Leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the country gathered from November 7–8, 2025, in Bacolod City for the 9th Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Summit. The event, themed “The Innovation Archipelago: Connecting Ecosystems, Expanding Horizons,” brought together university heads, TBI managers, and startups to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem.
Representing the University of the Cordilleras (UC) and the College of Information Technology and Computer Science (CITCS) were faculty members Ms. Lovely Jenn Reformado, who serves as the InTTO Startup Development Lead, and Ms. Zyra Yell A. Fagyan. They were joined by Dr. Thelma D. Palaoag, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Institutional Planning (VPRIIP), who represented the university in high-level summit proceedings.
Sustaining the Innovation Archipelago
The summit opened with a message from DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., who emphasized the vital role of startups and incubators in developing a sustainable innovation system across all regions. He noted that the future of Philippine innovation depends on seamless cooperation among universities, industries, and local communities. Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, further discussed inclusivity in startups, highlighting programs such as the HEIRIT Program, which has supported over 1,691 startups, and the ReSEED Program, which builds regional innovation consortia linking universities to government offices.
A major highlight of the summit was the Renewal of Commitment of HEIRIT TBIs. During this ceremony, university and TBI logos were displayed as agency and university heads confirmed their renewed support for innovation. UC was among the 59 universities that participated in this historic milestone, with Dr. Thelma D. Palaoag representing the university to confirm UC’s ongoing dedication to advancing research and technology that create positive community impact. This renewal symbolized years of growth and a shared goal of creating a future driven by sustainable, inclusive innovation.
SDG Alignment
The summit served as a platform to reaffirm the commitment to assisting and nurturing partner startups. By engaging with the InTTO, the college ensures that student and faculty-led ideas are transformed into meaningful solutions that address community needs. This active participation directly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
- SDG 4: Quality Education: By fostering a tech-learning culture on campus.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By supporting research-based startups and enhancing technology transfer programs.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By developing digital solutions for regional growth.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: By promoting teamwork and collaboration across regions.
The 9th TBI Summit ended with a strong call for cooperation, reminding all participants that the strength of the Philippine innovation ecosystem lies in its unity and commitment to shared progress. Through the dedicated efforts of its faculty and leadership, the UC CITCS remains a steadfast partner in the national goal of using science and technology to achieve lasting development.
