SINAG Cagayan Valley Launches the 2025 Cagayan Valley Startup Week (CVSW)
Engr. Mariael Denise Capili • Nov 03, 2025
4 min read • 62 views
The Synergistic, Innovative, and Agile (SINAG) Cagayan Valley Consortium officially kicked off this year’s Cagayan Valley Startup Week (CVSW 2025) with the theme “Igniting Collaboration, Mapping Opportunities, and Transforming the Cagayan Valley Startup Landscape.”
Held at Cagayan State University – Andrews Campus, the three-day celebration brought together innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to strengthen the region’s growing startup ecosystem.
A Multi-Sector Collaboration for Innovation
CVSW 2025 was organized in partnership with key members from higher education institutions (HEIs), technology business incubators (TBIs), and both government and private sectors. Among the participants were:
Cagayan State University (CSU)
Isabela State University (ISU)
Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU)
BizNEST, CVLTBI, ADePT-TBI, SABATAN Technopreneurs Hub, ISU-ATBI, and Smart City TBI
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Department of Agriculture (DA)
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
This strong collaboration underscored the region’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Innovation Thrives Beyond the Capital
In his opening remarks, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, Chairman of SINAG Cagayan Valley and OIC-University President of CSU, challenged the “Imperial Manila” mindset by emphasizing that true innovation flourishes in the provinces.
He described innovation as “the practical improvement of existing technologies and processes to meet local needs,” aligning it with the nation’s goals for food security, inclusive growth, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Ibañez likened the consortium’s startup mapping to “exploring new territories of innovation, driven by collaboration and inclusivity.”
Innovation Flowing Like the Cagayan River
Dr. Junel B. Guzman, Director of the SINAG Cagayan Valley Consortium, reflected on how CVSW evolved from its 2021 beginnings into a dynamic regional platform grounded in the pentahelix model of innovation.
She likened Cagayan Valley’s innovation journey to the ever-flowing Cagayan River, symbolizing unity and collaboration. Dr. Guzman outlined four key objectives of this year’s event:
✅ Formalizing partnerships with PCCI–Cagayan Chapter ✅ Strengthening multi-sector collaboration ✅ Validating and refining the regional startup mapping ✅ Promoting digital innovation through the ICT and Startup Forum
Her closing message resonated deeply: “The CVSW is not just an annual event, but a lasting legacy of hope, creativity, and collaboration.”
Cagayan Valley Shines as a National Innovation Leader
Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, lauded the region for emerging as a national leader in innovation, highlighting the global recognition of Cauayan and Solana as two of the Top Startup Cities in the World.
He shared that ₱305 million in startup grants have been awarded nationwide, with ₱71.8 million dedicated to eight projects in Cagayan Valley — including SINAG-led initiatives, TBIs, and women-led enterprises.
“Innovation is not somewhere out there,” “It is right here — in your hands, in your minds, in this community that has chosen to rise.”
Dr. Paringit reminded the audience.
Linking Data, Innovation, and Development
The keynote address, delivered by Ms. Mildred B. Maglaya of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region 2, emphasized that “data and innovation are inseparable pillars of progress.”
Representing Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres Jr., she connected the CVSW to National Statistics Month, stressing how evidence-based planning and innovation-driven action go hand in hand.
She reaffirmed that the event’s theme aligns perfectly with the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan 2023-2028, and supports the Ambisyon Natin 2040 vision — to ensure that every Filipino enjoys a matatag, maginhawa, at pag-angat na buhay.
