By Bryan R. Realgo 

Empowering entrepreneurs in the locality, Mariano Marcos State University opened collaborative opportunities for local food processors, vowing to facilitate an effective and efficient mentoring to improve their business operations.

On December 2, MMSU signed a Memorandum of Agreement with six participants of the Agri-aqua Technology business incubation program of the university.

The MSMEs to be benefitted by the project are Mistro’s IPOD owned by Mr. Clifford Michael Agbayani; Pickled White Gold by Ms. Sharon Dando and Ms. Roselle Hibaya; Ergon Foods by Mr. James Cedrick Gumtang; Wawagi Food Products Manufacturing by Ms. Rica Pearl Cacpal; Bersalona’s Fruit Food Products Processing by Mr. Joselito Bersalona; and VEA Eco Farm Food Products by Mr. Michael Vincent Vea. Cacpal, Dando, Gumtang, Hibaya  and Vea are MMSU graduates.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the commitment of the university in helping the community and all stakeholders. “We are steadfast to foster ecosystems of entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and funding so entrepreneurs can maximize their potentials," she said.

Ms. Cacpal, owner of Wawagi Food Products Manufacturing in Dumalneg town, a BS Agriculture graduate in 2018, expressed her gratitude to the university. “This opportunity will surely propel our business to greater growth of success,” she shared.

Prof. Ethel Reynda Calivoso serves as the ATBI project leader under the Science and Technology Park Director Dionisio Bucao.

Present also in the event were Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, vice president for research, extension and business, Prof Armie Sabugo, chief for technology business incubation, Ms. Lenie Bayangos, director for business, Dr. Felicitas Sanculii, chief of the MMSU Food Products and Innovation Center, and the staff of S&T and ATBI.

In line with MMSU’s commitment on transformative extension programs, the partnership is aimed to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in local communities. (APT/JVBT/HYDL, StratCom)