Engr. Mariael Denise Capili • Sep 25, 2024

3 min read • 44 views

Following the momentum of the morning press conference, the afternoon session of Cagayan Valley Startup Week (CVSW) 2024 carried forward an energizing discussion on innovation, growth, and the real-life journeys of entrepreneurs who transformed bold ideas into meaningful impact.

Dr. Junel B. Guzman, SINAG Director and CSU Vice President for RDE, opened the session with an overview of the Cagayan Valley startup ecosystem, highlighting the region’s growing potential and the critical role of collaboration among government agencies, academia, and the private sector in nurturing local innovators.

The session then featured three inspiring success stories from homegrown entrepreneurs who have carved their own paths in the competitive landscape of innovation:

Exoid Robotics – Smart Technologies for Smarter Living

Engr. Michelangelo G. Barroga, Founder of Exoid Robotics, showcased how his team develops customizable smart home solutions tailored to individual lifestyles. By using market-available development boards like Arduino, Exoid creates accessible technologies that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and security—all while maintaining affordability. Their approach demonstrates how innovation can be both scalable and sustainable.

Ride Mommy Delivery Services – Empowering Communities Through Mobility

Ms. Marian Grace B. Lasam, Founder of Ride Mommy, shared the story behind her delivery service that now connects Tuguegarao City with surrounding towns such as Iguig, Solana, Enrile, and Peñablanca. More than a logistics startup, Ride Mommy champions inclusive employment—empowering mothers, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals by providing livelihood opportunities. Ms. Lasam emphasized her commitment to the triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Profit, explaining how the high unemployment during the pandemic inspired her to respond to the growing need for delivery services.

SQA Food Product – Innovation Rooted in Local Agriculture

Ms. Emma G. Battung, Owner of SQA Food Products – Grandelis, highlighted how their peanut and cacao-based food enterprise uses locally sourced raw materials and integrates advanced technologies such as a peanut sheller-sorter and intelligent aerated bulk storage. These innovations not only improve efficiency but also preserve product quality and support local farmers—illustrating how technology can uplift traditional industries.

Insights from the Panel: What It Takes to Grow and Sustain a Startup

The session concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Mr. Jeremiah S. Gonzaga, where entrepreneurs openly discussed the realities of startup growth—from capital needs and technology readiness to personal mindset.

When asked by Engr. Magdalena D. Gomez of DICT Region 02 about the motivations behind their ventures, Ms. Lasam shared that startups solve problems one solution at a time, and that Ride Mommy emerged as a response to community needs during the pandemic.

Questions on technology sustainability prompted Engr. Barroga to emphasize that customization does not always mean high cost. Using accessible tools allows Exoid Robotics to remain innovative while scaling sustainably.

Funding also became a recurring theme. Ms. Evelyn L. Velasco of PCCI – Cagayan Chapter asked whether successful startups still need more capital. All three entrepreneurs agreed that innovation never stops—and with continuous improvement comes the ongoing need for funding, especially for product expansion, packaging, and technological upgrades.

A thought-provoking question from Ms. Ma. Belen B. Lim of The Northern Forum—“Which is more important: IQ or EQ?”—opened a heartfelt discussion on entrepreneurial mindset.

Ms. Lasam underscored the value of a growth mindset and nurturing hobbies that inspire creativity.
Engr. Barroga encouraged founders to follow their passions and trust their intuition.
Ms. Battung emphasized authenticity and passion as foundations of long-term success.

Ideas That Grow, Innovations That Sustain

The Day 1 afternoon session of CVSW 2024 demonstrated that behind every successful startup is a blend of passion, resilience, and continuous innovation. These stories show how local entrepreneurs are not only building businesses—they are uplifting communities, advancing technology, and driving sustainable economic growth in Region 02.

As CVSW 2024 continues, these insights will serve as guiding inspiration for aspiring founders determined to turn their ideas into lasting impact.