Determined to build a legacy of progress through the fusion of science and entrepreneurship in agriculture and aquaculture, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continuously empowers communities with cutting-edge research, enriching the innovation ecosystem and the lives of the Filipino people.
DOST-PCAARRD, Central Luzon State University, and the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) key officials and staff with the participants of the RAISE Program Batch 2 launching in 2023. (Image credit: CLSU Strategic Communication Office)
In 2022, DOST-PCAARRD launched the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) program with the goal of bringing innovative solutions closer to the people and stimulating inclusive growth and regional development across the nation.
DOST-PCAARRD’s RAISE program is an initiative that brings together science and entrepreneurship in agriculture and aquaculture. By fostering collaboration among inventors, innovators, and investors, the program aims to create a competitive agri-aqua innovation ecosystem that maximizes the potential of science and technology innovations. It expresses the hope of the Council to give rise to the country’s wealth creation, wealth protection, and strategic partnerships to rebuild the economy.
The program is implemented through various project components such as: the Regional Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Office; Regional Agribusiness Hub; Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI); and Regional Knowledge Management Hub. These components work together to support pre-commercialization, promotion, and knowledge management of various technologies, fostering synergy and support to drive groundbreaking advancements.
DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for R&D Dr. Juanito T. Batalon (center) with USeP former President Lourdes C. Generalao, SMAARRDEC Consortium Director Dr. Gilbert Importante, and the RAISE Batch 1 Program/Project Leaders and Staff during the Year-1 Annual Program Review last February 2023 at USeP. (Image credit: University of Southeastern Philippines)
Since its launch in 2022 where it was initially implemented in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Southern Mindanao, the RAISE program has expanded its reach to seven more regions namely, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga.
The program reached new heights in 2023 with the approval and launch of the second batch of projects on October 2, 2023. It is now being participated in by 92 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and research and development institutes (RDIs). It has also received a total funding of P423 million, enabling its progress and impact.
One notable achievement of the RAISE program is the increase in intellectual property applications and the commercialization of viable technologies. The Regional Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Office and the Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) have played a crucial role in this, resulting in 451 patents filed, 34 patents granted, 841 utility models filed, 327 utility models granted, 35 industrial designs, 45 trademarks, 765 copyrights, and 60 commercialization agreements as of May 2024. This demonstrates the program’s commitment to protecting and promoting intellectual property in the agriculture and aquatic sectors.
Moreover, the program has supported 386 incubatees, leading to a significant P118-million commercialization income from licensing and upfront fees. The incubatees and startups have generated a gross income of P118M, while the ATBI operations have brought in P6 million income. Additionally, 42 technologies have been successfully commercialized, creating 75 jobs and hiring 83 project staff.
DOST-PCAARRD, RAISE Batch 1 Program/Project Leaders and Staff, and Investors during the 1st Agri-Aqua Pitch Fest held in December 2022 in Alabang. (Image credit: DOST-PCAARRD)
RAISE also emphasizes skills enhancement in intellectual property and technology commercialization. Through mentorship series, such as the Intellectual Property Master Class (IPMC), Technology Commercialization Mentorship Series (TCMS), Agribusiness Master Class (ABMC), and Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (TPMS), approximately 7,500 participants have had the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. Efforts, like the “Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest” in 2022, have showcased the innovative ideas and projects developed through the program, further inspiring and encouraging participants.
Three topnotch incubatees under the RAISE program were given support through the DOST-PCAARRD Startup Grant Fund (SGF) program. These were the Mushroom City, Inc., the Vera Bella Enterprises Limited Co., and the Blitzkrieg Animal Diagnostic Center (Andali Diagnostic Test Kit).
The Mushroom City, Inc. is a unique agricultural initiative based in Bukidnon. Their products range from mushroom fruiting bags to value-added mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms which, in particular, garnered significant attention due to their flavor and health benefits.
Mushroom City goes beyond farming; it did not only boost the local economy but also encouraged the growth of a broader community of mushroom farmers by creating a sustainable business model in the agricultural sector, demonstrating that innovative and environmentally conscious practices lead to profitability and long-term success.
Some of the products of Daerrys Scoop ‘N Bites. (Image credit: Vera Bella Enterprises Limited Co.)
Vera Bella Enterprises Limited Co., on the other hand, produces tilapia ice cream and cookies. It established its first tilapia ice cream restaurant, Daerrys Scoop ‘N Bites, which opened on March 12, 2023 in Nueva Ecija. These are unique sweet treats made from steamed or roasted tilapia flakes. Both are healthy alternatives to traditional ice creams and cookies as they have no preservatives and contain more protein.
Moreover, the Blitzkrieg Animal Diagnostic Center locally produces inexpensive Andali diagnostic test kits for transboundary animal diseases. These are timely kits dedicated to detect highly contagious diseases in the livestock and poultry industry.
Overall, DOST-PCAARRD’s RAISE program is a shining example of how collaboration between science and entrepreneurship can drive innovation and economic growth in the agriculture and aquatic sectors. It has not only fostered the development and commercialization of technologies but also empowered communities and enriched the lives of the Filipino people.