DTI-6 pushes health information growth, celebrates startup success

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The Department of Trade and Industry Region VI (DTI VI) successfully launched the 2024 Online Slingshot Region 6 (OSR6) on September 24-25 at the District21 Hotel, highlighting the growth of the Health Information Management Services (HIMS) ecosystem in Western Visayas.

The event, part of the Western Visayas Innovate Startup Festival, also celebrated regional startups with the Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition, showcasing innovation in health, education, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.

DTI VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable kicked off the two-day event by outlining the bold vision for Western Visayas to become a global HIMS hub, noting the sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth.

“We aim to position the region as the HIMS capital of the world. Although creating a roadmap is challenging, we know this industry will play a vital role in regional development,” Nufable said, citing a 7.2% growth rate based on recent Philippine Statistics Authority data.

Nufable also emphasized that OSR6 supports the DTI’s broader mission to nurture startups, particularly those addressing critical issues like health and environmental challenges.

“This initiative is in line with our mission to help startups create impactful solutions for health, education, poverty reduction, and the environment,” she added.

Focus on Workforce Development

The first day of OSR6 focused on the region’s talent development in the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector, which is vital for HIMS. Panelists including TESDA VI Regional Director Ramon Evan Ruiz, DepEd VI ARD Victor De Gracia, Jr., and Sagility’s Franz Salas discussed aligning skills with industry demands. “Our goal is to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in this fast-evolving sector,” said Medstar Philippines’ Judith Franco Cañete, who moderated the session.

A key highlight was the session on the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for Health Information Management, where industry leaders emphasized the importance of upskilling. Iloilo Federation for IT (IFIT) Executive Director Joeven Tansi stated, “Upskilling is crucial to ensure our workforce is prepared for future demands in the HIMS sector.”

Celebrating Startup Success: Moonshot TNK

The second day featured the much-anticipated Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition, where 21 startups, selected from 47 entries, presented innovative solutions in various fields. Bioflyt Agriventures from Negros Occidental won Best Non-Tech Startup, while FILARB Waste Management Services from Iloilo was awarded Best Tech Startup. Special awards were also given to Kabare App (Best Pitch), HYDROQ (Best in Green Technology), and Trabaho sa Barrio and Cylvania’s Food Products (Best Impact).

“We are incredibly proud of our startup finalists. Each one is a winner, and we will continue to support them through mentorship, market connections, and investor networking,” Nufable said during the awarding ceremony.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

The event also featured a panel on “Startups: Propelling Innovation and Economic Development,” where leaders from regional technology business incubators (TBIs) shared insights on the impact of startups on local economies. “Innovation is key to driving regional growth, and we’re seeing amazing progress from our startups,” said Rayjand Gellamucho of ISAT-U Kwadra TBI.

As the OSR6 concluded, it became clear that Western Visayas is on the path to becoming a major player in the HIMS and startup sectors. “With sustained efforts and support, our region is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage,” Nufable said, reaffirming DTI VI’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic development.