By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

An Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) facility is now in place at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to promote its mature technologies and to empower the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the locality. 

The MMSU-ATBI facility was inaugurated through the unveiling of its marker yesterday, February 16, at the One Stop Information Shop of the University Crops Research Laboratory. 

ATBI project leader Ethel Reynda Calivoso said the marker symbolizes MMSU’s commitment to effectively commercialize its various technologies in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector, and to develop viable agribusinesses through technology incubation. 

The facility was established through the collective efforts of MMSU and the Department of Science of Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). 

MMSU vice president for academic affairs Prima Fe Franco thanked the DOST-PCAARRD for their support to the project. She added that through the ATBI, the university is now more able to assist local entrepreneurs in the region through technical and marketing assistance, capacity-building, and business development.

DOST Ilocos Norte Director Benjamin Mercado commended MMSU for exploring ways to help the MSMEs. He also expressed the agency’s support to the university in empowering more entrepreneurs in using science and technology in their businesses. 

“Through our continuing efforts, I believe we will reach, encourage, and empower more entrepreneurs to help nurture the agri-aqua sector in the region,” expressed PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division Director Noel Catibog in a video message. 

The unveiling of ATBI marker was followed by a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing between MMSU; the Mikiloco Instant Noodle Processing at Brgy. Tabug, City of Batac as incubatee; and the Treasure Trove Resort in Brgy. Magnuang, Batac and Nest Resort in Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud as business partners. The agreement was signed by vice president Franco, Mikiloco manager Angeline Ceniza, Treasure Trove owner Evangeline Agpaoa, and Nest Resort owner Nestor Pablo. 

MMSU will establish a viable business enterprise for the incubatee and create jobs for the community. The university also gives a non-exclusive and non-transferable right to the two business resorts to market its food products.

“Our contract signing with these local entrepreneurs is a manifestation of our commitment to promote entrepreneurship and produce successful and viable firms in the locality,” said science and technology director Dionisio Bucao, also the program leader of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement program in Region I. 

Dubbed Divergent Aspirations Pivoting Alliances and Networks or DAP-AYAN, the MMSU-ATBI responds to the challenge of creating jobs, promoting public-private partnerships, and developing entrepreneurs for regional economic development. This project was launched in 2021. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)