As part of its continuing efforts to advance innovation and technology transfer, Cebu Technological University (CTU), through the DOST-PCAARRD-funded Project 1B: Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) and Project 3: Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (RAISE) Program, successfully hosted the Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Fair and Regional ATBI Master Class Phase 2 on July 1–2, 2025, at the Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu City.
The two-day event served as a vital platform for fostering knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial collaboration across the region.
DAY 1 – Regional Technology Fair
The activity commenced with an opening message and statement of purpose from Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez, Project Leader, setting the tone for a collaborative and innovation-driven gathering. This was followed by a series of Special Messages delivered by esteemed partners and stakeholders, led by a recorded message from Dr. Pet Roey L. Pascual, CTU Vice President for Research and Development.
Key representatives and dignitaries from collaborating agencies also graced the event, underscoring the importance of multi-sectoral support for technology development and innovation. Among them was Dr. Noel A. Catibog, Director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) of PCAARRD, who shared his insights through a pre-recorded video message. Also in attendance were Mr. Rino Dominic C. Cabungcal, Provincial S&T Director of DOST Cebu; Dr. Ivy Corazon Mangaya-ay, Consortium Director of CVAARRDEC; Ms. Evelyn Nacario-Castro, Assistant Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VII; and Ms. Gerin E. Vergara, Chief Trade-Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VII. Their presence reflected a strong commitment to regional innovation, public-private partnerships, and sustainable technology commercialization.
Incubatees, industry experts, and technology developers actively engaged in technology pitching sessions, knowledge sharing, and product validation discussions, contributing to the dynamic and collaborative atmosphere of the fair.
DAY 2 – Regional ATBI MC II
The second day focused on enhancing incubator excellence through the Regional ATBI Master Class Phase 2, which provided a structured and participatory approach to developing standardized operations manuals for agri-aqua technology business incubators. The event opened with a series of best practice presentations from regional incubators, beginning with Prof. Mark Glenn F. Villamor, Project Leader from CAPSU, followed by Dr. Elmera Y. Barioc, Project Leader from VSU. Prof. Jes Maries M. Mendez, Project Staff of BISU ATBI, and Dr. Siegfried D. Mendoza, Project Staff of CTU RATBI, also shared their institutional experiences and strategies in managing incubator operations. These presentations set the foundation for in-depth discussions and collaboration during the succeeding workshop sessions.
These presentations provided valuable insights into operational strategies, challenges, and innovations from various institutional contexts.
Following an open forum and lunch break, a hands-on workshop on ATBI operations manual development was facilitated by Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez, Project Leader. This workshop allowed participants to collaboratively refine guidelines and align incubator practices for greater efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.
The activity concluded with the presentation of outputs, a synthesis and way forward session, and closing remarks led by Dr. Ybañez. A ceremonial distribution of certificates followed, formally concluding the two-day engagement.
This Master Class reinforced the importance of harmonized incubator systems, peer learning, and inter-agency support in shaping a more resilient and responsive technology commercialization ecosystem in the region.
Overall, the successful conduct of the Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Fair and ATBI Master Class Phase 2 marked a significant milestone in advancing regional innovation ecosystems. By bringing together key stakeholders from higher education institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and incubatees, the two-day event fostered meaningful collaboration, strengthened institutional capacities, and laid the groundwork for more harmonized and sustainable technology commercialization practices across the agri-aqua sector in the Visayas region.
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