Innovation flourishes when ideas are nurtured, guided, and empowered with the right knowledge. This was the driving force behind the successful completion of the BIYAHENG ALIGWAS TBI, BIYAHENG ASENSO Bootcamp, a three-day intensive learning journey that gathered eight ( startup incubatees from across the Ilocos Region. Anchored on the theme “Empowering Sustainable Food System Solutions,” the bootcamp was designed to help startups transition from Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) into validated, scalable, and market-ready enterprises that contribute to strengthening the food value chain in the region and across the Philippines.
The bootcamp commenced with Day 1: Mentor Capacity Building & Strategic Planning Session, establishing a strong foundation for the incubation journey. The day centered on aligning the ALIGWAS TBI mentoring ecosystem through discussions on Program Updates and Cohort Progress Review, allowing stakeholders to assess the current status of the startup cohort. Participants also explored Understanding Startup Growth Stages: From MVP to Market Validation, emphasizing the critical transition from product development to customer validation. This was followed by a Mentor Clinic that reviewed each startup’s progress and existing challenges, ensuring that interventions remained responsive to the needs of every incubatee. The day concluded with sessions on Aligning Mentors to Modules 5–8 and Expected Outputs and Startup Assignment Planning and Validation Metrics, providing a clear roadmap that will guide the startups throughout the succeeding phases of incubation.
Building upon these strategic foundations, Day 2: Building Products Customers Will Buy shifted the focus toward developing products that address genuine market needs. The learning sessions opened with Market Validation, presented by Mr. Nestor Feland Panopio, highlighting the importance of gathering customer insights and validating product demand before scaling. This was followed by Product Development for Sustainable Food Systems, led by Dr. Roseanne Jane C. Agustin-Cera and Ms. Monica May Varilla, who guided participants in refining their innovations while integrating sustainability principles into product development. Completing the day’s learning journey was Branding and Market Positioning, facilitated by Mr. John Alex B. Gomez and Mr. Joshua C. Reyes, where incubatees discovered how compelling brand stories, strategic positioning, and customer-focused communication can transform innovative products into trusted brands capable of competing in today’s dynamic marketplace.
The final day, Making the Business Sustainable and Scalable, equipped incubatees with the practical knowledge needed to build resilient and future-ready enterprises. Ms. Grace Ibuan delivered the session on Financial Literacy and Sustainable Financing, emphasizing sound financial management, pricing strategies, and business sustainability.
Participants were then introduced to Technology Integration in Food Systems by Mr. Tzar Umang, who demonstrated how digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation can accelerate startup growth and improve operational efficiency. The bootcamp culminated with valuable Pitching Insights from Mr. Edmundo P. Casulla, preparing participants to effectively communicate their value propositions and confidently present their ventures to potential partners, investors, and stakeholders.
The success of this transformative initiative reflects the steadfast support of Dr. Elbert M. Galas, University President, and Dr. Razeale G. Resultay, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, whose commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization continues to strengthen Pangasinan State University’s role in building a vibrant regional startup ecosystem.
The ALIGWAS TBI also extends its heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated ALIGWAS TBI Core Team—Dr. Roseanne Jane C. Agustin-Cera, Project Leader and TBI Head; Dr. Gloria M. Ducut; Dr. Christine Lourrine T. Serafica; Engr. Roy R. Flores; and the entire implementation team—for their unwavering commitment to mentoring and empowering startup founders. Special thanks are likewise extended to Ms. Jennifer C. Fernandez, DOST Pangasinan Provincial Office Focal Person, whose continued collaboration reinforces the shared vision of cultivating a vibrant regional innovation ecosystem and empowering Filipino startups to thrive.
As the three-day journey concludes, the mission continues. Equipped with stronger entrepreneurial foundations, validated business strategies, and a deeper understanding of sustainable innovation, the eight startup incubatees now move forward with renewed confidence to develop solutions that create economic opportunities, empower local communities, and strengthen the sustainable food value chain of the Ilocos Region and the Philippines.
At ALIGWAS TBI, every startup is more than a business—it is a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.
BIYAHENG ALIGWAS TBI, BIYAHENG ASENSO—Empowering Sustainable Food System Solutions, one startup at a time.