MMSU holds DOST-funded masterclass for agripreneurs
By Ian Paul Villanueva
The university’s Agribusiness Hub (ABH) under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program kicked off its Agripreneurship Masterclass for “agripreneurs” (agriculture entrepreneurs) based in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur on March 16 at the MMSU University Board Review Center.
The program, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), gathered participants from diverse entrepreneurial pursuits across Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. This four-day capacity-building intervention aims to strengthen aspiring agripreneurs’ technical and business competencies.
Prof. Ethel Reynda Calivoso, ABH Project Leader, said that there are promising technologies that remain either underutilized or unutilized. Consequently, micro, small, and medium enterprises struggle to grow beyond small-scale operations.
“Empowering entrepreneurs begins with helping them recognize their own potential and equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to turn ideas into sustainable enterprises,” she said.
Dr. Dionisio Bucao, MMSU Director of Research and RAISE Program Leader, explained the role of agriculture in the Ilocos Region’s economy and urged the participants to adopt a mindset of entrepreneurship.
“Agriculture is the backbone or pillar of our economy in Ilocos Region, but we need to adopt an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset so that we do not remain driven by traditional agricultural practices but add more value to the commodities that we produce. This will further strengthen our local economies,” Dr. Bucao remarked.
In his message, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., challenged the participants to draw as much learning as they can from the program and apply it in their businesses, noting the importance of agribusiness to the economy.
“Agribusiness covers the whole value chain of agricultural production, from preparation to service delivery. As such, its importance to the local, provincial, and regional economy cannot be overstated. I challenge you, our participants, to learn as best as you can from this masterclass because the success of whatever startup you may pursue in the future will be the success of our economy,” Dr. Manzano said.
The organizers said this week’s masterclass is only the first of several iterations, with the succeeding ones to be held for participants from La Union and Pangasinan.
Mar, 16, 2026 05:02:pm
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