The Extension Services Office and the Department of Management of Cavite State University (CvSU) – Carmona Campus conducted an impactful community outreach activity as part of the CvSUCCESS’ Project KPKNan titled “START-UP: Transforming Ideas into Groundbreaking Products” on May 9, 2025, Room 108.

This initiative was specially designed to benefit persons with disabilities (PWDs), out-of-school youths, and unemployed individuals from Carmona City, Cavite, aligning with CvSU’s commitment to inclusive development and social responsibility. The activity aimed to foster creativity, enhance product offerings, and improve business strategies through entrepreneurial learning and innovation-driven discussions.

The event opened with a solemn prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Cavite Hymn, and Carmona Hymn, followed by a warm welcome and opening remarks from Mr. Antonino Jose L. Bayson, department extension coordinator. He emphasized the importance of inclusive innovation and CvSU’s role in building empowered, self-sustaining communities.

Mr. Harold M. Magallanes, faculty extensionist, kicked off the session with his talk on “Design Thinking for Product Development: A Customer-Centered Approach.” His presentation introduced participants to empathy-driven innovation, rapid prototyping, and solution-focused thinking as essential tools in turning ideas into viable products. The lively question and answer session revealed the attendees’ keen interest in applying these techniques to their own ventures.

A heartfelt testimonial from Ms. Andrea Nicole Garcia, BS Business Administration (BSBA) student extensionist, followed, where she shared her experience of how design thinking helped her rediscover her creative potential and business acumen.

The second keynote, “Customer-Centric Product Development: Using Data and Feedback to Drive Innovation,” was delivered by Dr. Michael G. Consignado, chair of the Department of Management. He shared practical methods for leveraging customer insights and data analytics to refine products and align with market needs. Participants actively engaged during the question and answer, asking relevant questions about feedback mechanisms and low-cost research tools.

BSBA student extensionists Mr. Jesson Mirando and Ms. Bernadeth Peronilla also shared their testimonials, affirming how the forum reshaped their views on innovation and strengthened their confidence in building customer-centered products.

The event proceeded with the awarding of certificates to the guest speakers and contributors, recognizing their valuable input in making the activity successful.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Maria Andrea C. Francia, program coordinator of the BSBA program, expressed gratitude to all attendees and encouraged them to keep pursuing knowledge and entrepreneurial growth. She reiterated CvSU’s ongoing support for community-based innovation initiatives.

The program was skillfully moderated by Dr. Carlo Emil B. Manabo, faculty extensionist, and concluded with the CvSU Hymn, wrapping up a day full of insight, collaboration, and empowerment.

Special recognition is extended to the dedicated faculty and student extensionists whose vital contributions to the organization and facilitation of the training may not have been previously mentioned. Faculty members include Dr. Gretchen Macaranas, Ms. Dianalyn D. Castillo, Ms. Mary Rose G. De Mesa, Ms. Evelyn Papa, and Ms. Janine B. Bacosmo. The student extensionists include Ms. Jasmine B. Dela Cruz, Ms. Juliana C. Bayson, Mr. Raynald G. Pagaliganan, Ms. Karen E. Paras, Mr. Cris Quintana, Ms. Angelica Sales, Ms. Mary Anne Javiwe, Ms. Czarleigh Ceballo, Mr. Charles Christian C. Orio, Mr. Kirby Liam L. Rañeses, and Mr. Hans Olivher Olaeva. Their enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication significantly contributed to the activity’s success.