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By Mikee Natinga Norico

Centralians gather in full support as CPUR kicks off the academic year with CENTREPRENEUR: Centralian Student Entrepreneurs Fair.

To kick off the academic year with a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, the ����ר�� Republic (CPUR) launched “CENTREPRENEUR: Centralian Students Entrepreneurs Fair” on July 21 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park. The two-day event features 32 student-run booths, spotlighting the talents, creativity, and business acumen of Centralian student entrepreneurs.

Organized by the CPUR Ministry of Organizations and Fraternities, the fair serves as a platform for students to promote their products and services—ranging from food and beverages to fashion and lifestyle items—while fostering a sense of community among the university’s aspiring business leaders.

“This event is more than just selling,” said Kristine Macapagal, one of the student entrepreneurs. “It’s a chance for us to connect with fellow students and let more people know about our brand and products.”

Despite its success, organizing the event wasn’t without its challenges. Ma. Theresa Magbanua, CPUR Senator and Minister for Organizations and Fraternities, explained that time constraints were one of the biggest hurdles. “We couldn’t set up during the weekend since the administration did not permit it, and with classes being canceled, scheduling became tight.”

In an exclusive interview, CPU Republic President Jellian Precious Ganda shared insights into the vision and efforts behind CENTREPRENEUR. According to Ganda, the fair was initiated in response to the growing community of student entrepreneurs at CPU. “We wanted to support Centralian business owners and facilitate networking opportunities across colleges and departments,” she said.

The main objectives of CENTREPRENEUR are closely aligned with the CPU Republic’s broader mission of student empowerment and engagement. “CENTREPRENEUR directly supports these goals by helping students grow their businesses, expand their reach, and gain exposure to real-world entrepreneurial experiences,” Ganda noted.

Centralians enjoy a variety of offerings—from food to fashion—during the bustling CENTREPRENEUR Fair.

Preparations for the event began during the summer term. Ganda emphasized the commitment of the 21st Parliament, highlighting the continuous monitoring and strategic planning that went into making the fair possible. “We owe it all to our participants who were enthusiastic enough to show up,” she added.

The selection process for the student entrepreneurs was based on early registration, followed by a screening of their business proposals. “We ensured that all applicants complied with university policies and were ready to present professionally,” Ganda explained.

While there were no formal external partnerships, Ganda credited the university administration and staff for their invaluable support in enabling the event to happen. “It was a collaborative effort, and we are grateful for the opportunity.”

When asked about future plans, Ganda affirmed the CPU Republic’s commitment to sustaining and expanding initiatives like CENTREPRENEUR. “We conduct strategic planning every semester to identify how we can better support students and create more opportunities for them to thrive.”

In a message to her fellow student entrepreneurs, Ganda expressed her admiration: “I am extremely proud of our CENTREPRENEURS. Hopefully, this experience provided them with insights and confidence that they can carry forward in their journey.”

The two-day fair served not only as a vibrant marketplace but also as a testament to the dynamic spirit of Centralians—creative, resilient, and ready to lead. With more programs in the pipeline, the CPU Republic remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower every Centralian.