02/06/2026
๐๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฝ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฉ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐
Innovation begins with ideas, but transforming those ideas into viable ventures requires guidance, validation, and the right ecosystem support. The Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability (CDIIS), and the Digital Creatives Hub Iligan (DCHI), conducted a startup mentoring and consultation session with Iliganon innovator Francis Morales, UP Mindanao student, who presented a proposed business solution designed to improve processes and address practical needs through innovation.
The engagement marked the second meeting, following an initial online discovery call. The face-to-face session provided an opportunity for deeper discussions on the conceptโs potential, business model, readiness, and the necessary steps toward formalization and long-term sustainability.
The session was facilitated by ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐น ๐๐๐ถ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ, CDIIS Head and Consultant; Executive Director of the Iligan Startup Council, and DCHI's Management Partner for Hub Operations. Drawing from his experience in innovation governance and ecosystem development, Mr. Lagura guided the conversation on startup readiness, ecosystem opportunities, innovation pathways, and the importance of establishing a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Joining the engagement were ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฟ, MIB, CIP, RFC, Consultant for Strategic Communication and Investments, and ๐ ๐. ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ต๐, Consultant on Creative Tourism, who shared insights on business positioning, strategic planning, investment readiness, creative industry opportunities, and organizational development. Together with the CDIIS and DCHI team, they provided recommendations on strengthening the concept, identifying potential applications, and ensuring that the proposed solution is supported by sound business, legal, and operational considerations.
Among the key areas discussed were proper business registration, legal compliance, intellectual property protection, organizational structure, and other critical requirements necessary for building a legitimate, scalable, and investment-ready enterprise. The session also emphasized the importance of establishing the appropriate legal and governance frameworks to protect innovations, build credibility, and prepare the venture for future opportunities.
Beyond startup development, the engagement provided a platform to assess how innovative solutions can contribute to improving existing processes and creating value for organizations, industries, and communities. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning innovation with practical needs, ensuring that new ideas are both impactful and implementable.
The engagement reflects the continuing commitment of CDIIS and the Iligan Startup Council to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and startup founders by providing access to expertise, networks, and ecosystem support. Such initiatives create opportunities for local innovators to refine their ideas, test solutions, and connect with the resources needed to move from concept to implementation.
Aligned with the vision of Mayor Frederick Siao, Chairman of the Iligan Startup Council, Iligan City continues to cultivate an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions can thrive. Through collaboration among government, industry, academe, and the startup community, the city is creating pathways for local innovators to develop solutions that improve processes, generate economic opportunities, and contribute to a more dynamic and innovation-driven future.
