The Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) hosted the Agri-Innovation Forum 2025 themed, “Sisidlan: Igniting Minds to Transform Agri-Aqua InnoVention,” on March 17-21, 2025 at the Bren Z. Guiao Memorial Multi-Purpose Center, PSAU, Magalang, Pampanga.
The five-day event showcased groundbreaking ideas and promoted collaboration among stakeholders in Central Luzon. It concluded with the ceremonial signing of the pledge of commitment by the members of the Board of Advisors (BOA) for the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD)-supported PSAU-SIBUL Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and a pitching session that promoted the agri-aqua innovations of researchers and students in the region.
PSAU President Anita G. David expressed her gratitude to the partner state universities and colleges (SUCs), sponsors, and participants of the pitching event and highlighted the event as a way for researchers and students to present their innovative ideas to both public and private sectors to improve the state of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector in the country.
In a virtual message, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Deputy Director Mr. Joselito G. Florendo motivated participants in keeping the momentum going for agricultural innovations in transforming the future of agri-aqua in Southeast Asia.
On behalf of DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Director Noel A. Catibog also encouraged participants in licensing their technologies to potential investors and collaborating with programs such as the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) that can aid in commercializing these technologies.
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) Assistant Director Joell H. Lales expressed his interest in supporting projects to ensure the development of agriculture and fisheries across the country.
Meanwhile, PSAU Project Leader and Director of the Office of Innovation Walter L. Pacunana encouraged collaborations among academia, government agencies, and farming communities for a good future of our farmers and fisherfolk for a more sustainable Philippines.
The pitching event for researchers and students happened simultaneously at the Bren Z. Guiao Memorial Multi-Purpose Center and Audio Visual Room. Moreover, the PSAU-SIBUL TBI Board of Advisors’ Pledge of Commitment commenced at the University Food Center Conference Room.
Winners of the pitching for the Research Category are the following:
- Nutri-Quillos, PSAU (1st Place)
- Grain Probe Moisture Meter, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) (2nd Place)
- Chevon-based Food Products, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) (3rd Place)
- Mango Insect Pest Monitoring Device, President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) (4th Place)
- Fly (Dipteria) Trap, Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) (5th Place)
For the Student Category, winners of the pitching are the following:
- Cocoguard Biopesticide, PSAU (1st Place)
- Next-Generation Automated IoT-Based Aeration Device (NAIAD), BPSU (2nd Place)
- Solar-powered Intelligent Automated Drip Irrigation System for Small-scale Onion Crop Production, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) (3rd Place)
- Cob Delights, CLSU (4th Place)
- QUACKSTIL, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Pulilan Campus (PUP-Pulilan) (5th Place)
Winners of the poster-making contest for the Researcher Category are the following:
- NAIAD, BPSU (1st Place)
- Cocoguard Biopesticide, PSAU (2nd Place)
- Solar-powered Intelligent Automated Drip Irrigation System for Small-scale Onion Crop Production, TAU (3rd Place)
Lastly, the winners of the poster-making contest for the Student Category are the following:
- Chevon-based Food Products, CLSU (1st Place)
- Z3: Zest, Zen, Zing, Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) (2nd Place)
- Grain Probe Moisture Meter, PHilMech (3rd Place)
Through the technology pitching activity, researcher- and student-innovators showcased their products and technologies with high commercialization potential for the advancement of the AANR sector in the Philippines. Moreover, the PSAU-SIBUL TBI Board of Advisors’ Pledge of Commitment is a testament to the continuous collaboration of various public and private sectors in fostering a stronger AANR landscape in the country.