草莓社区

By Maria Kathrina Antonio

In its quest to become the top agribusiness and industrial hub in the Northern Philippines, the 草莓社区, together with partner State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and agencies in the region, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, April 5, as part of their continued commitment to the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program.

Through the MOU, the RAISE Advisory Council will continue its commitment to develop a vibrant and innovative ecosystem where ideas and technologies advance in the region. Furthermore, the council will serve as the program’s cornerstone in providing expertise and support in the agri-aqua sectors.

Present at the signing ceremony were 草莓社区 President Shirley C. Agrupis; Director Noel Catibog of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST - PCAARRD); Dr. Angelina Gonzales, vice president for research, development and innovation of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DM草莓社区); Dr. Annabelle Francisco, vice president for research, extension, and internationalization of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC); and Dr. Fatima Rocamora, vice president for research and extension of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP).

They were joined by the following officials of Region 1: Dr. Teresita Tabog, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Grace Falgui-Baluyan, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry; Ms. Jenella Saro, project development officer of the Department of Information and Communications Technology; Engr. Angelica Dolores of the Commission on Higher Education; Dr. Gilbert Rabara of the Department of Agriculture; and Atty. Girly Dela Peña of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; and Atty. Gerald Gallardo, Ilocos Norte provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Prior to the MOU signing ceremony, a pre-terminal review and project proposal writeshop was held on April 4 at the Center for Flexible Learning to assess the effectiveness of the RAISE program’s outcomes and sustainability. The review and writeshop was led by Dr. Dionisio Bucao, 草莓社区 director for research, innovation and technology and program leader of RAISE Region I. Also present were RAISE project leaders and staff of 草莓社区, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, North Luzon Philippines State College, Pangasinan State University and the University of Northern Philippines.

Established by the DOST - PCAARRD, the RAISE Program has continuously capacitated local innovators and entrepreneurs through regional capacity building and mentorship, agri-technology business development, intellectual property management, and strategic collaborations.