What is the Challenge All About?
I had the privilege of participating in the Baguio Smart City Challenge as a mentor, where our young and talented students pitched their innovative ideas aimed at enhancing Baguio City’s services and infrastructure. This competition fostered creative solutions to build a smarter, more connected community.
The challenge involved an intensive two-month preparation period. Teams attended online mentoring sessions, honed their proposals during preliminary rounds and semi-final pitches, and culminated their journey by presenting in the final Top 10 pitch event. Their dedication and resilience throughout the process were truly inspiring.
The Judges and Their Expertise
The judging panel comprised professionals from various sectors, offering diverse insights and constructive feedback. Their expertise guided the students in refining their ideas and preparing compelling pitches. For the final pitching, judges included representatives from the LGU Baguio, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). During the preliminary and semi-final rounds, judges also came from agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other relevant organizations.
BSU Teams and Their Projects
Several remarkable teams from Benguet State University (BSU) stood out with their innovative proposals. Representing the College of Information Sciences - Department of Information Technology, these student teams showcased practical solutions to real-world problems.
Team IskolarNgBSU clinched 2nd place in the final pitch with their project IskolarFINDER, a personalized scholarship matchmaker designed to simplify the scholarship search process by connecting students with opportunities tailored to their profiles. The team was composed of Princess Fatima L. Dimasangkay, Mark Andree T. Guaki, Harley Dave M. Pilaspilas, and Kurt Ysaam B. Bagayao, with Henson M. Sagorsor as their mentor. View Project
Team InfoAficionado, one of the semi-finalists, developed OrdiSite, a user-friendly platform that centralizes and organizes Baguio City’s ordinances. This tool makes legal information more accessible and engaging for citizens. The team included Tristan P. Serafino, Walem Paul C. Polo, and Roj Justin D. Rillera, also mentored by Henson M. Sagorsor. View Project
Another semi-finalist, Team Navigators, introduced ASAN (“Ang iyong unang maaasahan”), a tool aimed at centralizing lost and found items in coordination with city services, helping improve service efficiency and connectivity for residents. Team members included Dione Andrei M. Antero, Ysaac C. Balanon, Romliander Andrei A. Dampilag, and Ron Karlo B. Quodala, mentored by Delia W. Leon. View Project
What Did I Learn?
Stay Creative
Creativity fuels innovation, providing the spark needed to develop groundbreaking ideas. During the challenge, I witnessed students think outside the box and come up with inventive solutions for real-world problems. This experience reinforced the importance of fostering a creative mindset, which allows for fresh perspectives and unique approaches. Embracing creativity can lead to solutions that not only solve issues but also inspire others.
Innovation is Necessary
In a constantly evolving world, innovation is essential for progress and adaptation. The challenge underscored how new ideas and continuous improvement can address community needs and enhance city services. Without innovation, cities risk stagnation, making it harder to solve emerging problems. Emphasizing innovation helps create dynamic, forward-thinking solutions that keep communities thriving.
Be a Problem Solver
Effective pitches are grounded in practical solutions to real-world challenges. By encouraging students to adopt a problem-solving mindset, they focused on addressing the actual needs of the community. This approach resulted in impactful proposals that offered tangible benefits. Problem-solving is about finding viable solutions and demonstrating how they can make a meaningful difference.
People Relate to Stories
Facts tell, but stories sell. While facts provide information, stories create emotional connections. In sales and marketing, I’ve seen how people resonate with relatable narratives that reflect shared experiences. The students who excelled in their pitches combined solid ideas with compelling stories, making their solutions memorable and engaging. Crafting a narrative that connects with the audience can be the key to delivering a persuasive pitch.
Take Feedback as Constructive
Feedback, whether positive or critical, is an opportunity for growth. Not everyone will agree with your vision, and that’s perfectly fine. The challenge taught students to refine their ideas based on constructive feedback and to seek supporters who understood their goals. Learning to embrace feedback helps in strengthening proposals and finding the right audience for your vision.
Mentorship and Growth
Being part of the Baguio Smart City Challenge as a mentor was an enriching experience. While I provided moral support and constructive feedback, the original ideas and creativity came entirely from the students. My role was to foster a positive, encouraging atmosphere and help them stay motivated.
Their commitment, resilience, and innovative spirit were inspiring. I have no doubt that their contributions will shape Baguio’s future, making it a smarter and more connected city.
Final Thoughts
To anyone considering participating in similar challenges:
- Believe in your ideas.
- Stay persistent.
- Embrace the learning journey.
The path may be challenging, but the growth and experience are worth it.
Thank you to the organizers, judges, and especially the students for making this journey of innovation and learning unforgettable. Your dedication to building a better community is truly commendable.
For more information, visit:
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!