The University of the Philippines Cebu and the Philippine S&T Development Foundation-Manila, Inc. (PhilDev) formally strengthened their shared commitment to innovation and technology education through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 25, 2026.
The agreement establishes the partnership for the implementation of the CORE (Creating Opportunities for Future Readiness) Talent Accelerator Program – Cebu, a capability-building initiative that equips students with future-ready skills through technical masterclasses, mentorship, and innovation challenges. The collaboration aims to provide a structured platform where students can apply classroom learning to real-world problem-solving and develop innovative solutions through a hackathon.
Representing the two institutions in the signing ceremony were UP Cebu Chancellor Atty. Leo B. Malagar and PhilDev Executive Director Leonina Morillo.
Under the agreement, PhilDev will lead the planning and implementation of the program, including the conduct of power skills development camps, technical masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and the Cebu hackathon. Meanwhile, UP Cebu will provide venue support, facilitate coordination with relevant university offices, and oversee logistical requirements for the program’s implementation.
Prior to the MOA signing, UP Cebu hosted Panagtagbo, the welcome and networking activity for participants, faculty mentors, volunteers, and partner institutions of the Cebu leg of the CORE Talent Accelerator Program. The gathering fostered collaboration among stakeholders ahead of INNOVFEST 2026 Demo Day and the week-long series of activities held from June 22 to 26, which culminated in the Cebu Hackathon.