USTP Claveria shines at NorMin RAISE Program
By Ms. Jhomarie C. Vallez, Project Technical Aide, USTP Claveria
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (USTP Claveria) participated in the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program, held at Central Mindanao University (CMU) on January 21, 2025, where one of the university’s teams secured second place in the pitching competition.
One of the highlights of the event was the pitch competition participated by nine teams on Day 3. The teams presented their innovative ideas to a panel of investors. USTP Claveria participated with two teams:
- The Agriloop Team, led by Ms. Gia L. Cuizon, showcased their product, Nutri-Chicharon
- The Maizearap Team, represented by Ms. Maribel S. Abella, showcased their Sweet Corn Spread
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Photo courtesy: Central Mindanao University Official Facebook page
The Agriloop Team secured the second place, while Kape Lumad’s Bean Track, an incubatee from the Central Mindanao University – Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (CMU-ATBI), claimed third place. The top prize was MSU-Naawan’s Choco Coconut Nougat, which wowed judges with its innovative concept.
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Photo courtesy: Central Mindanao University Official Facebook page
A significant milestone was also celebrated as the RAISE Program was formally recognized as a special unit of the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD) with the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Committee (RRDCC) serving as its advisory body.
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Photo courtesy: Central Mindanao University Official Facebook page
The event also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the booth exhibits, which showcased key players in the region’s agri-aqua sector.
Prominent agency heads from partnering institutions attended the event, including representatives from USTP Claveria, Central Mindanao University (CMU), Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU Naawan). Additionally, several supporting agencies showed their support, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
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Photo courtesy: Central Mindanao University Official Facebook page
The event served as an important platform for fostering collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, further strengthening the region’s agri-aqua industries. USTP Claveria’s strong performance in the pitching competition underscored the university’s commitment to innovation and business development within the sector.