UPERDFI joined DOST Usec Gev Guevara, PCIEERD Executive Director Eric Paringit, UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo and UPCOE Dean Ferdie Manegdeg in the virtual celebration of the 3rd anniversary of UPSCALE on January 8. UPERDFI President Ferdz de la Cruz shared his message citing the need for strengthened collaboration during the event. DOST supported the establishment of UPSCALE in January 2018. UPERDFI Member Usec Gev cited that henceforth, the Start-up Enablers Program backed by an enabling law, will be the source of funding support.
While perfecting the MOU similar to what we have drawn up with UPD TTBDO, members of our Innovation Committee have escalated their support for UPSCALE start-ups. Committee chairman Chicho Mantaring and members Val Reyes, Leo de Velez, Riza Mantaring, Roger Buendia and Bong Minguez, along with Pres. Ferdz de la Cruz, shared their ideas during mentoring sessions in December 2020 and January 2021. Chicho and Roger are continuing mentors, who were active even before UPSCALE. Chato Calderon, Rico Trinidad, Dan Peckley, Rod Salazar and Jeng Pascual have been involved as well. Prior to UPSCALE, and via the UPD TTBDO, UPERDFI Chairman Alex Sy and member Hilary de Leon supported start-up ventures.
UPERDFI will help recruit Mentors from among our members and network. With about 35 active start-ups needing expert advice, Mentors will sign up based on the Terms of Engagement, the implementing document of the MOU.
