USTP Panaon student startup showcases marine technology innovation at Systemwide Pitching Competition
By Gizelle John M. Tacas-tacas, MBA, LPT, CET Coordinator and James Francis Mendoza, BSIT 3rd Year Student, USTP Panaon
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A student-led startup from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Panaon, Misamis Occidental (USTP Panaon) showcased an innovative solution for coastal safety and environmental monitoring during the Systemwide Pitching Competition held on March 25, 2026, at the ITB AVR, COM Building, USTP Cagayan de Oro.
The team behind PELAGO (Precision Environmental Locating & Aquatic Guard Observer) presented a deep-technology solution designed to support the safety and sustainability of coastal communities. Drawing from firsthand experiences with the risks of underwater work, the group demonstrated how locally developed innovations can bridge the gap between advanced marine technology and community accessibility.
PELAGO is designed as a modular, low-cost alternative to conventional Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), which are often expensive and inaccessible to local users. The system features a joystick-controlled interface that allows operators to navigate underwater environments, reducing the need for hazardous human dives. This enables coastal local government units (LGUs) and organizations to conduct coral reef monitoring and infrastructure inspections more safely and efficiently.
The innovation also integrates Internet of Things (IoT) sensors capable of providing real-time data on key environmental parameters such as salinity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen. These features transform the system into a mobile monitoring platform, offering accessible and timely scientific data for environmental management. In addition, the design emphasizes repairability using locally available materials, ensuring sustainability and usability in remote coastal areas with limited technical support.
The team, composed of Paul B. Regalado, Wilson C. Navarez, James Francis Mendoza, Kim Adam Z. Blacer, and Janessa J. Sajulga, highlighted the potential of student-driven innovation to address real-world challenges. Their presentation underscored the viability of scalable, locally developed technologies that can support coastal communities across the country.
The participation of USTP Panaon in the competition reflects the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, research, and technology-driven solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and community development.
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