27-28
MAY
2025
Cebu Technological University’s Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (CTU-RATBI) successfully led the conduct of the Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) Masterclass held on May 27–28, 2025.
The two-day event brought together 12 representatives from universities across the Central Visayas, all united by a shared commitment to advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
Led by Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez, the training sessions offered a comprehensive framework for launching ATBIs in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), emphasizing incubation fundamentals, resource mapping, and institutional planning for sustainable tech-based enterprises.
The event was formally opened with messages of support from key stakeholders including Engr. Adrian D. Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VII, who underscored the role of RATBIs in empowering farmers, fisherfolk, and local researchers.
Engr. Cruz emphasized, “Activities like this lay the essential groundwork for the transformative establishment of Regional ATBIs, which serve as engines to empower our farmers, fisherfolk, and especially our researchers,” he said.
CVAARDEC Consortium Director Dr. Ivy Corazon Mangaya-ay and CTU Vice President for Research and Development Dr. Pet Roey L. Pascual also honored the event with heartfelt messages of inspiration and steadfast support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing agri-aqua technology initiatives.
Guest speaker Dr. Jonathan N. Nayga highlighted the vital role of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in universities, noting that they serve as vital platforms for translating academic research into commercial products and services.
Day 1 focused on foundational aspects of ATBI development, featuring sessions on framework design, resource identification, and partnership building. Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez outlined key structural and policy elements for ATBI setup, followed by Dr. Siegfried D. Mendoza’s discussion on securing infrastructure and support resources. Prof. Marlou C. Godinez concluded with strategies for forging institutional and sectoral partnerships. Together, the sessions emphasized the essential pillars for successful ATBI implementation: infrastructure, resources, and collaboration.
Day 2 centered on the practical management of ATBIs, beginning with Dr. Siegfried D. Mendoza’s detailed walkthrough of the ATBI Operations Manual, covering staffing, mentorship, and enterprise development. This was followed by an interactive workshop, where participants discussed institutional challenges, support needs, and recommendations for improving the RATBI program through structured focus group discussions. The session encouraged collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and critical reflection, culminating in group presentations of proposed solutions, implementation strategies, and potential partnership models to strengthen the regional ATBI network.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees. In his closing remarks, Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Deputy Executive Director for R&D at PCAARRD-DOST, praised the masterclass for advancing regional innovation capacity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive, innovation-driven growth in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors. – Sheila Edoloverio, Project Technical Assistant I – CTU RATBI