The USTP Science and Technology Parks

Establishment of the Science and Technology Parks

The Main Campus of the USTP in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, and its campus in Claveria, Misamis Oriental are designated S&T Parks as stated in the University’s Charter — the R.A. 10919. S&T Parks foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and in the context of USTP, it shall provide the mechanism that links quality education and economic development.

The proposed S&T Park at USTP Villanueva will create the Innovation Triangle in Northern Mindanao, which aims to advance the innovation ecosystem in the region.

The USTP Science and Technology Parks

Science and Technology (S&T) Parks have been perceived as a means of upgrading production and promoting collaboration in research and innovation. As developing economies attempt to close the technology gap, governments are increasingly turning to S&T Parks as part of their national strategy (UNESCAP 2019). In the Philippines, the government endeavors to vigorously advance the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI). Targeted outcomes include STI in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors improved; investments in technology-based start-ups, enterprises, and spin-offs increased; creative capacity for knowledge and technology generation, acquisition, and adoption enhanced; and open collaboration among actors in the STI ecosystem strengthened (NEDA 2017).

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) aims to contribute to this national goal while accomplishing the University’s Mission to bring the world of work (industry) into the actual higher education and training of students; offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to maximize their business potentials through a gamut of services from product conceptualization to commercialization; and contribute significantly to the National Development Goals of food security and safety, and energy sufficiency and security through technology solutions. Along this line, the USTP is establishing Science and Technology Parks (i.e., the Innovation Triangle) pursuant to its Charter – Republic Act No. 10919.

The Science and Technology Parks Vision Statement

A Premier University-driven S&T Parks in the Philippines that host a Sustainable, Climate-Resilient & Livable Environment; enjoyed by Diverse, Values-Oriented and Entrepreneurial Community who thrive in a Robust, Innovative & Inclusive Economy; supported by Smart, Green and State-of-the-Art infrastructure systems; and governed by a Responsive, Transformative, and Principled leadership.

These S&T Parks are also envisioned to have the following functional roles:

a nexus for innovation and entrepreneurship promoting a culture of socio-economic transformation and sustained economic growth in the Philippines
a prime ecotourism and natural laboratory university in the Philippines championing biodiversity stewardship
an attractive and responsive infrastructure and support services facilitative of a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders

The establishment of the S&T Parks within an academic backdrop magnifies the importance of the Science and Industry interface, and this Science and Industry Summit will gather key players from relevant sectors to promote knowledge and practices that enhance innovation ecosystems.

AGILA S&T Park (Alubijid)

USTP perceives the potential for collaboration among the academe, industry, government, and the community. The establishment of the S&T Park, Government Center, and USTP campus in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental will bring together and combine the strengths and synergies of these sectors, thus, creating a new urban zone in Mindanao. The zone is envisioned to be a thriving hub of innovation and prominent research centers with a culture of scientific advancement and competitive excellence. It will be a place of dynamism, collaboration, and discoveries combined, making the Philippines a better place and improving the quality of life of Filipinos.

The AGILA S&T Park, an industrial business hub of various industries, is a one-stop shop for higher education and training in these crucial areas of national socio-economic development. It portends to bring the world of work (industry) into the actual college training of students, offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to maximize their business potentials through a gamut of services

from product conceptualization to commercialization; and contribute significantly to the national development goals. It aims to develop a pool of scientists and technologists, competitive with ASEAN countries; to open opportunities that would create more economic zones in Mindanao, and reduce poverty incidence by providing industry-matched training.

On the other hand, the establishment of the Government Center of Northern Mindanao is in line with the national government’s strategy to decongest urban centers and stimulate economic growth in rural areas. It is a one-stop government service center pursued as an integral approach to good governance.

Agropolis S&T Park (Claveria)

In Claveria, the Agropolis S&T Park will be developed to strengthen Mindanao’s food systems through collaboration with multi-stakeholders; develop new insights; enhance the University’s technical training through collaborative research and innovation; open opportunities that would create more initiatives and develop innovations in food security; and increase the region’s agricultural productivity through innovation.

Proposed USTP Villanueva S&T Park

The S&T Park at USTP Villanueva will champion industry partnerships, training, and faculty immersions, among others. The Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (PHIVIDEC) Industrial Authority Board has approved the Usufruct Agreement between the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) for a period of 25 years. The agreement pertains to the allocation of a site inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental for USTP Villanueva.

The agreement was approved last February 4, 2021, during the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Board Meeting with PHIVIDEC Administrator Jose Gabriel “Pompee” M. La Viña. USTP will establish a 5-hectare campus inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate that will complement the locator industries in the PHIVIDEC Economic Zone.