–Marga L. Taganas
The College of Business Administration represented by BSBA Program Coordinator Ms. Marga L. Taganas and BSPA OIC-Coordinator Ms. Khea Joy H. Botes joins the Pinoy Startups Unleashed: Local Hustle to Global Game, held on November 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Karma by Drunken Chef, Baguio City. The event was organized by the Digital Nomad Association Philippines (DNA PH) with the theme, “Fueling Filipino founders to think big, build bold, and go beyond borders.
The event aimed to connect participants with the brightest minds in the Philippine startup ecosystem and to uncover what it takes to transform local ventures into globally competitive enterprises. Through inspiring keynote talks, meaningful networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing sessions, the program emphasized strategies on scaling, funding, and global expansion while celebrating the resilience and creativity of the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit.
Attendees gained valuable insights from trailblazing founders who have successfully grown their startups from local initiatives into global powerhouses. Featured speakers included Ms. Donna Lacdao, CEO of Coconut VA; Mr. Gerald Cacho, Co-Founder of Kido Integrated Farm; Mr. Jerry Licupa, CEO of Kochimoto Group; and Mr. Christian Rafols, Founder of Ubram Online. Their journeys highlighted practical lessons on innovation, leadership, and navigating international markets.
Beyond the keynote sessions, the event served as a platform for collaboration and community engagement. Ms. Taganas and Ms. Botes engaged in discussions with Mr. Jude Pudlao, Community Leader of Baguio for DNA PH, to explore potential partnerships and collaborative initiatives that may further support entrepreneurship education and community-based programs.
Participation in Pinoy Startups Unleashed reinforces the College of Business Administration’s commitment to staying connected with industry trends and strengthening its academic programs with real-world entrepreneurial insights. The knowledge and networks gained from the event are expected to enrich classroom instruction and help prepare students to thrive in both local and global business environments.