Innovation more than just technology

CEBU, Philippines —   Innovation took center stage at the Innovate Cebu forum as government officials, business leaders, and students came together to champion collaboration and local ingenuity as key drivers of the province’s growth and resilience.

Jokin Aboitiz, deputy chief operating officer of Aboitiz Distribution Power Utilities, urged stakeholders to see innovation as more than just technology.

“Innovation is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ It’s a survival too. It’s not just about apps or digital tools. It’s about how we think, how we solve, and how we serve better together,” Aboitiz said.

 He emphasized Cebu’s rich industrial roots and its long history of resilience.

“If we could be resilient through crises, we can also be resilient in normal times,” he added.

Aboitiz stressed the need to include communities, schools, LGUs, and partners in innovation efforts. He introduced four “lenses of innovation” simplify, automate, breakthrough, and scale as guiding principles for building impactful solutions.

“Young people are not just the future, they are the now,” Aboitiz said.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Pam Baricuatro, Paulo Uy, head of Investment and Promotions and chief of staff of the Cebu Provincial Government, highlighted Cebuano resourcefulness as a foundation for innovation.

“Cebuanos are natural innovators. Innovation is in our blood,” Uy said, recalling familiar everyday examples like refilling disposable lighters or making homemade TV antennas.

Uy said innovation must drive sustainable energy, resilient communities, and better governance.

“Innovation is not just for a few. It belongs to everyone. Every spark of creativity can light the way to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Cebu,” Uy added.

Among the highlights of the forum was the presentation of “AidVocate”, a Cebu Calamity Response App developed by BSIT students Clint Alonzo, Ralph Adrian Lilao, and Vince Craig Agar of the University of Cebu-Main.

Developed after the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Cebu, the platform connects families in need with responders in real time through a live map interface. Users can pin their location, specify their needs, and get matched with verified responders.

A verification system ensures data accuracy, while responders can mark pins as resolved and coordinate donations through the Cebu Provincial Portal.

“This is not just a map. It’s a live coordination tool that turns data into actionable response,” the team said.

Since its launch, AidVocate has helped responders locate unassisted families and improve disaster coordination.

“What began as a small project after an earthquake has grown into a symbol of Bayanihan made digital --proof that empathy and technology can come together to make a difference,” the team said.

Department of Information and Communications Technology-7 regional director Frederick Amores said “My vision is anchored on stronger collaboration between the government, the academe, and local government units. We already have active communities and regular Sparkle meetups, and I see that growing with more private sector engagement.”

During disasters, DICT is one of the first called to restore connectivity. He said that if we had a tool that shows exactly which cell sites or fiber lines are down, response time would be faster, coordination more efficient, and lives saved.

   “If Cebu can build this first, it could be a model for the entire country,” he said.

The Innovate Cebu forum organized by the Visayan Electric, Aboitiz Foundation and Innovation Force had the theme “Building A Resilient Cebu: Driving Innovative Solutions for Reliability, Resilience, and Regeneration”.

Aboitiz concluded: “Innovation isn’t just about reacting to the future. It’s about building it together.”