The Continuing Education Program (CEP) Students from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) stepped out of their online classrooms and into the real world as they toured the BilisBenta Fulfillment Center in Valenzuela City on 15 May 2025. The educational field trip provided students of the Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs (DMfE) and Introduction to E-Commerce (eCOM) courses a practical glimpse into the inner workings of a thriving e-commerce business.
Led by Course Coordinators Mr. Ramon Manuel Nisperos and Ms. Faith Guerra, the 16 DMfE and six eCOM students observed first-hand the fulfillment operations of BilisBenta, a company known for its dropshipping model that allows entrepreneurs to sell online without managing physical inventory.
BilisBenta CEO Chester Sy welcomed the group and emphasized the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in real-world business scenarios. “Knowledge that never ships is wasted opportunity,” Sy told the students, underscoring the value of execution in entrepreneurship.
The tour provided students with real-life applications of course concepts such as digital marketing funnels, e-commerce business models, supply chain logistics, and customer engagement strategies. The facility’s automated sorting systems, inventory management practices, and streamlined operations allowed students to see how online sales are turned into delivered products.
Sy shared BilisBenta’s vision of empowering Filipino entrepreneurs to build successful businesses without leaving their homes or the country. “You don’t need to move to the city—or leave the country—to succeed,” he said. “E-commerce levels the playing field.”
Students also learned about legal and regulatory considerations for starting an online business in the Philippines, echoing key topics discussed in UPOU’s entrepreneurship courses. A highlight of the visit was the introduction to Juan Negosyo, a BilisBenta initiative enabling individuals to sell online without prior business registration—a practical solution to one of the main barriers for first-time entrepreneurs.
Throughout the visit, students experienced the synergy between academic theory and business practice. For many, the tour marked a significant moment in their entrepreneurial journey, reinforcing the idea that success in e-commerce is within reach for Filipinos nationwide. This activity supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Written by Mr. Ramon Manuel Nisperos and Ms. Faith Guerra• Edited by Larry N. Cruz
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