Millions of Filipinos are still patronizing jeepneys, but passengers need patience while waiting for a ride.

However, Carl’s group has invented an application that can alert commuters when a jeepney is approaching. This app is called “Para Po.”

According to Carl Masedman, a student, “Para Po is essentially a jeepney commuting application wherein users can navigate and see jeepney terminals around the city.” 

His invention became the Cordillera’s representative in the Philippine Start-Up Challenge by DICT in 2023.  

Out of 158 participants who submitted their inventions, they were one of the top 10 finalists. They aim to expand and introduce this app across the country to millions of commuters.  

Currently, it is already being used in some parts of the Philippines.  

The almost four-year collaboration of Franz’s group aims to help young individuals start their businesses and learn different ways to earn using their talents.  

“Creativity accelerator and it empowers the new generation of change-makers,” said Franz Fontanilla, Tech and Fabrication Specialist.

They are just a few of the 34 people helped by an organization in the Cordillera to expand and grow their businesses.  

Dr. Thelma Palaog, Director of the Innovation and Technology Office at the University of the Cordilleras, stated, “The objective of Taraki is to strengthen the start-up ecosystem in the region. We serve as the bridge for everyone, so Taraki will be here to support.”  

However, in the two years of this program, only a few businesses have been encouraged to join.  

“Some still don’t have start-ups; they are unfamiliar with the concept. Others do, but you need to seek them out,” Palaoag added.

That’s why, Palaoag suggested that “We need to include them in the ecosystem to integrate them into the system.”  

This is vital, especially as the Cordillera’s economy continues to thrive.  

Their activities have the approval of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the agency is also their partner in the mission to further improve business and commerce in the Cordillera.  

In 2023 alone, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or the value of products and services generated in the region, reached P361.1 billion compared to the P337.7 billion GDP in 2022.  

The leading industries in the Cordillera economy are still transport & storage and accommodation and food service activities.  

**VANESSA BUGTONG