FORUM: Innovation more than just technology

Innovation took center stage at the Innovate Cebu forum as government officials, business leaders, and students came together to champion collaboration and local ingenuity as key drivers of the province’s growth and resilience.

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Jokin Aboitiz, deputy chief operating officer of Aboitiz Distribution Power Utilities, urged stakeholders to see innovation as more than just technology.

“Innovation is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ It’s a survival too. It’s not just about apps or digital tools. It’s about how we think, how we solve, and how we serve better together,” Aboitiz said.

He emphasized Cebu’s rich industrial roots and its long history of resilience.

“If we could be resilient through crises, we can also be resilient in normal times,” he added.

Aboitiz stressed the need to include communities, schools, LGUs, and partners in innovation efforts. He introduced four “lenses of innovation” simplify, automate, breakthrough, and scale as guiding principles for building impactful solutions.

“Young people are not just the future, they are the now,” Aboitiz said.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Pam Baricuatro, Paulo Uy, head of Investment and Promotions and chief of staff of the Cebu Provincial Government, highlighted Cebuano resourcefulness as a foundation for innovation.