Engr. Mariael Denise Capili • Sep 26, 2024

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The second day of the Cagayan Valley Startup Week (CVSW) 2024 marked another milestone as SINAG Cagayan Valley successfully hosted the much-anticipated Investors Pitch at SM City Tuguegarao. The event served as a vibrant convergence of innovators, investors, and ecosystem enablers, all committed to accelerating the growth of startups across Region 02.

Before the pitching sessions, participants were welcomed with an engaging panel discussion titled “Fueling Innovation: Investment Strategies and Growth Opportunities for Startups.” The conversation was moderated by Ms. Evelyn L. Velasco and featured a distinguished panel of industry leaders:

Engr. Mark Gil S. Hizon – Supervising Science Research Specialist, DOST R02
Mr. Arturo Tabbu – General Manager, Lighthouse Cooperative
Ms. Emilyn Pablo – AMAD Marketing Specialist, DA RFO02
Mr. Kumar D. Adtani – Owner, CBRC; Board Member, TCCI
Mr. Julian Arnel Paulo Z. Sia – Founder, North Triam Tech Inc.
Mr. Ramon A. Morales – Owner, Morales Property Leasing; Chairman, PCCI–Cagayan Chapter
Mr. Cloyd C. Velasco – Owner, AJDA Transient House; Past Regional Governor, PCCI Region 02; President, Angel Investors PH

The panel emphasized the importance of strategic financing, market validation, and sustainable growth models, giving startups direct access to insights typically reserved for seasoned entrepreneurs. The discussion also set the tone for the rest of the event—one grounded in collaboration, opportunity, and informed decision-making.

Showcasing Innovation: The Pitch Presentations

Thirteen (13) innovative technologies took center stage during the pitch proper, reflecting the diverse creativity and entrepreneurial drive emerging from Region 02. The presenters included:

WAGI Banana Crunch – Bryan Z. Piñon
JOEVA Ginger Turmeric Food Products – Dr. Evangeline H. Castro
Caoffee: Cacao-Coffee Blend – Jamaica T. Castillo
Zea Mays Ice Cream – Dr. Cristina B. Natividad
Pala Mig Kombucha – Engr. Larry A. Gutierrez
Cacao Tablea & Cacao Milk Candy – Jaren T. Galindo
Better Bater Quality Quail – Rochelle J. Lafrades-Flojo
Ready-to-Drink Sweet Potato Leaves Juice – Dr. Denis V. Policar Jr.
Pinapaitan Mix with Serpentina Leaves – Adhelyn Jane Q. Obtial
All Services We Need – Mark Ian U. Ramos
Locally Developed Electric Tricycle – Arnold Kein T. Tolbe
Converted Electric Tricycle – Engr. Michael P. Orpilla
RoyalBlox: Modern Concrete Blocks – Christian Jerico Reyes

Each presenter articulated their value proposition, target market, financial projections, competitive advantages, and capital requirements, complemented in many cases by actual product samples. Their diverse fields—ranging from food innovations to mobility technologies—illustrated the region’s expanding innovation landscape.

Investor Insights and Startup Growth Strategies

Members of the investor panel engaged the presenters with practical and thought-provoking questions, particularly on:

long-term sustainability,
production scalability,
cost-effectiveness,
and market readiness.

Their feedback helped startups refine their business models and understand what investors expect before committing capital.

In the words of panelist Mr. Cloyd Velasco,
“Our primary expectation is to foster economic growth and create jobs. That’s what we’re looking for—if we see real potential where we can invest our money.”

Matching Vision with Opportunity

The day concluded with a business matching session, where startups and investors exchanged business cards, explored potential partnerships, and signed letters of intent—a promising indicator of future investments and collaborations.

Fueling the Future

CVSW Day 2 embodied what the regional startup ecosystem strives to achieve: connecting visionary innovators with mission-driven investors who recognize and champion local potential. Through platforms like these, Region 02 continues to strengthen its culture of innovation, enterprise development, and inclusive growth.