TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE — The University of the Philippines Tacloban College (UP Tacloban) achieved an impressive finish in the Innov8 Leyte Startup Business Challenge 2026, with three student teams advancing to the Top 10 finalists and Team GFAST capturing second place.
The startup pitching competition was held as part of the Leyte Business Month Celebration and the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) HANDA Pilipinas 2.0 – Visayas Leg. Sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the competition provided a platform for students to present innovative business ideas, develop potential entrepreneurial ventures, and propose solutions to real-world challenges.
Team GFAST secured second place, leading UP Tacloban’s strong performance in the competition. Its members were Annielyn Kate Llaneta, Chelzie Kieth Opiasa, and Ryzza Eder, all fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Management students, and Alyanna Bianca Adona, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student.
Joining Team GFAST among the Top 10 finalists were Teams BANAVINO and CAÑERA, highlighting the creativity, collaborative spirit, and entrepreneurial potential of UP Tacloban students.
Team BANAVINO was composed of Jhane Angelic Gaje, a fifth-year BS Management student; Zoe Trisha Asensi, a third-year BS Management student; and Patricia Louise Rivera and Chenelyn Niemes, both fourth-year BS Management students.
Team CAÑERA comprised Margaret Mae Acero, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Economics student; Julia Romana Yglesias, a sixth-year BS Economics student; and Sophia Francheska Carabuena, a fourth-year BS Management student.
The teams’ achievements demonstrated the students’ commitment to developing business concepts and exploring ways to transform innovative ideas into meaningful ventures that could contribute to economic growth and community development.
UP Tacloban also recognised the contributions of its Division of Agri-Marine and Environmental Studies (DAMe) faculty mentors: Dr. Marla Sudario, Ms. Marelle Joy Advento, Mr. Kristopher Visaya, and Mr. Barnett Balberia.
Their guidance and support helped the students throughout their competition journey, underscoring the importance of mentorship in developing entrepreneurial skills, encouraging creative thinking, and preparing students to address practical challenges.
The Innov8 Leyte Startup Business Challenge formed part of broader efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Eastern Visayas. By giving students opportunities to pitch their ideas before evaluators, the competition encouraged them to explore business opportunities and develop solutions responsive to community and industry needs.
UP Tacloban’s second-place finish and two additional Top 10 placements reflect the students’ determination, teamwork, and ability to apply their academic learning to entrepreneurial pursuits.
The college community congratulated the three teams and their faculty mentors on the achievement, expressing pride in their creativity, initiative, and commitment to turning promising ideas into potential business ventures.
Their success reinforces the role of higher education institutions in nurturing young innovators who can help shape the future of entrepreneurship and contribute to the region’s economic development. END #evchub8 #leyteinitiatives
