IIDB Region 3

07/09/2026

DICT strengthens revised Guidelines through Public Consultation

🚀 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), through the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), convened a variety of local startup stakeholders and aspiring startup founders for a public online consultation on the 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 (𝐒𝐆𝐅) 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 via Google Meet and Facebook Live on September 2, 2026. The consultation provided a platform for beneficiaries and ecosystem stakeholders to gather valuable inputs toward a more responsive, accessible, and practical support program for the Philippine startup ecosystem.
Building on two years of SGF implementation, which has supported a total of 𝟏𝟗 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 ₱𝟏𝟕.𝟗 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 - the proposed revised grant fund department circular seeks to address seeks to address key challenges experienced by applicants and grantees, including lengthy processing requirements and the need for stronger incubation and post-funding support.

Among the proposed enhancements are:
• A more streamlined application and compliance requirements
• Expanded incubation programs for mentorship, technical assistance, and networking
• Recognition of user growth and pilot deployments as revenue success indicators
• More flexible and milestone-based funding mechanisms
• Commercial pathways to investors and other government programs beyond the grant

DICT remains committed to building a more inclusive and responsive local startup support system. Through the revised SGF, the Department aims to help early-stage Filipino innovators move from promising ideas to market-ready solutions with the potential to scale globally.

📌 The 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐆𝐅 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 is targeted for publication and effectivity in October 2026, with the next Call for Applications likewise targeted to open within the month.

Stay tuned to the IIDB page for updates on the application opening and upcoming regional information sessions.

02/09/2026

Join the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as we conduct an online public consultation on the Revised Draft DICT Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Circular.

27/08/2026

The Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) is back for its 11th year – and it’s evolving to better support the next generation of Filipino innovators 🚀

For over a decade, the PSC has empowered student innovators across the country to think boldly, solve real-world challenges, and take their first steps into the Philippine startup ecosystem. As it enters its 11th year, PSC will introduce an enhanced program – offering an even stronger platform to help students transform their ideas into startup-ready solutions.

Open to Senior High School, College, and Technical Vocational students, PSC XI introduces an enhanced journey that guides teams from ideation to prototype development. Beyond showcasing innovative ideas, participants will take part in mentorship sessions with industry experts and startup enablers, helping them strengthen their ideas, refine their solutions, and build their skills.

If you're building an ICT-enabled solution powered by Software, AI, IoT, Web3, Blockchain, Mixed Reality, or other Emerging Technologies, this is your opportunity to learn, innovate, and build solutions that create meaningful impact. 🌟

Be part of the next wave of young innovators shaping the future of the Philippine startup ecosystem!

📅 Application Period: August 27 - September 20, 2026
❓ FAQs: https://iidb2026.my.canva.site/psc-xi-website

Region 3 Application Form:
https://forms.gle/FvUAMJPydqdwPsm97

23/03/2026

🚀✨ Women Who Build: The Babaylan Startup Webinar Series ✨🚀

In celebration of National Women’s Month 2026, the DICT Region 3 – ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), through the Trabahong Digital Program: Startup PH, invites you to a 3-day empowering webinar series designed to inspire and equip the next generation of women innovators and leaders in the digital economy.

👩‍💻 Who can join?
Startups • Students • Mentors • Freelancers • MSMEs

📅 Date: March 24–26, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💻 Venue: Online via Google Meet

🤝 In partnership with Bataan Peninsula State University – SIKAT Technology Business Incubator

🌟 What to expect?
✔️ Startup fundamentals and innovation insights
✔️ Real-world experiences from women founders and ecosystem leaders
✔️ Interactive discussions and Q&A sessions
✔️ Inspiration to become a “Babaylan Founder” in today’s digital age

This webinar highlights the vital role of women as leaders, innovators, and builders—empowering them to create inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable enterprises.

💡 Be part of a growing community of women shaping the future of startups and digital opportunities in Region 3!

📩 Register here: https://forms.gle/sRoTWZ5RPFupuC7T6

Don’t miss your chance to learn, lead, and build!

12/03/2026

Done is better than perfect! 🚀 Join our webinar and make your ideas happen. 💻🌸

Perfectionism kills creativity before it even starts. 🛑

This National Women’s Month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology - Region 3, Bataan Provincial Office through the Tech4ED Digital Transformation Center and IIDB Trabahong Digital - Freelance PH, reminds all our ICT creatives and freelancers:

✨ Done is better than perfect. ✨

Your code, your designs, and your startups don't need to be flawless to be impactful—they just need to be real. Make it exist now; make it better later.

Ready to break the cycle of "not good enough"? Join our upcoming webinar where we dive into strategies for overcoming perfectionism and shipping your best work!

🔗 Register here: https://linktr.ee/DTC_Bataan (200 SLOTS LEFT)
📅 Date: March 17, 2026 | 01:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Claim your space in the digital future. Choose progress. 💻🌸

10/12/2025