On July 6-7, 2023, LPU-Batangas hosted the much-awaited 2023 HACKathink: LPU-B Innovation Challenge, providing attendees with a thrilling experience. This event is made possible by PATHWAY, an Erasmus Plus project and the major sponsor, Silver Peak Group of Companies.
Pre-Hackathon
Before the main event, a Pre-Hackathon Event was conducted on June 29, 2023, at the SHL Learning Resource Center, Main Campus. This part of the event aimed to help participants enhance their skills, form teams, understand problems, build prototypes, and gain confidence, with Mr. Malaya A. Laraya sharing his expertise.
Laraya is a financial expert with over three decades of experience across different industries, including equity investing, managed funds, real estate, banking, and insurance. He is also the Program Director of the John Gokongwei School of Management Business Accelerator at Ateneo de Manila University and the pioneer Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Besides, he hosts several shows that highlight innovation in the Philippines.
The event’s sponsors, led by Silver Peak Group of Companies, were also given the opportunity to showcase their businesses. A Batangas-based company, SPGC owns several branches of restaurants in Batangas City and nearby areas, including Butch Restaurant, Hungry Hippo, Bo’s Coffee, Kowloon’s House, Shakey’s, and South Peak Garden and Events Place. They have a long-standing partnership with LPU-Batangas, supporting various initiatives and projects.
Joining SPGC as minor sponsors are Brand X Burger, Share Cafe, Pioneer Clinical Laboratory and Medical Clinic, and First Place, Inc.
Main Hackathon
Seventeen teams competed in an intense hackathon to solve a pressing issue for the Silver Peak Group of Companies. Each team worked tirelessly to develop the best solution and presented their ideas later in the afternoon.
However, only the top five pairs advanced to the final round, where the owner of the Silver Peak Group of Companies and two University of Alicante mentors provided expert guidance to the participants.
The Final Pitching Day on July 7, 2023, at LIMA Campus was a resounding success. Participants gained valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences that would benefit them in their future endeavors.
Victors
Rhaine Cshyra Dimatatac and Ma. Gloria Isabelle Pechay have truly proven their innovative skills as they emerged as the first-ever winners of the 2023 HACKathink: LPU-B Innovation Challenge. Their impressive ideas and hard work have earned them a well-deserved trip to Europe, thanks to Erasmus, as well as a cash prize of P50,000.00 from our partner, the Silver Peak Group of Companies.
Below is a complete list of the winners and their respective prizes:
Champion: Rhainne Cshyra Dimatatac (College of Allied Medical Professions) and Ma. Gloria Isabel Pechay (College of Education, Arts & Sciences)- All expenses paid trip to Europe + P50,000 each.
1st Runner-Up: Earilon Malayba and Marianne Joy Marasigan, College of Nursing– P10,000.00 each
2nd Runner-Up: Clarence Montano and Troy Andrew Soriano, College of Computer Studies– P7,500.00 each
3rd Runner-Up: Al Mark Comia and Joshua Mirano, College of Education, Arts and Sciences– P5,000.00 each
4th Runner Up: Ayerson Cuevas and Ynag Gwyneth Magboo, College of Nursing– P2,500.00 each
Their success in this challenge serves as a testament to the importance of promoting innovation and creativity in today’s world. Hackathink will be an annual event already of the university.
