CAGAYAN VALLEY STARTUP WEEK 2025 KICKS OFF AT CSU, HIGHLIGHTS PARTNERSHIP WITH PCCI-CAGAYAN

The Cagayan Valley Startup Week (CVSW) 2025 officially opened today, October 27, at the Cagayan State University–Claude Andrews Convention Center, gathering startups, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, government agencies, academic institutions, LGUs, investors, and development partners across the region.

Organized by the Synergetic, Innovative, and Agile (SINAG) Cagayan Valley Consortium, the three-day event carries the theme “Igniting Collaboration, Mapping Opportunities, and Transforming Cagayan Valley’s Startup Landscape.” It aims to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem through collaboration among the academe, industry, and government sectors.

In his message, SINAG Chairperson and CSU OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez highlighted that innovation can flourish beyond urban centers. “Innovation does not only thrive in big cities, it must take root in rural communities,” he said, emphasizing that Cagayan Valley’s growing ecosystem proves that creativity and progress can begin at the grassroots.

CSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension and SINAG Director Dr. Junel B. Guzman echoed the message, noting that the region is working to “change the narrative” by empowering local innovators and providing opportunities in rural areas.

The opening day also featured a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between SINAG Cagayan Valley and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)–Cagayan Chapter, formalizing a partnership to support startups and innovation-driven enterprises. A symbolic signing of commitment by delegates followed the ceremony.

First launched in 2021, SINAG Cagayan Valley continues to lead initiatives that recognize the vital role of local entrepreneurs in regional economic growth. This year’s startup week focuses on building stronger stakeholder partnerships, aligning LGU policies, mapping the regional startup ecosystem, and advancing digital innovation in Cagayan Valley.