After a two-week participation of the delegates and coaches from Belgium and the Philippines, the South Intensive Programme 2023 concluded through the Closing Program and announced Case 4 as the winning team on February 10, 2023 at the CBSUA Auditorium.
A total of 24 delegates coming from Howest University of Applied Sciences and Vives University of Applied Sciences from Belgium and 24 from St. Maryβs University, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Isabela State University, and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture from the Philippines divided into combined groups of six participated in the programme.
Each team presented its product prototypes in the morning of the closing program. They began their presentations by discussing the nature of the case and what went through the process of searching for the possible solution to the problem. Attending the case presentations were representatives from Synergy Pilipinas, the coaches, and the delegates themselves. Mr. Michel Parys, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Philippines, even graced the program.
The afternoon program was filled with inspiration as key persons imparted messages to the delegates. The delegates and participating universities were then awarded certificates and plaques.
Capping off the program is the announcement of the winning case where Case 4 was hailed as the winner with their product βBEE-utiful Youβ. The product is a face mask made from Propolis debris, honey, virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, beeswax, petroleum jelly & scented oils. The propolis has lots of different benefits that make it a great face mask. Benefits include anti-aging, anti-bacterial, soothing, homeopathic, and organic. The team was under the technical support of Professor Lilia C. Pasiona, Director of the Regional Apiculture Center.
One of the main goals of SIP 2023 is to obtain the Sustainable Development Goals. Given the two-week time frame, delegates were given cases they need to give viable solutions to. Exposures trips and immersions were done with the partner communities for them to have a full grasp of the case. The delegates hope that their inputs will be employed in their partner communitiesβ farming practices.
