FIVE students of the Technological Institute of the Philippines represented the country in the Sakura Science Program.

College of Business Education standouts Von Eryl Morano, Maria Bernadette White, Erick Jose Velasco, Harvey Pajarillaga and Jamil Martinez took part in a sustainable entrepreneurship crash course at the J.F. Oberlin University in Machida, Tokyo from February 26 to March 4, 2023.

“They underwent business-related training in line with the sustainable development goals, environmental governance, management, the fundamentals of startups and venture capitalism,” TIP linkages and international relations officer Mandy Taller Bravo, who led the group, said.

The Japan Science and Technology agency funded the trip. JST has been implementing the SSP since 2014 to “support the development of talented human resources from overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science and technology.”

The students said their travel helped broaden their perspectives about the world.

“We have different cultures, educational backgrounds and environments, but we all aspire for a future where technology can be used to solve serious societal issues,” said Velasco, a senior BSBA Logistics and Supply Management student from TIP Quezon City.

Pajarillaga said he was able to develop a “global mindset” when he lived in Tokyo for just a week. He is hoping to apply some of the insights and ideas he gained from the trip into his personal and professional life.

White said the Philippines can learn from Japan in terms of how it was able to integrate modern technology into the daily lives of its citizens while keeping their cultural and ethical traditions.

“In the Philippines, it’s doable, but it’s going to be a lengthy process to get to that point because there are still a lot of Filipinos who are not technologically literate,” she said.

Martinez said he admired the kindness and discipline of the Japanese.