05/09/2025
๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐
For generations, universities have been the cornerstone of academic excellenceโa place where knowledge is pursued for its own sake. But today, the most impactful institutions are those that go beyond the classroom, transforming ideas into innovations that fuel economies, uplift communities, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Central Philippine University - CPU has done exactly that. CPU has been named the Most Outstanding HEI at the Visayas Startup Awards 2025, recognized by the DOST and the Wadhwani Foundation.
This prestigious honor reflects not only the universityโs commitment to excellence but also the tireless efforts of the CPU community. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the CPU Administration, led by University President Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, whose vision and guidance continue to empower our students and faculty to dream big.
This win is not only for Central Philippine University but also for the communities it serves. The award was made possible through the dedication and collaborative efforts of the CPUGAD TBI and all functional units of the University.
At the heart of this recognition are the incubated startups themselves, whose passion, creativity, and perseverance have brought their innovations to life. Guided by the mentorship and strategic leadership of CPUGAD TBI Project Leader Engr. Gelvie Lagos, CPUGAD TBI General Manager Mr. Mark Gil D. Peraman, and the CPUGAD TBI team, these startups have grown from student-led ideas into ventures with real societal impact.
Two of CPU CPUGAD TBIโs incubated startups also claimed major wins among the 18 finalists following the virtual pitchingโremarkably, they were the only two representing Western Visayas!
๐ฑArticuLit, awarded the Educational Technology Category Winner, is a mobile-first platform using AI trained on IELTS standards to improve literacy in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
๐ฆPackUp, recognized as the Tourism and Creative Technology Category Winner, and overall 2nd Runner-Up for the Visayas Startup Awards, empowers local entrepreneurs to compete with big brands by making packaging accessible and impactful.
Aside from these winners, two other DOST-CPU CPUGAD TBI startupsโNexLock and Baylo Centralโwere also named finalists under the Tourism and Creative Technology categories, further proving the breadth of innovation and talent emerging from CPU.
These awards are a testament to the ecosystem built at CPU and CPUGAD TBI. This also reflects the hard work of the students, the guidance of the mentors, and the collaborative spirit of the entire university community.
The Visayas Startup Awards 2025 celebrate not just success but also the power of innovation to change lives. CPU, CPUGAD TBI, ArticuLit, PackUp, Baylo Central, and NexLock's achievements remind us that when institutions, mentors, and passionate innovators come together, the possibilities are limitless.
As the celebrations continue, the CPU community stands united in gratitude, pride, and anticipation for the next wave of startups ready to make their markโbecause at CPU and CPUGAD TBI, every idea has the potential to transform into impact. Here, we are nesting ideas and incubating success, turning bold visions into tangible innovations that impact communities!
Congratulations to CPU and the CPUGAD TBI startupsโArticuLit, PackUp, Baylo Central, NexLock, and all our incubateesโfor this well-deserved recognition!
[The winners will be receiving the awards tomorrow during the Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit and Visayas Startup Awards 2025 Awarding Ceremony at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City, bringing home a milestone not only for CPU and CPUGAD TBI but for the entire innovation ecosystem in the Visayas Region]
