By Melito Salazar Jr. Here in Davao for the second day of the 46th National Conference of the Philippine Association of Collegiate Schools of Business with the theme “Internationalizing Philippine Business Education,”  I reflect on what one year as president has given me in terms of insights as well as reinforced my viewpoint on the directions of Philippine business education. The choice of the theme emphasizes that Philippine business education has to be situated in the global context not just because many of our graduates now find jobs in distant shores or in multinationals located in the Philippines but that even Philippine enterprises, large or small, are competing in a domestic market heavily influenced by foreign developments.  Their competitors have adopted state-of-the-art technologies in mining data to have a more accurate grasp of their customers’ demographics; adapting local savvy with innovative and global mindset to formulate unique strategies to be ahead of others and designing work environment and platforms that enhance creativity.  Business schools have to create and offer learning experiences that mimic the rapidly evolving business world.  This year’s conference will have presentations of best practices and the need as well as modes to establish continuing networks of sharing and learning.  It could lead to partnerships where Philippine business students immense themselves for a time in a different mileu. Years ago, I accompanied President Fidel V. Ramos to the Oita prefecturate before proceeding to the APEC meeting in Nagoya.  We not only were briefed on the governor’s One Town, One Product strategy but also the tagline – Think Globally, Act Locally.  This is very applicable to Philippine business schools.  While we are  focused on getting business students to have a world view, we should make them realize that they are operating in their respective local communities.  Student researches should cover local problems that necessitate community solutions; case studies should be on enterprises operating in the area rather than foreign cases or big enterprises in Metropolitan Manila; and community entrepreneurs and businessmen should be held up as models to emulate.  A deep appreciation and understanding of the interplay of local government, business and civil society will be useful in making students plot strategies not only of coping but also of change. Beyond the profit motive (although it should be clear that profit is a measure of the enterprise’s abilty to satisfy its customers – revenues  less costs – its ability to operate effectively and efficiently),  exposing business students to the realities especially of still widespread poverty should lead them to conduct business for the betterment of society.  The creation of higher quality jobs through business expansion or entrepreneurial pursuits should be a goal.  Incorporating corporate social responsibility into the enterprise agenda should be seen as necessary.  Encouraging students to engage actively in advocacies will deepen their knowledge and skills in transforming the political, economic and socio-cultural environment into a more facilitative one for business rather than just accept present conditions as a given. Business schools should lead the way by espousing reforms in the Philippine environment-better infrastructure, a tax system that encourages wealth creation,  good governance that efficiently uitilizes resources for the common good, more investments in education, training and health and a commitment to accountability and transparency in all levels of government.  The voices of the molders of future industry leaders should be taken seriously by the government and the public.  Business schools can also raise the level of discourse of national issues given the expertise of their faculty who will be armed with their research output and their competence honed by years of professional management engagement. Business schools need to be more involved in the legislative, executive, and judicial processes. The future of Philippine business education is a relevant, trailblazing and global experience provided by business schools that embody the best in resources, systems and mentors which produces graduates that will spur not only industry but also Phlippine society towards progress and prosperity. [email protected]