The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Directors’ Council (DC) and Governing Council (GC) have approved Cavite State University’s (CvSU) request for funding to continue the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program in Southern Tagalog.
The approval was granted during their meetings held on July 16, 2024, and August 12, 2024, respectively. RAISE Phase 2 was approved with a total budget of PhP63,729,796.00.
The RAISE program, now entering its second phase, focuses on strengthening technology commercialization across Southern Tagalog. The program is designed around four key components: Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM), Agribusiness Hub (ABH), Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI), and Knowledge Management (KM). A total of PhP29,282,489 has been allocated to CvSU to fund these regional initiatives under the leadership of Dr. Teddy Tepora who serves as the program leader.
Dr. Tepora will also oversee the IPTBM component, while the other components will be led by new project leaders: Engr. Gee Jay C. Bartolome for the ABH, Dr. Rowena R. Noceda for the ATBI, and Dr. Lloyd O. Balinado for KM.
The project is set to run for a period of two years, from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, during which the initiatives will continue to foster innovation and strengthen the region’s agribusiness and aquaculture sectors.
In addition to CvSU, 10 other institutions will collaborate in the implementation of the RAISE program. These include various organizations under each component, such as Batangas State University, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Marinduque State University (MSU), Rizal Technological University (RTU), Romblon State University (RSU), Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), University of Rizal System (URS), University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB), and Western Philippines University (WPU). Additionally, LSPU, FPRDI, and WPU will implement the ATBI component, contributing to a total of 17 approved projects under the RAISE Southern Tagalog Phase 2 initiative.
As part of Phase 2, a series of mentorship activities will be conducted to enhance key areas such as Intellectual Property Management, Technology Commercialization, Agri-business, ATBI Management, Technology Promotion, and Communication Planning. These sessions will be vital in equipping stakeholders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of technology commercialization.
Moreover, several important events will be organized, including Regional Technology Pitching, Networking Events, Information Caravans, National Spinoff Writeshop, and the National ATBI Summit. These activities aim to promote collaboration, showcase innovations, and provide opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange among key players in the agri-aqua sector. (by Rhuzel Leinster Dean J. Julian)
