CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

Autonomous Status granted by CHED – Sept. 16, 2024 – Sept. 15, 2027
ISO 21001:2018 (Educational Organizations Management System)- valid from August 19, 2025, until August 18, 2028

Startup Your World! & TrackTech: CSS successfully executes Innovation-Driven Tech Event at CPU

by | Feb 6, 2026 | Centralian Link

By John Vincent L. Ceralvo


CPU’s Computer Science Society successfully launches Startup Your World! & TrackTech, inspiring 79 participants to transform innovative tech ideas into real-world solutions through collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

The Computer Science Society (CSS) of Central Philippine University successfully conducted its flagship organizational event, “Startup Your World! & TrackTech,” at AVR 1 and AVR 2, Mary Thomas Building, Central Philippine University. The two-part event aimed to inspire students with a startup mindset and empower them to transform innovative technology ideas—particularly in transportation and racing systems—into real, impactful solutions through collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurship. A total of 79 participants attended the event.

The program was organized and staffed by 25 CSS personnel, led by CSS President John Vincent L. Ceralvo and Event Coordinator Gian Angelo I. Tumulak, in partnership with the College of Computer Studies (CCS), Modern Interactive Digital Artists Society (MIDAS), Centralian Developer Group (CDG), Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES), CPU – The Cipher, and the Information Technology Student Organization (ITSO).

The event was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the following committees:

  • Logistics Committee – Adrian P. Pilarco (Assistant Treasurer), Jay B. Robang (Auditor), and Nathaniel Gene Nallas (Staff)
  • Technical Committee – Kristoff Ayl P. Lim (1st Year Representative), Airen Antivo (2nd Year Representative), Basil Jermanos Amso (3rd Year Representative), Hiero Vincent Tinoy (Staff), and Renz Hubie Bretaña (Staff)
  • Marketing and Promotions Committee – Abigail C. Lentija (Marketing Coordinator), Ryza Bagurio (Creatives), Angelica Ho Sison (Creatives), and Jushcg G. Cerbo (Creatives)
  • Secretariat Committee – Rhyza G. Mallorca (Secretary), John Pol L. Arcega (Assistant Secretary), Shekinah Martinez (Staff), and Alianne Melysse Maculas (Staff)
  • Sponsorships and Partnerships Committee – Janrickz John C. Babac (Vice President for External Affairs) and John Vincent L. Vipinosa (Vice President for Internal Affairs)
  • Documentation and Media Committee – Mark Jude De Vicente (Media Staff) and Dominic Layawon (Media Staff)

The program formally opened with hosts Kristine Joelle Tenefrancia (Media Staff) and Ramon Miguel Sanchez (Treasurer), followed by the Opening Remarks of John Vincent L. Ceralvo (President). An engaging icebreaker activity was then conducted to energize the participants and prepare them for the learning sessions.

The first keynote speaker was Jesse Jot Auman—Governor of the College of Computer Studies Provincial Council (2025–2026), CEO of DAPPLI, and Vice President for Media of the Rex Drilon Debate Society. He delivered an insightful talk on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, followed by an open forum and an interactive activity that actively involved the audience.

This was followed by Atty. Athena Gabriella Julabar, Associate Lawyer of E.T. Reyes III Law, who discussed the legal foundations essential to startups and technology-based ventures. Her talk was also followed by an open forum, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions related to business and innovation.

The College of Computer Studies (CCS) and the Modern Interactive Digital Artists Society (MIDAS) then took the stage for their partnership segment, introducing their respective councils and highlighting their collaborative initiatives.

After the lunch break, the program transitioned into the TrackTech Hackathon, with Gian Angelo I. Tumulak (Event Coordinator) delivering the Closing Remarks for the morning session.

The afternoon session was filled with excitement as participants cheered for their favorite teams. Seven (7) teams from Central Philippine University (CPU), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) competed: Bakbak, Cyfer, Group 1, Absolute Cinema, ICodeSpeed, NAV X, and Popcorn Racers.

The session began with an Opening Prayer led by Rhyza G. Mallorca (Secretary), followed by the Opening Remarks and Event Overview delivered by President John Vincent L. Ceralvo. The judges were then introduced: Hans Gabriel Daduya (Mobile Software Engineer, Captivate LTD), Christian Dave Montalban (Senior Backend Engineer, MySchoolSuite), and Clarence Earl Diokno, a seasoned creative and technology professional with extensive experience in UI/UX and Graphic Design.

Each team presented and demonstrated their innovative solutions related to transportation and racing systems. With the support of sponsors Arctech Laptops, TechLynx Computers, and Globe, winners were awarded cash prizes in recognition of their excellence.

The event concluded with the Awarding Ceremony and Certificate Distribution, where Popcorn Racers from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) emerged as the TrackTech Champion, while Cyfer from West Visayas State University (WVSU) secured the First Place and Best in Poster awards, and Group 1 from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) earned the Second Place distinction.

Through Startup Your World! & TrackTech, the Computer Science Society successfully demonstrated its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, empowering students to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.