By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), led by its OIC RD Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon formalized a partnership with the University of the Philippines Baguio – Social Innovation Laboratory and Business Inclusion (SILBI) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on February 2, 2026, at UP Baguio’s Balay Internasyonal.

The ceremony, entitled “Intent to Impact: Turning Commitment into Collaboration,” opened with a welcome message from Dr. Roland M. Hipol, UP Baguio SILBI Project Leader and Focal Lead for the University’s Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO).

Highlighting innovations supported by the university’s TBI program, the event featured presentations of breakthrough technologies, including:

• Grounded by Engr. Rodolfo Tabangin, a coffee-waste-based water purifier;
• Auscultate by The Last Se7en of Saint Louis University, an AI Lung Auscultation App; and
• TASArap, an edible cup by Mr. Lloyd Saysay, a product of YEP-Project MARITES Batch 2025 and champion of the 2025 Regional Youth Business Pitch Competition.

The MOU establishes a formal collaboration between UP Baguio (through SILBI and TTBDO) and CHED-CAR to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup development in the Cordillera region, with a focus on youth and community-based initiatives. Under the partnership, both parties will provide training, mentorship, industry networking, and access to resources to help startups thrive.

Among the other partner agencies supporting the initiative are Saint Louis University, TESDA CSITE, University of Baguio, University of Cordilleras, Creative Baguio City Council, City Budget Office, DICT-CAR, DTI-CAR, and Cyber Warriors.

The ceremony concluded with a message of gratitude from UP Baguio Chancellor Dr. Joel M. Addawe, who expressed optimism that the collaboration will strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and provide greater opportunities for innovators and startups.