GiYA, Hilinga score in PSC XI Bicol qualifiers
“GiYA” by Hauers, a Cohort 2 incubatee of the ASOG Technology Business Incubator, secured a spot among the Top 10 qualifiers in the Bicol regional leg of the Philippine Startup Challenge XI (PSC XI), held on October 22, 2026.
The team, composed of Mariel B. Hernandez, Deanne Faith S. Pandes, and John Patrick Y. Salcedo, competed in the pitching competition under the guidance of Ms. Tiffany Lyn Pandes, ASOG TBI faculty mentor.
GiYA was announced as one of the Top 10 qualifiers on October 20, ahead of the regional event.
AI for educational access
GiYA is an AI-powered mobile application that helps Filipino students explore college and scholarship opportunities based on their qualifications and goals. It aims to help students identify suitable opportunities and prepare for their educational pursuits.
Initially targeting Grade 12 students, GiYA plans to expand nationwide to reach more young Filipinos seeking pathways to education and career development.
A spot in the top 20
Another ASOG TBI Cohort 2 incubatee, “Hilinga” by CadToCode, also advanced in the regional qualifiers, earning a place among the Top 20.
The team includes James Albert E. Escuro, Julius B. Sarto, and Lawrence D. Bance, under the mentorship of Mr. Vencel Angelo Sanglay, Creative Technologies and Digital Engagement Officer of ASOG TBI.
Hilinga is an AI-powered digital tourism platform designed to improve how travelers discover local destinations and plan their trips. It also aims to help local businesses gain greater visibility among tourists and residents.
Winning track record
Before their latest achievements in PSC XI, both incubatees earned recognition at the Heroes of Innovation Challenge 2026, a hackathon held in August during the Ibalong Festival in Legazpi City.
GiYA won first place in the Bantong Track and received five additional awards: Best Pitch, People’s Choice Award, Most Startup-Ready, Most Innovative Solution, and Best Visual Presentation.
Meanwhile, Hilinga took first place in the Handiong Track.
Advancing student-led innovation
The PSC XI regional pitching competition was part of the Innovative Startup Fest 2026 and was conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through its ICT Industry Development Bureau.
With the theme “The Next Frontier of Filipino Innovation,” the event brought together student innovators from across Bicol to present technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
The competition welcomed ICT-enabled solutions using technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, Web3, and other emerging technologies, while helping participants assess market opportunities and prepare their startups for further development.
The PSC XI national finals are scheduled for November 2026 as part of Philippine Startup Week 2026, where qualifying student innovators will advance to the next stage of the challenge.
