By Marga L. Taganas, CPA, MBA
The College of Business Administration of Baguio Central University participated in the Startup Ecosystem Mapping for Baguio and Benguet, an initiative organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) under the DOST iHub Program last September 10, 2026. The activity was held at Paragon Hotel and Suites, Baguio City, and brought together representatives from various sectors involved in supporting startups and entrepreneurship in the region.
Representing BCU-CBA were Ms. Marga L. Taganas, BSBA Program Coordinator, and Dr. Jolly B. Mariacos, CBA Extension Coordinator. The mapping activity aimed to develop a clearer understanding of the current startup ecosystem in Baguio and Benguet by identifying available resources for startups, examining connections among ecosystem players, and determining areas where support, collaboration, and coordination can be strengthened.
Following the welcome remarks and an orientation on the objectives of the activity, Mr. Dave Del Rosario, Program Manager of Animo Labs, De La Salle University, and facilitator of the event, provided an introductory discussion on startups. He explained the definition and key characteristics of startups and distinguished them from small and medium enterprises. Participants were then randomly grouped, with each group composed of representatives from different stakeholder sectors. Ms. Taganas was assigned to the Enabler group, while Dr. Mariacos participated in the Academe group.
The workshop was conducted in three major parts. First, participants mapped the ecosystem players in Baguio and Benguet, identifying organizations and institutions according to whether they were active, inactive, or had an unknown status. The second part focused on identifying the resources and initiatives extended by active ecosystem players to startups in Baguio and Benguet over the past three years. The final part examined the top three challenges or gaps encountered by startups in the area, their corresponding impacts, and recommendations for addressing these concerns. After each workshop component, the groups presented their outputs, which were reviewed and critiqued to help refine the information gathered.
Following the mapping workshop, a smaller group of representatives from participating organizations will convene for post-mapping activities to further review, validate, and refine the results. The Baguio-Benguet activity serves as the first area to undergo the current startup ecosystem mapping initiative, with similar mapping activities set to be conducted in the other provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Through its participation, BCU-CBA continues to engage with government agencies and other stakeholders in initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, collaboration, and community development in the Cordillera.