Social art card featuring a crowd shot from the Zoom session for the Program Launch of STARTUPISLAND.PH Cohort 8

Central Visayas, 28 March 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in collaboration with implementation partners The Company and Dual Story, officially launched the eighth cohort of the STARTUPISLAND.PH (SIPH) program, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and beyond.

With 16 promising startups selected for this cohort, SIPH continues to build on its legacy of supporting tech-driven and impact-focused ventures. Among the new mentees are startups from Central Visayas, including Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as founders from Iloilo and Davao, reflecting the program’s growing national reach.

During the launching program, DTI 7 Regional Director and STARTUPISLAND.PH co-founder Maria Elena C. Arbon highlighted the program’s role in equipping startups with the tools, mentorship, and network to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

“We are excited to welcome our Cohort 8 mentees as they embark on this transformative journey. Through this fifteen-module incubation program, they will receive expert guidance, refine their business models, and gain market access—paving the way for their startups to scale successfully,” said Director Arbon.

SIPH’s comprehensive mentoring program is designed to provide hands-on support through seasoned mentors and industry experts. Joy Garingo – Dela Serna of The Company Cebu, SIPH’s program partner and assistant coordinator, gave a comprehensive overview of the program, detailing its structure, invited mentors, accepted mentees, and fireside sessions.

Former SIPH mentee Christian Barral, CEO of SKLoud, also reflected on his experience as part of Cohort 7.

“From uncertainty to success—SKLoud’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable mentorship of the SIPH Program. Through the guidance, insights, and mentorship we received from SIPH, we went from not knowing where to begin to reaching a milestone of 50 SK signups—a testament to how the right support system can turn dreams into reality,” said Barral.

Since its inception in 2018, STARTUPISLAND.PH has produced 57 graduates who have made remarkable strides in their respective industries. Notably, OMG! Oh My Grocery PH, a SIPH graduate, recently earned recognition at the 2024 ASEAN-India Startup Festival for its contributions to the digital retail sector, exemplifying the impact and success of the program’s alumni.
With DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s five-point priority agenda—focusing on digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), diversifying operations, funding, franchising, and mentoring—STARTUPISLAND.PH continues to serve as a vital platform for Filipino entrepreneurs to scale and succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. (DTI 7/PR) ♦

Date of Release: 02 April 2025

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