Agropolis Science and Technology Park
The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) has one main campus (USTP Alubijid) and two major campuses (USTP Cagayan de Oro and USTP Claveria). USTP Claveria will house the Agropolis Science and Technology (S&T) Park, which is located in the idyllic town of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.
The establishment of the Agropolis S&T Park will institutionalize the innovation ecoystem of the University, which will significantly help in developing new technologies responsive to the needs of the industry and the economy.
AGRI-ECOTOURISM
In the development of the USTP Claveria AGROPOLIS S&T Park, the agri-ecotourism will open doors for development. Agritourism integrates the gains of research and development, particularly innovative and modern technologies to produce quality products. These technologies involve protective and precision agriculture, organic agriculture, food processing, and development. Agricultural information and communications management, and biotechnology.
Agri-Ecotourism sets the inclusion of community activities to flaunt the beauty and agricultural landscape which attracts educational tours for students, local government officials, and even researchers who wish to explore the resources of the area.
DRAGON FRUIT FARM
The Dragon Fruit Farm is eyed as potential farm tourism as Claveria is known to be one of the best producers of dragon fruit in the region. Currently, studies and research are conducted by the Center for High Value Crops headed by Dr. Apolinario Gonzaga that will boost good quality dragon fruit.
The development of the Dragon Fruit Farm will attract local tourists along with Claveria’s cafes and restaurants along Highway 955, which traverses Claveria and connects it with Gingoog City and the Municipality of Villanueva.
BAMBOOSETUM
September 15, 2021, Claveria, Misamis Oriental — A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and Legislative Affairs Joan A. Lagunda, and European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) Northern Mindanao Branch Managing Director Mercedes P. Mejia for the establishment of a Bambusetum – a place where Bamboo species are collected and grown for education, research and tourism purposes and showcase its aesthetics, recreational and commercial value.
The Agroforestry Department of USTP Claveria was selected for the Bambusetum to recognize its collection of about 17 Bamboo species that have been planted and maintained through the years as reported by Dr. Richmond Palma, coordinator of the Agroforestry Program of USTP.
The Project in the Tripartite Agreement envisions “to develop an area for the Bambusetum for the community to learn and enjoy, promote the Bamboo as a potential product to its diverse market, and establish a pilot area for Bamboo plantation with the intent that other communities will adopt.” Aside from the 17 species, DENR will supply seedlings of 13 more species to increase the total species to 30 and probably more species will be planted to increase the collection at the Bambusetum. ECCP will also assist in the procurement of more species, conduct training to enhance the market value of bamboo products, and source funds from partner organizations or agencies. USTP will provide the area for the Bambusetum, actively maintain the germplasm or genetic materials of 30 species, and manage the funds.
