WITH their advocacy-driven feasibility studies, three groups of BS Accountancy students from the Technological Institute of the Philippines conquered the first open plan competition of the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business.

The projects dubbed as “Ad’lak” dietary fiber rice wine and sustainable food packaging “IPAck” emerged as champions in the food and non-food category, respectively.

The Ad’lak was concocted by Allonah De Guzman, Graciella Mae Delos Santos, Queency Cole Sales, and Shiela Mae Sayson.

Ad’lak dietary fiber rice wine uses adlai as its main ingredient, thus the portmanteau (‘Ad’ from adlai and ‘lak’ from alak or wine).

It is a healthy option for diabetic and body-conscious individuals, with only 12 calories per 120 ml, the school said.

IPAck, meanwhile, uses rice husks (ipa) as an alternative food packaging.

The oil-proof, non-leak, microwaveable, and decomposable boxes come in three sizes, and are grainier than those currently in circulation, the TIP said.

Inventors Krista Flores, JohaynaMacodi, Andrea Mae Portales, VielMarizRapadas and Mikaela Jade Tamayo wanted to maximize the country’s most abundant agricultural waste, while also reducing Filipinos’ overall plastic consumption.

On the other hand, training provider “Business Mentor Experts” finished second place in the service category.

In a world where career training and development is just usually for corporate employees, second placer BME extends its services to undergraduates who would want to grow outside of their niche.

For this, proponents JescerlynAsis, Melody Bangayan, Kiana Despabiladero, Rachell Ann Romulo, and Mary Ann ChristelSimbillo plan to tap experts and professionals from all fields, including small, medium, and micro enterprises.

“Competitions like this provide an opportunity for both our students and faculty. Their wins demonstrate that the school’s desired learning outcomes are being met,” Nancy Cruda, TIP Business Administration Program Chair, said.

A total of 27 entries from various universities and colleges were accepted in the inaugural PCDEB open plan competition.