The Regional Development Council VI (RDC VI) Economic Development Committee (EDC) formalized the creation of the ad hoc committee for regional startup development in Western Visayas and outlined the key components for the regional action plan on April 8, 2025 at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office VI in IloThe Regional Development Council VI (RDC VI) Economic Development Committee (EDC) formalized the creation of the ad hoc committee for regional startup development in Western Visayas and outlined the key components for the regional action plan on April 8, 2025 at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office VI in Iloilo City.

The activity gathered 30 participants representing 14 member organizations with the majority coming from Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to lay the groundwork for a more collaborative and innovation-driven startup ecosystem in the region.

This initiative aligns with RDC VI Resolution No. 10, Series of 2022, endorsing the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee under the RDC VI – Economic Development Committee (EDC) to prepare the Regional Start-up Development Program. The resolution responds to the need to address the challenges confronting the startup ecosystem in Western Visayas including infrastructure gaps, fragmented programs, and limited policy support for startups and entrepreneurs.

The ad hoc committee was formed, bringing together key startup ecosystem players from the academe, government, private sector, and development partners. A total of 27 organizations were identified during the workshop, namely: Iloilo Science and Technology (ISAT U) KWADRA, West Visayas State University (WVSU) BINHI, WVSU-CAF TUMANDOK, University of the Philippines (UPV) COASTLINE 5023, UPV SEEDS, Aklan State University (ASU) ENTREPLAB, ASU TECHNEST, Capiz State University (CAPSU) CAPSULE, CAPSU ABI, Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) QUINTO, University of Antique (UA) AMUMA, Central Philippine University (CPU) CPUGAD, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) DIKE, Guimaras State University (GSU) ISLA, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILEDF), Iloilo Business Club (IBC), Innovate Iloilo, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) VI, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) VI, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Iloilo City and Iloilo Province, Department of Agriculture (DA) VI, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) VI, Unified Movement in Western Visayas to Accelerate Startup and Spinoff Development (UMWAD), and Youth First Initiative (YFI) FyrLab Accelerator.

Moreover, components for the Western Visayas Startup Development Action Plan were formally outlined that include Innovation Infrastructure Development, Policy Support and Ecosystem Governance, Capability Building and Talent Development, Startup Support Services and Acceleration, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer.

Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Regional Director of DOST Region VI and Chair of the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC), underscored the importance of a collective effort in strengthening the startup ecosystem in Western Visayas. He emphasized that the success of the program relies on the active collaboration of all stakeholders in nurturing technopreneurs, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth in the region.

This collaborative initiative marks a significant step forward in co-creating an enabling environment for startups in Western Visayas.