The first Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) 10 Summit themed, “Converging Stakeholders Toward Resilient Northern Mindanao through Agri-Aqua Innovations: Harnessing Science and Technology for Sustainable Growth,” was recently conducted at the University Convention Center, Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Musuan, Bukidnon.
Held on January 21-22, 2025, the summit was a collaborative effort among CMU, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU-Naawan), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines - Claveria (USTP-Claveria), Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Anchored in the goal of building a dynamic and innovation-centric ecosystem in Northern Mindanao, the RAISE-10 Summit aims to bridge the gaps faced by the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors through convergence and collaboration. Gaps include outdated farming practices, limited access to technologies, and fragmented technology transfer. The summit also offers opportunities to celebrate the achievements of the RAISE Program in Region 10.
CMU President Rolito G. Eballe recognized DOST-PCAARRD for providing support and funding in its efforts to provide solutions to the challenges faced by the AANR sector.
DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Melvin B. Carlos cited that the RAISE 10 Summit is a celebration of the spirit of collaboration and innovation towards a resilient Northern Mindanao. He also expressed DOST-PCAARRD’s heartfelt gratitude to the partners in the program.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the exhibits. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division Director Noel A. Catibog emphasized DOST-PCAARRD’s continued support to the RAISE program in Mindanao through partnership and collaboration as an integral part of sustaining all initiatives.
The first day of the summit started with the unveiling of the RAISE-10 logo; signing of expression of support by the participating agencies and members of the RAISE Advisory Council; ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the exhibits; ; and the inauguration and blessing of the newly-upgraded CMU Intellectual Property and Business Management (IPTBM) building. The summit also hosted a media conference attended by a diverse group of media professionals. It featured a technology forum that covered topics on sustainable agriculture and agri-food innovations.
A technology pitching was conducted on the second day of the summit, where entrepreneurs and innovators introduced cutting-edge solutions to address key challenges in the food industry. The CMU Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) hosted the second incubatees’ summit and graduation ceremony where both graduating and newly onboarded incubatees were recognized.
The inauguration and blessing of the newly-upgraded CMU Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) building. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD’s RAISE Program is an initiative that fosters collaboration among inventors, innovators, and investors towards a competitive innovation system for agriculture and aquaculture. The program seeks to strengthen the Council’s Regional Consortia through Regional Capacity Building and Mentorship, Agri-Technology Business Development, Intellectual Property (IP) Management, Strategic Partnership and Collaboration, and Enhanced Knowledge Management.
Through the program, commercialization and development of science and technology-based agri-aqua enterprises in the AANR sector can advance. Collaboration of committed actors in the innovation ecosystem also paves the way to maximize economic potential of science and technology (S&T) innovations.