By Jysel Ashley Ayop
Xavier University sent a 12-member scholar delegation to the third edition of the Young Banatao Learning Lab (YBLL 3.0), featuring nine basic track participants, two advanced track students, and one youth leader who embarked on a transformative “technopreneurship” journey.
The program kicked off with the Onboarding and Design Thinking Camp from January 28 to 30 at FactSet Philippines’ office in One LeGrand Tower, McKinley West, Taguig City. It gathered 59 participants from seven universities across Luzon and Mindanao, including 40 basic track students (20 in technology and 20 in finance) and 19 advanced track students (10 tech, 9 finance).
Delegation Breakdown
XU’s team embodied the program’s interdisciplinary focus, drawing from accountancy and computing disciplines, with basic track scholars composed of second- and third-year undergraduates Cephas Ben Raj G Umel (BSIT-2), Charisse Althea N Tupas (BSCS-3), Janna Katarina Nuelle S Obispo (BSCS-2), Casimir Elijah L Bajarla (BSCS-2), Khlienn Ernest Nemeno (BSAcc-2), Vanice John S Canoy (BSAcc-3), Jeanette Joie C Lim (BSAcc-3), Jose Emmanuel A Mayor (BSAcc-3), and Angela Beatrice Ravanera (BSAcc-3). The advanced track participants brought additional expertise, with Loryjane Wallace Elison (BSAcc-4) representing finance and Princess Juriera Yuson (BSECE-3) representing technology.
Advanced Track Spotlight
Advanced track participants Loryjane Wallace Elison and Princess Juriera Yuson engaged in parallel sessions on team formation, problem analysis, and higher-level technopreneurship workshops during the program. Elison said, “I’m looking forward to gaining new learnings, particularly opportunities that will further enhance my skills, expand my network, and allow me to apply what I learn in real-world situations.”
Yuson shared, “This year, I want to be more intentional with how I lead and serve. My goal is to not only improve myself but to help uplift others, whether through encouragement, collaboration, or simply being present when it matters.” Jysel Ashley Ayop, a BS Information Systems senior and XU’s Community of Practice (CoP) representative, co-led activities alongside youth leaders and alumni to help shape discussions relevant to student experiences.
Basic Track Insights
Basic track participants developed foundational skills in workforce development, technopreneurship fundamentals, and human-centered design thinking through interactive sessions. Janna Katarina Nuelle Obispo, a basic technology track participant, said, “I hope to develop my skills in public speaking, teamwork, and leadership during the YBLL. I am looking forward to experiencing the technopreneurship breakout sessions, as this would be my first time being introduced to the idea and program.”
Jeanette Joie Lim, a basic finance track participant, shared, “Joining YBLL 3.0 felt like perfect timing. I was already reflecting on whether I wanted to continue pursuing leadership opportunities, and when YBLL came along, it felt like a clear sign to take that step forward. What truly drew me in was the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and learn from mentors who have walked their own leadership journeys.”
Day 1: Foundations and Connections
Day 1 started in the Multipurpose Hall with FactSet and PhilDev videos, welcoming remarks from Inna Morillo of PhilDev and Joie Dizon of FactSet, and onboarding sessions on challenge areas that blended technology, finance, and impact. Alumni testimonials inspired participants, followed by introductions from the FactSet teams in human resources, client solutions, and software engineering, as well as a panel on values-driven leadership that featured Troyss Pilapil, Czar Carbonel, and Meggy Caparas. In the afternoon, breakout sessions offered workforce development masterclasses for basic technology and finance participants and advanced groups, along with mentorship matching and icebreakers, and the day ended with office tours and a community night.
Day 2: Technopreneurship Sprint
The basic track dived into entrepreneurship fundamentals, while the advanced track handled team formation and problem analysis led by Bella Del Rio of PhilDev and Christine Faith Germinal of Focal Labs. After lunch, Resty Collado of SCALE NCR guided participants through the design thinking process, covering the empathy and define stages followed by ideation, prototyping, and storyboarding. The day previewed the “pocket pitch karaoke” activity before dinner.
Day 3: Pitch Climax
The basic track tested prototypes with feedback iterations, followed by coaching on pitch decks. In the afternoon, 12–14 teams pitched (3-min pitch + Q&A) to judges Samantha Chico and Inna Morillo (PhilDev), Justin Ambata and Renzo Casalme (FactSet), and Resty Collado. Afterwards, a synthesis session was held, featuring testimonials, and the day wrapped up with a closing Amazing Race at Venice Grand Canal.
Yearlong Impact
For these 12 XU Scholars, YBLL 3.0 marked not just skill-building but a pivotal step toward becoming technopreneurial leaders from Mindanao, ready to bridge the tech skills gap and drive innovation in Philippine industries.
The onboarding camp set the stage for a yearlong journey of mentorship, workshops, and culminating hackathons or ideathons, empowering the delegation to create meaningful community impact.