Fourteen (14) teams from across the Province of Guimaras came together at Guimaras State University to participate in the KabataanFIRST 2.0 HACKATHON, where ideas turn into impact.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Lilian Parreño, University President of Guimaras State University. Participants were also presented with a Brief Overview of the Guimaras Economy and the KabataanFIRST 2.0 Development Agenda, shared by Sir Francisco E. Gentoral, EnP, PED Officer.
During the Ideation and Problem Framing session, participants were introduced to key statistics and challenges in various industries. We were honored to have the following speakers share their insights:
Engr. Dionne B. Fernandez, Owner of DMN Integrated Farm – Agribusiness
Mr. Eugene Mark G. Torrento, President of Innova Pitstop Corp – Tourism
Mr. Sanie D. Ong, President of Pro Emmanuel Southern Corp – Wholesale and Retail Trade
Mr. Roger Delos Reyes, President of SAFFC – Aquaculture and Fisheries
Mrs. Rhodora Garonita, Owner of Parolas Food Products – Food Industry
Mr. McWarren Alcoran – Information & Communications Technology and Creative Industries
Their presentations truly got our participants thinking of solutions!
Our Hackathon teams didn’t just compete—they learned, imagined, and explored. They attended Startup 101 and Start up Ideation w/ Design Thinking Seminar, covering everything from the basics of building a start-up to unlocking creative problem-solving.
A huge thank you to our Hackathon Masters, Mr. Daryl Lasafin of Fyrlab Accelerator and Mr. John Joseph Tabladillo of UMWAD Western Visayas, for generously sharing your time, expertise, and passion. Your guidance sparked new ideas and gave our participants confidence.
We also extend our gratitude to our mentors—Mrs. Amalia B. Gabion, Mr. Cyril Siberiaga, Mr. Michael John Destua, Mr. Daryl Lasafin, and Mr. John Joseph Tabladillo—for dedicating time to answer every team’s questions.
Finally, a big thank you to our partners:
Guimaras State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) through UMWAD Western Visayas, Department of Science and Technology VI, Fyrlab Accelerator, Department of Trade and Industry – Guimaras, Department of Information and Communications Technology – Guimaras, SK Federation of Guimaras, and the Guimaras Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We couldn’t do this without you!
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