By Mikee Natinga Norico

From left to right: Gabriel Pagtolon-an, Jan Christian Viguella, Allyzza Kaye Quezon, Jesse Lagon (Ragoomu Corp.), Janiah Kate La-as, and Matt Rafael Genito proudly hold the newly designed packaging for Ragoomu, symbolizing the successful collaboration between CPU’s PackiFlex team and Ragoomu.

Third year Packaging Engineering students at Central Philippine University (CPU) have successfully unveiled a new, innovative packaging design for Ragoomu, one of Iloilo City’s fastest-growing food chains. This project, part of the demonstrative course Package Innovation and Development, showcased the students’ ability to merge academic theory with real-world application, solidifying CPU’s role as a pioneer in Packaging Engineering education in the Philippines.

Spearheaded by the dynamic student team PackiFlex, driven by the tagline, “Owning flexibility, arising packaging versatility,” the project aimed to enhance Ragoomu’s branding, functionality, and sustainability as the food chain prepared to launch its third branch in Nasyo. Guided by their mentor, Ms. Alexa Chloe Cray D. Pizon, the team developed versatile and innovative packaging solutions that aligned with Ragoomu’s expanding needs.

Key team members included:

• Matt Rafael M. Genito – Project lead and head of graphics and design.
• Janiah Kate La-as – Team organizer and workflow coordinator.
• Gabriel Pagtolon-an – Public relations, managing communication with stakeholders and maintaining the team’s image.
• Allyzza Kaye Quezon – Public relations, assisting in client coordination and public communication.
• Jan Christian Viguella – Researcher focused on market studies and material compatibility.

On the client side, Ragoomu’s team was represented by Ely Vasig, Jesse Lagon, and Marc Guillergan (CPU alumnus, BS Electrical Engineering), alongside Val Vasig and Hannah Vasig-Tan Yau. Their active collaboration and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the project’s success.

Innovation Unveiled: The new packaging design for Ragoomu, crafted by CPU’s third-year Packaging Engineering students, merges functionality and sustainability.

The team faced unique challenges, including balancing brand identity with innovation, sourcing materials, and adhering to a compressed five-month academic timeline. Despite these hurdles, they developed a “one-size-fits-all” packaging design that streamlined Ragoomu’s operations. Rigorous testing ensured durability and functionality.

Significant innovations included:

• A versatile packaging structure suitable for single and family-sized portions
• Streamlined designs to reduce manual labor in packaging operations
• Prototypes refined through multiple iterations for optimal performance

The journey to creating Ragoomu’s innovative new packaging was as much about personal growth and teamwork as it was about technical achievement. The PackiFlex team emphasized the critical role of strong client relationships, effective communication, and adaptability in overcoming obstacles. From maintaining brand identity to navigating supplier issues, the project demanded resilience, ingenuity, and collaborative problem-solving.

Matt Rafael M. Genito, who led the project’s design efforts, underscored the significance of fostering trust with the client. He reflected on the team’s ability to deliver a product that not only met Ragoomu’s needs but also aligned with their brand’s expansion goals.

“Thank you for turning our [PackiFlex] ideas into reality. Seeing our project in the market after months of development is beyond words,” he said.

One of the more daunting challenges was sourcing materials and coordinating with suppliers. Early setbacks in finding suitable materials threatened the project’s timeline, but with support from CPU’s alumni network—particularly those working in the packaging industry—the team successfully secured the necessary resources. This highlighted the power of the Centralian community in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Mentor Ms. Alexa Chloe Cray D. Pizon provided invaluable guidance throughout the process, particularly in helping the team manage the compressed project timeline noting, “Industry projects typically take 6–8 months, but our students rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and dedication.”

The success of this project stands as a testament to the distinctiveness and excellence of Central Philippine University. As the first and only university in the Philippines to offer Packaging Engineering in 2006, CPU continues to set itself apart by equipping students with the skills needed to deliver impactful, real-world solutions. The success of the PackiFlex team underscores what it truly means to be a Centralian—pioneering innovation, embracing hard work, and demonstrating leadership in a unique and evolving field.

By merging academic excellence with practical application, CPU reaffirms its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates who embody the university’s values of innovation, resilience, and community engagement. This collaboration with Ragoomu not only enhanced the company’s packaging but also contributed to Iloilo City’s growing recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, further showcasing the global potential of Centralian talent.