ORMOC CITY, LEYTE — Students from the City College of Ormoc earned recognition in the INNOV8 Leyte Startup Business Challenge after their team, La Plumeria Firma – A Calachuchi Perfume, secured third place in the competition held on October 8, 2026, in Leyte.
The team, composed of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Marketing Management students, proudly represented the City College of Ormoc in the competition, showcasing their creativity, entrepreneurial skills, teamwork, and commitment to developing innovative business ideas.
Team members were Meeko Sulla, Kingsley Bugtai, Christian Juera, Jocelyn Cuyag Lazo, Janel Pagadora, and Fernando Laride.
Their business concept, which centres on calachuchi-inspired perfume, stood out among the competing entries, demonstrating the students’ ability to transform a distinctive local concept into a promising business idea.
The third-place finish highlighted the team’s preparation, confidence, and collaborative efforts throughout the competition, earning them recognition in a challenge designed to encourage student innovation and entrepreneurship.
The INNOV8 Leyte Startup Business Challenge brought together aspiring student entrepreneurs to pitch business concepts and innovative solutions addressing community and industry challenges. The entries were evaluated by a panel of regional entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
The competition was a highlight of Handa Pilipinas 2.0 – Visayas Leg, held at the Leyte Convention Complex in Palo, Leyte, from October 7 to 9, 2026. The event promoted science, technology, and innovation in support of disaster preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.
Sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tacloban – Leyte Inc and the Department of Science and Technology in Eastern Visayas, the startup challenge provided students with an opportunity to present their ideas, demonstrate their business capabilities, and gain valuable experience in developing entrepreneurial ventures.
The achievement of La Plumeria Firma reflects the growing potential of young innovators to develop creative business concepts inspired by local resources and ideas.
The City College of Ormoc community congratulated the team on its accomplishment, encouraging its members to continue nurturing their entrepreneurial talents, refining their business concepts, and pursuing opportunities to turn their ideas into viable enterprises.
Their success serves as an inspiration to fellow students to embrace innovation, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and contribute to local economic development through creativity and determination. END #evchub8 #ormoccityglobal #leyteinitiatives
