DTI Iloilo hosts ASPIRE bootcamp for startups

1 of 5

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo successfully held the two-day ASPIRE: Startup Bootcamp on Entrepreneurship, a key component of the Moonshot TNK 2.0 initiative aimed at strengthening Iloilo City’s startup ecosystem.

The bootcamp brought together six ventures—Inno, Tagpuan, Vorda, Jaeyel’s Food Products Manufacturing, Lé Creations and Prints, PasaHERO, and Konekta—for intensive training designed to help them scale their businesses and prepare for the upcoming Moonshot TNK MentorMatch Pitching Competition.

Day 1 focused on foundational topics, with Trade-Industry Development Specialist Lakambini T. Regalado leading sessions on building business identity, design thinking, and the business model canvas.

Charlene Joy A. Adeja, NC-Trade-Industry Development Analyst, discussed customer-centric marketing, streamlined operations, and the use of digital tools for business development.

“These sessions provide startups with the discipline of structured business thinking,” Regalado said.

“It is important that young entrepreneurs not only have ideas, but also the right framework to bring these ideas to life,” she added.

Day 2 covered more advanced topics, beginning with Kent Novie T. Tacsagon’s discussion on the finance function and basic accounting to improve financial literacy.

Christine Faith G. Germinal, COO and co-founder of Cirpro Innovations, facilitated a module on crafting and delivering a strong business pitch.

“A strong pitch is more than just presenting numbers—it’s about telling your story and convincing others why your idea matters,” Germinal said.

In the afternoon, participants took part in a live pitching exercise before a panel of experts including Germinal, Marianne T. Bebit of the Intellectual Property Office, and May Angeli V. Tayona of DTI Region VI.

The panel provided constructive feedback, and special awards were given: Best Market Potential to Jaeyel’s Food Products Manufacturing, Most Innovative Solution to Vorda, and Best Startup Presentation to Tagpuan.

OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Dorita D. Chavez closed the bootcamp by recognizing the participants’ dedication and encouraging them to apply what they learned.

“This program is just the beginning,” Chavez said.

“We look forward to seeing these startups grow and make their mark in the Moonshot TNK pitching competition, and eventually in the wider business landscape,” she added.

Through the ASPIRE bootcamp, DTI Iloilo reaffirms its commitment to building a robust startup ecosystem and empowering entrepreneurs to contribute to inclusive economic growth in the province.