The SILLAG Startup Summit and Hackathon – Pangasinan Leg in collaboration with Pangasinan State University Aligwas Technology Business Incubator (TBI), held at Aseana Hall, Golden Lion Hotel in Lingayen on September 19-20, 2024, marked the final leg of the Region 1 event series organized by the Sustainability, Innovation, Leadership, Linkages, Access and Growth (SILLAG) – Region 1 consortium, which supports the growth and success of startups in the region.
The event brought together 100 participants, including 37 professionals and 63 students from Pangasinan State University (PSU), WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, Lyceum-Northwestern University, and Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation. Designed to foster a vibrant startup community, the summit empowered attendees to bring their innovative ideas to life.
Key discussions on startup fundamentals were a highlight, with industry leaders sharing their expertise. Mr. Edmundo P. Casulla, president of UPICT, led the session on “Startup 101,” followed by Mr. Brian Matthew Mamaril, Chief Technology Officer / Product Innovation and Development Mentor, Catch Creative Labs / Saleng Mentor Group, who delved into “Design Thinking.”
Additionally, Mr. Nestor Feland B. Panopio, founder of IAM Collab Space and Study Corner CollabSpace, provided valuable insights on “Customer Journey Mapping.” In the span of two days, participants engaged in breakout sessions, receiving mentorship as they developed and refined their startup ideas.
The final day featured presentations from key government agencies, offering support for budding startups. Representatives included Mr. Michael John C. Maquiling of DOST 1, Mr. Michael Ian Rabara of DICT 1, and Ms. Rogelyn M. Bartolome of DTI 1, who outlined projects, programs, and activities (PPAs) tailored to the specific needs of the participants. These initiatives aimed to assist startups at various stages of development.
The summit concluded with the announcement of winners who will represent the province of Pangasinan in the Regional Final Pitching at the “Daluyong Beachcamp Hackathon.” “Teams from PSU Urdaneta with their “ARIA” Startup and WCC with their “Banowne” Startup were declared champions in the student category, while PSU Urdaneta faculty members claimed victory in the professional category for their “Prepathon” Startup.
The event featured inspiring messages from esteemed guests and notable figures, including Dr. Elbert M. Galas, President of PSU, represented by Dr. Jenylyn V. Oboza, PSU Vice President for Administration; Dr. Razeale G. Resultay, PSU Vice President for Research, Extension, Innovation, and GAD, represented by Engr. Jeff Pereyras, PSU Director for Innovation and Technology Support; Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST 1; Hon. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, Municipal Mayor of Lingayen, Pangasinan; and Hon. Ramon V. Guico, Jr., Governor of Pangasinan, represented by Atty. Christine Jaime Melchor, Consultant for the Province of Pangasinan.
Additionally, Mr. Rey Leonard Dumasig, CEO and Founder of Taxikel, shared their inspiring success story with the attendees. A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) followed, solidifying partnerships with AeonSpace Co-Working Space, Makerspace Innovhub, IAM Collab Space, and Study Corner CollabSpace. The summit concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Racky D. Doctor, Co-chair of SILLAG and President of PEDAI, marking a successful and impactful end to this dynamic event.
