ideas, and relate the lessons to their respective skills and future career plans. Through these activities, the scholars gained a better appreciation of how entrepreneurial knowledge can complement their technical skills and help them identify opportunities for employment, livelihood, and business development.

Beyond knowledge sharing, the program served as a platform for community engagement, networking, and capacity building. The interaction among the scholars, resource speakers, faculty members, and extensionists created an environment conducive to learning and collaboration. The participants were encouraged to recognize their existing skills and competencies as potential foundations for livelihood and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The partnership between RTU-CBEA and the Office of the Representative of the Lone District of Mandaluyong reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to empowering community members through education, skills development, and livelihood-oriented initiatives. By providing the TESDA scholars with complementary business and entrepreneurial education, the program contributed to strengthening their preparedness not only as skilled workers but also as potential entrepreneurs and contributors to the local economy.

The CBEA of CBEA program likewise demonstrated how the university’s academic expertise and extension resources can be translated into meaningful community interventions. Through the knowledge and expertise of CBEA faculty members, university extensionists, resource speakers, and partner stakeholders, the program bridged technical and business education, enabling the scholars to appreciate the value of combining their vocational skills with entrepreneurial competencies.

The successful implementation of the CBEA of CBEA strengthened the partnership between Rizal Technological University and the Office of the City Congresswoman of Mandaluyong while providing a meaningful avenue for the development and empowerment of TESDA scholars. The program equipped participants with relevant business knowledge, practical skills, and greater awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities that may support their future livelihood and career aspirations.

Through its continuing Community-Based Extension Activities and the dedicated efforts of its university extensionists, faculty members, and community partners, RTU remains committed to sharing its knowledge, resources, and expertise with the community. Initiatives such as the CBEA of CBEA program contribute to preparing and inspiring TESDA scholars to maximize their technical skills, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, establish sustainable livelihoods, and actively contribute to the economic development of their families and communities.