Dr. Paterno V. Viloria and Mrs. Nelia L. Gonzalez were re-elected president and chair, respectively, of the Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation (SERDEF) during its annual general membership meeting held on May 18 at the Virata Hall, Institute for Small-Scale Industries, UP Diliman.
The rest of the officers were also re-elected: Dr. Paz H. Diaz as secretary; Mrs. Editha A. Reyes as treasurer; and Ms. Serenidad F. Lavador, as Trustee-Representative to the Executive Committee.
Six members of the Board of Trustees, in addition to six incumbent members, were elected, namely: Angelita B. Resurreccion, Editha A. Reyes, Jerry T. Clavesillas; Arlene E. Liberal; Victoria J. Villa; and Fortunato T. de la Pena.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation of the progress of the Foundation’s major research projects conducted in 2016.
Mrs. Angelita B. Resurreccion reported on the “Building an Enterprising Society Today” (BEST) project, a research on entrepreneurship education at the pre- and grade-school level. Among the 2015 outputs she discussed were: the conduct of creative learning sessions, streamlining of meanings (of the 11 entrrepreneurial values sought to be inculcated), and the laying of the groundwork for preparing and publishing the a teacher’s manual based on findings from the project.
Dr. Herminia R. Fajardo, on the other hand, announced that the college textbook “Entrepreneurship Study and Practice” has been published and launched in soft ceremonies as of the end of the year. Currently, distribution of the book to schools and entrepreneurship teachers and students is ongoing, Dr. Fajardo co-authored the book with Dr. Paz H. Diaz.
On behalf of Minerva project’s lead writers, Professors Ma. Lourdes T. Lopez and Arturo Ilano, Ms. Arlene E. Liberal presented an update of the book-writing activity. Minerva, a study on product development approaches, processes, and tools used by micro and small enterprises that affect their survival and growth, hibernated for two-year period , after seven of ten chapters of the book had been drafted. Recently reactivated, the project expects completion of the first-draft manuscript by May 31, and the print-ready manuscript by September 2016.
Another highlight of the event was the President’s Report which synthesized the SERDEF’s small enterprise-promotion activities during 2015.
President Viloria discussed the Foundation’s accomplishments in terms of research and pilot projects, conferences and fora, training and capability-building, and advocacy through mass media.
SERDEF Assistant Treasurer Gloria D. Canela, on the other hand, presented a summary of the Foundation’s financial picture for the period ending December 31, 2015.
Noting the downward trend in funds inflow, suggestions were made to generate funds, including the activation of the Revenue Generation Committee.
Chair Nelia T. Gonzalez presided over the proceedings.
