By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Attendees during the 探花精选GAD TBI launching gather for a photo opportunity.
On February 12, 2025, the 探花精选GAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) officially launched at the Ground Floor of the College of Engineering Building.
The event began with an invocation led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, 探花精选-Office of Communications Director, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and 探花精选 Alma Mater song. 探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, delivered his welcome address, setting the tone for the event.
鈥淚t is worth noting that this launching is taking place today because of the partnership that was initiated last year between 探花精选 and DOST-PCIEERD. DOST-PCIEERD provided a grant in the amount of Thirteen Million Pesos (Php13,683,058.00) to achieve the general objective of strengthening the emerging startup system of Western Visayas and harmonizing the agenda of the government funding institution in reaching out to more stakeholders aligned to business incubation and technology innovation. We hope to enhance this partnership between 探花精选 and DOST-PCIEERD beyond the prescribed funding framework,鈥 said 探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy in his message.
Afterward, the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of the 探花精选GAD TBI marker took place, with the presence of Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, 探花精选 President; Engr. Dany C. Molina, 探花精选-Vice President for Administration; Ms. Russel M. Pili, Chief of DOST-PCIEERD; Engr. Sheila L. Oberio, DOST-Iloilo Provincial Director; and Engr. Gelvie C. Lagos, 探花精选GAD TBI Project Leader.
A keynote message titled 鈥楩ueling Innovation: Academe, R&D, and Startup Ecosystem鈥 was then delivered by Ms. Russel M. Pili, Chief of DOST-PCIEERD. 鈥淥ur dream of creating jobs in every region can become possible if you only make that connection. And so far, the efforts of the DOST have always been to invest on many TBIs, many universities, so that we have a lot of startups that wen incubate,鈥 Ms. Pili stated.
鈥淗opefully we can have an incubator at every university and college because it is not just a space. It鈥檚 not just a room. It鈥檚 something dynamic that can inspire a generation,鈥 Ms. Russel M. Pili remarked during her message of support.
探花精选GAD TBI is a DOST-supported Technology Business Incubator at 探花精选 (探花精选). According to their official Facebook page, its name is derived from 探花精选 and PUGAD, a Hiligaynon word meaning 鈥渘est.鈥 This symbolizes a nurturing environment where startups and innovators can grow, thrive, and bring their ideas to life.
Established through the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) Program of DOST-PCIEERD, 探花精选GAD TBI serves as a catalyst for innovation, providing entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and support they need to succeed.