Game changer
Technology has created a train of opportunities in the country, especially in the contemporary entrepreneurial setting.
Cebu, being a tech hub in the Visayas, houses one of the most vibrant tech cultures across the board. In every thriving scene, there are always players in the background. But it’s not every day that these people give just for giving’s sake. To some, working pro bono is the way to do it because it all boils down to the advocacy of buoying the local pride.
Tina Amper wanted to give back to the community. After earning her bachelor’s degree in electronics communications engineering at the University of San Carlos, she flew straight to America for a Masters in Business Administration at Pepperdine University in California. With scopes stretching from product marketing to recruitment to research, Tina built a reputation as business professional in the international tech industry. While she was at it, it occurred to her that there was a significant gap between successful Filipinos abroad and in the Philippines. Tina’s labor stint at Silicon Valley in the US paved the way for an initiative.
“It started with casual talks over cups of coffee,” she recalled.
In 2010, Tina conceptualized an idea that she would later realize when she returned to Cebu. When she finally went home in 2012, the brainchild was in full swing. Tina became a startup ecosystem builder. As a side note, startup by definition is generally identified with technology; tech-enabled new business designs, that is. By organizing tech events, Tina functioned as an influential force among others who are drumming up the local tech community.
In collaboration with friends Mark Buenconsejo of healthcare applications source Caresharing; Dave Overton of techonolgy solutions provider Symph; and Doris Mongaya of public relations outfit PRworks among others, Tina founded TechTalks.ph (TT), a non-profit organization that supports tech startups and enthusiasts; and promotes information and communication technology (ICT) careers in the Philippines. Under its belt are the Seattle-based global grassroots startup movement “Startup Weekend” and international technology conference “Geeks on a Beach (Goab).
TT is headquartered in Cebu with chapters in Manila, Bohol, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro City, Dumaguete and Zamboanga. Its role in the Philippine startup ecosystem has been recognized continually by the Department of Science and Technology. The goal is to develop a farm-to-market highway that enables any Juan and Juana to ride the path to economic prosperity and professional growth via TT activities.
Confident with the Filipino competence, Tina said that the next inventor of hit digital outputs such as Facebook, Instagram and Floppy Bird might just be lurking somewhere in the countryside. But entrepreneurship is not easy. Startup is not for everybody. Tina mentioned that startups has high mortality rate wherein only three percent are most likely to succeed upon inception while 97 percent of the volume fails.
For better chances of success, a typical startup must involve two to three individuals. Ideally, at least one is inclined with technology. Passion, perseverance and (funding) are basic requirements. Tina underlined that it takes a village to put up a strong startup community especially here in the Philippines where the situation is challenged by political and cultural issues, let alone poverty. But people like Tina are pushing for startups because of the potential upside.
“ICT careers are high paying jobs where Filipinos can really compete globally. The Internet is so powerful it could elevate an economy of the entire country,” to support entrepreneurs, more so tech entrepreneurs is Tina’s call.
Welcoming anyone, especially those of the younger generation to participate in this technological cause, Tina hopes for a better future for startups, one that is held up by startups themselves, mentors, investors, the academe and above all, the government.
“Filipinos need to do away with the mentality of settling for less. We are world-class. We need to tell the world that. Technology is one practical platform to connect to the world. But at the end of the day, we at TT and the likes only lay down opportunities. Change starts with the individual,” Tina posed a challenged.