Seven students from the UST Junior Marketing Association (UST JMA) won the grand prize at the 33rd Agora Youth Awards (AYA) on Friday, Aug. 8, at the BYD Aseana Manila Bay showroom.

They secured the title of Most Outstanding Marketing Student in the Philippines - Junior Marketing Association Category, a recognition the UST JMA also earned during the 29th edition of AYA.

The winning team composed of fourth-year Marketing Management students—team leader and president of UST JMA Naj Nayumi Fernando, Trisha Ann Mariano, Phrileane Oryza Sideño, Gregore Anthony Valencia, Lyzza Shane Del Rosario, along with third-year Marketing Management student Patricia Jeanelle Bagsic.

Asst. Prof. Antonio Etrata Jr., PhD and Asst. Prof. Francis Lawrence De Jesus, PhD are their mentors.

The top 10 finalists were announced based on the events, initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility projects from the local Junior Marketing Association nationally. As national finalists, the UST JMA team presented their case before a panel of judges.

AYA is an annual competition for the country’s best marketing students, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and theory to actual business cases.

This year’s event carried the theme, “Gen Z and AI-Disruptors,” highlighting the integration of AI, innovation, and sustainability into real-world solutions.

Earlier this year, the University won the Marketing School of the Year award while Marketing Management Department Chair and UST JMA adviser Asst. Prof. Etrata won the Marketing Educator of the Year award at the Agora Awards industry level competition.