DTI VI Rachel Nufable welcomes the crowd to the Online Slingshot Region 6 2024 (OSR6-24), focusing on developing the Health Information Management Service (HIMS) Ecosystem in Region 6 during the opening ceremony of the 2-day activity on September 24, 2024 at District21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

Iloilo, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) successfully kicked off the highly anticipated four-day startup program dubbed Online Slingshot Region 6 (OSR6) last 24 September as part of the Western Visayas Innovate Startup Festival.

This year’s event, focusing on the Health Information Management Services (HIMS) Ecosystem, aims to promote innovation and technopreneurship in Western Visayas under the framework of the Innovation Startup Act and the Moonshot TNK Program.

In her opening remarks, DTI Regional Director 6 Rachel Nufable emphasized the bold vision for the region to become the HIMS capital of the world and a thriving seedbed for startups. She acknowledged the challenges in creating a roadmap for the industry but highlighted its critical role in job creation and economic growth in the region, noting a 7.2% growth rate based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Regional Director Nufable highlighted how OSR6 aligns with the DTI’s mission to support startups, and help them develop technological solutions that address key challenges in health, education, poverty reduction, and the environment.

One of the highlights of the event was the insightful session on the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for Health Information Management, discussing the importance of PSF in upskilling workers and ensuring they are prepared for future industry demands.

Day 1 of OSR6 featured a panel on Talent Development in the IT-BPM sector, with (from left to right) Medstar Philippines’ Judith Franco Cañete, TESDA VI RD Ramon Evan Ruiz, John Dave Duenas, DepEd VI ARD Victor De Gracia, Jr., and Franz Salas, focusing on aligning workforce skills with industry needs. A session on the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for Health Information Management, moderated by Jonathan de Luzuriaga, featuring (from left to right) Iloilo Federation for IT (IFIT) Executive Director Joeven Tansi, DTI Antique Provincial Director Mutya Eusores, and Leo Tedosio from the Provincial Government of Aklan, highlighting the importance of upskilling for future demands.

The second day of OSR6 marked the much-awaited Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition, where the best tech and non-tech startups from Western Visayas showcased their innovative solutions. This year, 21 finalists emerged from 47 entries that have been steadily growing over the years.

Furthermore, Regional Director Nufable expressed pride in the startups’ creativity and resilience, highlighting that every finalist is considered a winner. She assured that all startups would receive continued support from DTI Region VI through mentorship programs, co-working spaces, market connections, and investor networking.

The winners of the 2024 Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition in various categories are:

  • Best Non-Tech Startup: Bioflyt Agriventures (Negros Occidental)
  • Best Tech Startup: FILARB Waste Management Services (Iloilo)

Special Awards:

  • Best Pitch: Kabare App (Tech Startup from Iloilo)
  • Best in Green Technology: HYDROQ (Tech Startup from Iloilo)
  • Best Impact: Trabaho sa Barrio (Tech Startup from Negros Occidental) and Cylvania’s Food Products (Non-Tech Startup from Aklan)

The panel of judges for the competition consisted of industry experts, leaders from the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), and representatives from national government agencies including DOST, DICT, and NEDA, UMWAD, IPOPHL, WVSU ITSO, SEC, CIG, PCCI Iloilo, and MBCCI.

The second day’s activities also featured an exciting panel discussion on “Startups: Propelling Innovation and Economic Development,” moderated by Jonathan de Luzuriaga. Panelists from various TBIs—including ISAT-U Kwadra TBI, UPV-Fish Coastline TBI, and Capiz State University Agri-Aqua TBI—shared inspiring stories of their incubates’ achievements and their role in driving innovation in Region VI. ♦

Date of release: 02 October 2024

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