July 29-30, 2025 — In a step towards strengthening local innovation, Upgrade Innolab, together with the City Government of Tagum, facilitated the Tagum City Startup Ecosystem Mapping at the scenic Banana Beach, Hijo Resources Corporation in Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The two-day event brought together local public officials, private sector leaders, community enablers, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs to chart a shared vision for Tagum’s emerging startup landscape by creating a 5-year roadmap for innovation and startups.
With the support of the Hijo Resources Corporation, the program opened with messages of support from Councilor Uloy Ong, Councilor Agripino “Jun” Coquilla Jr., and Hijo COO Mr. Harry Morris, with all three emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration between both the private and public sectors.
Framing the Future: Building a Startup Ecosystem from the Ground Up
Anchored by Upgrade Innolab’s structured ecosystem framework, participants learned the core elements that define a startup ecosystem and why an ecosystem map matters, especially in cities that aim to incorporate digitalization in their governance. The highlight of Day 1 was a breakout session that guided participants in mapping the local ecosystem by identifying existing programs, resources, support institutions, and market opportunities across Tagum’s sectors.
“There’s a gap in Tagum City with regards to startups. They’re not yet well known or understood, so we need to have a baseline – a foundation of our understanding of startups,” said Mr. Franz Gregory Naylon, City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer of the City Government of Tagum.
Many expressed newfound clarity. One barangay kagawad shared, “As a kagawad, I now better understand how to use our budget for agricultural and entrepreneurial ventures. This program was very helpful, especially at the barangay level.”
Others echoed the value of data in enabling action: “It helped us understand what kind of resources are actually available. Now we just need to connect the dots, ideally across all of Davao del Norte with the support of LGUs.”
Still, questions of access and visibility surfaced. Some participants highlighted a recurring disconnect: “Why do I feel like I’m not informed about these programs? There’s a mismatch in marketing. We have platforms, funding agencies, but they don’t always reach the people who need them.”
Gaps, Opportunities, and Collective Aspirations
The focus group discussion that capped the first day drew out honest reflections. Several opportunities for improvement emerged, including gaps in inter-agency collaboration, underutilized local talent, and fragmented support pathways for startups.
“There’s so much potential in Tagum,” one participant remarked. “But we need to match the available resources with the right support. Private sector stakeholders are willing to help, but they need to be part of the ecosystem conversation, and there needs to be reciprocity between government agencies, too.”
Organizations like Tagum Cooperative shared their role in capacity-building, highlighting the need to strengthen standardization and enhance skills across sectors.
Envisioning 2028: Another Innovation Hub in the South
When asked to visualize Tagum’s startup ecosystem three years from now, the responses were hopeful and future-oriented.
“In three years, I see Tagum as more equipped for business, because now, I know which offices and programs to go to.”
Others pointed to the need for consistent information flow, streamlined support systems, and strong public-private collaboration. Sectors such as agriculture, computer technology, and knowledge services were seen as key growth areas, particularly for the youth.
“With the right push, Tagum can definitely compete with other startup cities in Mindanao, and the Philippines.”
Innovation and Sustainability in Action
Day 2 of the program brought participants on a tour of Hijo Resources Corporation’s sprawling 760-hectare property, showcasing its sustainability and innovation facilities. From eco-industrial zones to integrated agribusiness innovations, the tour underscored the possibilities of embedding entrepreneurship within sustainable development frameworks.
A Collective Step Forward
The Tagum City Startup Ecosystem Mapping serves as a diagnostic event and a moment of co-creation between Tagum City’s changemakers. One where community leaders, government officials, and enablers came together to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive, connected, and innovation-ready Tagum.
Upgrade Innolab remains committed to supporting cities like Tagum in unlocking local innovation potential through ecosystem mapping, capacity building, and fostering collaboration between innovation stakeholders, especially in fields such as green economies and sustainability.
Tagum’s first startup ecosystem mapping is supported by Tagum City Business and Incentive Center, HIJO Resorts Davao, DOST Region 11, DTI Philippines, ICT Council of Tagum City, Z-Connect and Charm Radio.
