by Crisdeniele H. Clemente

Eyeing to help spur growth in the local economy, the Department of Science and Technology – Mariano Marcos State University Bannuar Technology Business Incubator (DOST – MMSU BTBI) held the 2nd Revitalizing Homegrown Industries through Mentorship, Adoption and Technopreneurship (RIMAT) Caravan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on July 18.

The DOST-MMSU TBI team aims to empower awareness of innovation and technology commercialization in the abel weaving and souvenir sectors. It cultivates collaboration, innovation, and growth through technopreneurship.

Loom weavers, inabel retailers, SK members, and out of work women were gathered at the municipal session hall to discuss plans and prospective activities.

Engineer Michelle S. Tulali, junior TBI manager, introduced the technology business incubation project while engineer Artbellson B. Mamuri, University Innovation Technology Support Office chief, discussed MMSU technologies powering innovation and empowering communities. Dr Lawrence A. Eclarin, team leader of the Ilocandia Unliweave Patterns project, presented business incubation for local weaving titled "RIMAT ti Inabel".

To foster collaboration and possible solutions to challenges they face, the participants engaged in a round table session led by Prof. Armie C. Sabugo, MMSU TBI chief and Bannuar TBI project leader, and an interactive ideation session facilitated by Prof. Reena Gilaine C. Barot. These activities sought to stimulate the development of the participants` creative thinking, problem solving, and entrepreneurial mindsets. 

Paoay Mayor Shiella A. Galano and other officials from the local government unit graced the occasion.

Advancing the use of technology in enterprise management and startups development in the province, MMSU launched the TBI project on April 19, 2023. It is supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Resources and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). (HLY, StratCom)