Entrepreneurship Programs in the Bicol Region of the Philippines

Entrepreneurship has been considered as an essential contributor to economic development. Entrepreneurship is founded on innovation and change, leading to productivity and economic competitiveness (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2004). The positive effects of entrepreneurship is being recognized globally. Entrepreneurs help boost economies and improve people’s quality of lives by providing employment opportunities, addressing environmental concerns, paying taxes, and empowering marginalized communities, among others. Objectives: This study determined the status of entrepreneurship programs in the Bicol Region. Specifically, this study determined the extent of implementation of BS Entrepreneurship programs along with vision, mission, and goals, faculty, curriculum and instruction, support to students, research, extension, library, physical plant and facilities, laboratory, and administration; the common challenges and best practices encountered by entrepreneurship program implementers; and proposed interventions that can be recommended to improve the programs. Methods: Descriptive research was used by the study. A total of sixty-four (64) were the respondents of the study. Primary data was employed in the study through the use of survey questionnaire and interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Results of the study revealed that the Entrepreneurship programs in the Bicol region obtained very high ratings in the implementation of their programs. There are several challenges encountered by entrepreneurship programs implementers. Results further state that there are several best practices of entrepreneurship programs in the Bicol region. Conclusions: Entrepreneurship programs should encourage faculty members to gain business or industry experience through industry immersion or hire new faculty members with business or industry experience. Future research comparing entrepreneurship programs’ status between private and public higher educational institutions to determine their similarities and differences may be conducted.