By Maria Kathrina Ysabel A. Antonio, StratCom Correspondent

Revolutionizing agri-aqua innovation, sustainability, and partnership, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is rolling out the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) program in Ilocos Norte. 

Promotional activities for the RAISE program are being held at the Robinsons Place in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte from September 26 to 29. These include the technology market implementation and product exhibit, lectures on agribusiness management, re-echo on technology promotion and mentorship series, and technology pitch competition. 

The four-day event is conducted in collaboration with the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) and the Ilocos Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (ICIEERD). 

Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, MMSU research director and RAISE program leader, said the event also aims to strengthen partnerships between the member-institutions of the two consortia. 

Representing MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, Atty. Cheska Arla Bagayas, MMSU data protection chief, emphasized the importance of effective planning and communication in promoting agri-aqua knowledge products and technologies in the province and the region.

For his part, provincial Senior Board Member Rafael Chua Medina highlighted the ongoing efforts of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte in establishing a coordinated and responsive hub in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources. He also assured that PGIN, headed by Governor Matthew Manotoc, will continue to implement initiatives that nurture research and development. Medina represented Vice Governor Cecilia Marcos as the keynote speaker. 

ICIEERD chairperson and Northwestern University President Ferdinand S. Nicolas and Department of Trade and Industry OIC Provincial Director Amelia Galvez graced the opening program of the RAISE event. 

Joining the event as exhibitors are the National Tobacco Administration, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, University of Northern Philippines, and the incubatees assisted by the MMSU Bannuar Technology Business Incubator and Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator.

Funded by the DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, the RAISE program is being implemented by 53 state universities and colleges, and research and development institutes in the country. It is composed of 83 projects categorized into four areas: regional intellectual property technology business management office; regional agribusiness hub; regional agri-aqua technology business incubator; and, regional knowledge management hub. (JVBT/DPT, StratCom)