By Rhianna Ramos

On Thursday, February 26, the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand of the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) mounted “ABMamahagi,” a two-day fundraising bazaar at the second-floor foyer of the Main Building.

Inspired by the game “Monopoly,” the initiative highlighted how student entrepreneurship can be used to advance social responsibility and collective action.

Organized by the ABM Council, the event aimed to expose students to social enterprises that contribute to societal development while encouraging active participation through donations and student-led business initiatives.

This school year, the ABM strand focused its efforts on supporting the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, a faith-based social service institution that supports underprivileged children, youth, and families through programs focused on basic needs, education assistance, and values formation.

ABM Chairperson Maja Samper stated, “ABMamahagi is really a cemented project in the strand and if you look in the previous years, it was carried out by all the previous batches up to ours.” 

She also said that the decision to support social enterprises was rooted in the strand’s responsibility as future business leaders and that ABM students are uniquely positioned to uplift local initiatives.

This event consisted of three major components of ABMamahagi that are designed to engage the wider ASHS community with local enterprises. 

Firstly, a donation drive led by class officers entitled “Share the Hope” encouraged ABM students to contribute essential and pre-loved items for beneficiaries of the Kalinga Center.

Moreover, “Kapiraso,” a mini business expo, showcased local and student-supported enterprises, allowing participants to explore and appreciate small businesses.

Furthermore, among the featured concessionaires were KAZHAM!! Shawarma, Maryland ChickAn, Edelweiss Treasures, Crocheted by Nini, and Zoppi.

Operating alongside “Kapiraso” and “Share the Hope” was the Student Bazaar, in which ABM students sold non-food products to members of the ASHS community.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in organizing the event, Samper shared that this year’s ABMamahagi was organized without collaborating partners, unlike previous batches that worked with the Business District (BD).

“We had to learn how to go about partnering with external concessionaires … a lot of emailing and a lot of coordination,” she shared, noting that managing the logistics independently tested the council’s leadership and problem-solving skills.

Moreover, she highlighted that the event helped foster unity and a sense of responsibility among ASHS students, saying, “Even as students, we can contribute so much … through buying from the bazaar or donating pre-loved goods to ‘Share the Hope.’”

“ABMamahagi” is set to continue until Friday, February 27, inviting more members of the ASHS community to take part in its donation drive, student bazaar, and showcase of local enterprises.