The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently supported the inauguration anniversary and 1st TechnOlympics of one of its Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators (ATBIs), the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU).
The event was held on November 29, 2022 at Sunstar Mall, Sta. Cruz, Laguna in celebration of LSPU’s 70th Founding Anniversary with the theme, “LSPU @ 70: Overcoming Challenges in Sustaining Excellence and Global Competitiveness.”
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This activity recognizes LSPU-ATBI's unwavering commitment in nurturing start-ups to produce successful technology-based enterprises that can create a niche in the market. Six new partner-incubatees of LSPU-ATBI were welcomed through a ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). These are the: Cacao Farmers Association of Nagcarlan (CFAN); Eostre Integrated Farm; JCO Fish Retailing’s Mang Piyo; Mushroom Research and Processing Center; SurFries Fries Station; and Twin Cakes and Pastries.
For the TechnOlympics, 20 start-up incubatees had set up booths that featured their various technologies and innovative products. An elevator pitching competition was also conducted. The winners for the concluded TechnOlympics were the following:
- Champion: Cacao Farmers Association of Nagcarlan (P15,000 cash prize)
- 1st Runner-up: PrimaCassava Food Products (P10,000 cash prize)
- 2nd Runner-up: Insiklo PH (P5,000 cash prize)
Special Awards:
- Best Product Label and Packaging: Cacao Farmers Association of Nagcarlan
- Best Product Display: PrimaCassava Food Products
- Most Innovative Award: Insiklo PH
- Best Christmas Package: Derickrose Food Products' Everything Pickled
- People's Choice Award: JCO Fish Retailing
The speakers and judges who greeted the competing startup-incubatees include LSPU President, Dr. Mariano R. Briones; LSPU Vice President for R&D, Dr. Robert C. Agatep; LSPU Vice President for Administration, Engr. Beltran P. Pedrigal; PCAARRD OIC-Deputy Executive Director for R&D, Dr. Juanito T. Batalon; DOST-CALABARZON Assistant Regional Director, Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla; Agribusiness and Marketing Consultant, Mr. Enrique R. Barile; Trade and Industry Development Specialist, Mr. Emmanuel L. Lapitan; Laguna Provincial Agriculturist Marlon P. Tobias; Pila, Laguna Municipal Councilor, Hon. Atty. Queen Marilyd Alarva; and CDO Foodsphere, Inc. Associate Vice President for Research and Product Development, Ms. Baby Helen C. Llamas.
Dr. Briones emphasized the importance of such activities to promote advances in innovation and technopreneurship for sustainable agri-aqua development. He added that the University is grateful for DOST-PCAARRD’s support in this endeavor. Dr. Batalon, on the other hand, applauded LSPU’s perseverance in bringing technologies further and more available to the countrymen towards a competitive agri-aqua industry that maximizes the potential of every innovation.
This initiative was organized by the LSPU-ATBI Team headed by Engr. Isabelita T. Domingo together with ATBI Project Manager Ms. Mary Ann L. Barile.