Karen Vivien A. Conducto, DOST OSEC
On April 3, 2025, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. visited WELA School Systems in Cagayan de Oro City, a homegrown tech startup making waves in the education technology sector. WELA was recently named the 4th fastest-growing company in the Philippines in the 2025 Growth Champions list, a joint project of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and international research firm Statista. At the 5th spot is another DOST-supported company, RedRoot Artists Cooperative, through DOST-National Capital Region.
Source: Inquirer Plus https://plus.inquirer.net/business/ph-growth-champions-2025/
Founded in 2017, WELA School Systems is a multi-awarded startup that develops web-based school management systems. Its all-in-one platform enables students and parents to conveniently view academic tasks, grades, announcements, and billing statements in a single app, helping schools streamline administrative functions and improve communication.
WELA's success story began when CEO/Co-Founder John Vincent Fiel, then in his early twenties, teamed up with his brother, Chris Ian Fiel. Right after earning his degree in Computer Science, John Vincent was encouraged to take on a persistent problem in the education sector: teachers spending too much time on administrative tasks instead of focusing on student learning. That problem became the foundation of WELA’s mission.
WELA’s rapid success has been remarkable. The company achieved an Annual Growth Rate (AGR) of 479.19% and a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 79.59%. From a revenue of ₱21.664 million in 2020, WELA’s earnings soared to ₱125.479 million in 2023, a testament to its expanding reach and market impact. Notably, the company’s growth is not confined to the Philippines; it now boasts international partners and clients in countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
WELA CEO/Co-Founder, Mr. John Vincent Fiel presents the company’s growth over the years.
With support from the DOST’s Technology Business Incubator (TBI) program, WELA received a ₱3 million research start-up grant from the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) in November 2019. After graduating as incubatee of CDObites, a University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-based TBI, it has continued to thrive with the help of this initial funding and ongoing guidance from DOST Region X.
Secretary Solidum met with WELA’s founders, brothers Chris Ian and John Vincent Fiel during his visit at their new office. He took a closer look at their system, asked questions about its functionalities, and shared insights on further scaling the business. In line with DOST’s broader goal of providing solutions and opening opportunities by strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem, he emphasized the agency’s continued commitment to supporting startups and TBIs.
“With the right support and with science, technology, and innovation as their foundation, Filipinos can thrive economically. WELA proves that when our startups are empowered, they can compete globally and uplift entire sectors,” said Secretary Solidum. “The founders were successful because they loved the problem more than the solution, and they didn’t hesitate to seek support from government agencies like the DOST,” he emphasized. “And I always encourage our DOST scholars to take advantage of our technopreneurship program to be equipped with entrepreneurial skills because once they graduate, perhaps, even before they graduate, they can also choose to become their own boss.”
From L-R: Cagayan de Oro Provincial Director, WELA Co-Foudner, Mr. Chris Ian Fiel; DOST X Regional Director, Dr. Romela Ratilla; DOST Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr.; DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang; WELA CEO/Co-Founder, Mr. John Vincent Fiel; DOST X Assistant Regional Director, Mr. Virgilio M. Fuertes.
The Philippines is becoming one of the world’s most dynamic startup hubs, with the country’s technology-based startups now valued at $6.4 billion, up from just $3.5 billion a year ago, as reported in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. WELA School Systems is a prime example of the potential of local startups to compete on a global scale, with DOST’s continuous support helping to drive their success.
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