TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) has strengthened its reputation for student innovation and entrepreneurship after its startup team, DailyGreen, emerged as Grand Champion at the INNOV8 Leyte Startup Business Challenge 2026 held on October 8 at the Leyte Convention Complex in Palo, Leyte.
The start-up business challenge event was held as part of the LEYBIZCON and the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) HANDA Pilipinas 2.0 – Visayas Leg and was sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte Inc and DOST 8.
DailyGreen bested competing student innovators from across Eastern Visayas to secure the top honor, a ₱30,000 cash prize, and the opportunity to represent Region VIII in the upcoming national startup business competition organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
The team impressed the judges with its flagship product, VeggieBalls, an innovative, preservative-free food alternative made from locally sourced vegetables. The product highlights the potential of transforming local agricultural produce into nutritious food options while promoting community development and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Beyond its product concept, DailyGreen demonstrated how innovation, health-conscious food development, and business viability can be brought together in a promising startup venture.
The winning team is composed of Raphael Vic Martinez, Nikka Marie Esperas, Jhon Paul Dacuital, Andrei Godwin Rosal, and Kate Vianci Lagunay, under the mentorship of Prof. Marvin Nilo M. de Veyra.
DailyGreen advanced through the competition’s screening rounds to secure a place among the Top 10 finalists before delivering its final pitch and clinching the championship.
The victory underscores the growing capacity of Eastern Visayas students to develop innovative business solutions that respond to market needs while creating opportunities for local communities.
With its regional championship secured, DailyGreen will now prepare to compete on the national stage, carrying EVSU’s and Eastern Visayas’ hopes in the PCCI startup business competition.
The team’s achievement highlights the importance of university-led innovation, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs in helping young innovators transform ideas into viable business ventures.
From locally sourced vegetables to a winning business concept, DailyGreen’s success demonstrates how student creativity and entrepreneurial determination can open doors to wider opportunities beyond the classroom. END #evchub8 #leyteinitiatives
