Agri-10 convenes key stakeholders to advance the TBI program.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened key stakeholders on Monday, July 22 for a round table discussion aimed at accelerating the development of its Technology Business Incubation (TBI) program.
The event marked a pivotal step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among local farmers and farming communities.
The TBI initiative, funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and currently in Phase 2, focuses on equipping incubators with essential capabilities and identifying potential incubatees within the region.
Spearheading the discussion, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca underscored the program’s potential to empower small-scale farmers and Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) as thriving entrepreneurs.
“We believe that the TBI can catalyze economic growth among our agricultural stakeholders,” stated Dir. Dumayaca, emphasizing the role of entrepreneurship in sustainable development.
Joining the discussion, Department of Science and Technology-10 (DOST-10) Regional Director Romela N. Ratilla expressed optimism about the collaboration.
She highlighted the success stories of entrepreneurs supported by DOST-10, envisioning similar achievements through the incubation process for FCAs.
The discussion also showcased best practices from existing TBIs and startup enablers across Region 10, aimed at bolstering DA-RFO 10’s capacity to support local agribusiness ventures.
The event drew participation from key figures, including presidents Rolito Eballe of Central Mindanao University (CMU) and Ambrosio Cultura of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), as well as officials from DOST-10, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), Department of Trade and Industry-10 (DTI-10), Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-10), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), and CDO BITES (Business Incubation Technology Entrepreneurships and Startups).
DA-RFO 10 remains committed to nurturing a culture of innovation and enterprise in agriculture, guided by collaborative efforts aimed at realizing the full potential of the TBI program through DA-10’s Research Division.#(ATC)