Administration Conference Hall โ The University, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry โ Mountain Province (DTI-MP), Benguet State University, and the Department of Science and Technology, successfully conducted a two-day activity titled โReverse Pitching for Sustainable MSME Innovations: A Demand-Driven IndustryโAcademeโGovernment Collaboration in Mountain Province.โ The event concluded on 24 February 2026.
The initiative featured reverse pitching sessions from ten (10) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) representing key local sectors, including processed foods, coffee, cacao, creatives, and wearables and home style. Through this approach, MSMEs were positioned as active drivers of innovation by directly presenting their operational challenges and priority needs to experts from the academe, industry, and government.
Participating MSMEs
Processed Foods
โข Beatrez P. Ennangen โ Madatdata Food Products
โข Jovelyn D. Tuda โ Makhuways Peanut Butter
Coffee
โข Flordelina K. Layog โ Layog Country-Farm Agricultural Services
โข Maxwel B. Ogoy โ Layog Country Farm Center for Sustainable Futures, Inc.
โข Victor L. Gayuchan โ VJ Caps Farm Agriventures OPC
โข Jennifer A. Rimando โ Ola Coffee Farm
โข Belinda Pandosen โ Bontoc Brew
โข Grace T. Bongorngor โ Mababbalin Farmers Association, Inc.
Cacao
โข Flordelina K. Layog โ Country-Farm Agricultural Services
โข Maxwel B. Ogoy โ Layog Country Farm Center for Sustainable Futures, Inc.
Creatives
โข Flordelina K. Layog โ Country-Farm Agricultural Services
โข Maxwel B. Ogoy โ Layog Country Farm Center for Sustainable Futures, Inc.
โข Siegrid Anne B. Rogers โ Siegrid Bangyay Pottery
Wearables and Home Style
โข Rose Ann B. Wangdali โ Rose Annโs Loom Art Gallery
During the discussions, MSMEs identified common challenges related to business sustainability and continuity, market expansion, product quality and consistency, infrastructure development (particularly roads and drying systems), and systems development for sales and inventory management. In response, a pool of experts proposed practical and sector-specific solutions, including quality control measures for aflatoxin, roasting and packaging standards, quality assurance systems, retrogradation techniques, and training on post-harvest handling for coffee, cacao, and processed food enterprises.
Additional support mechanisms were also introduced, such as free notarization of Memorandum of Agreement (MOAs) for student internship programs, guidance on premium pricing and marketing strategies, and soil testing services, particularly benefiting MSMEs in the creative sector.
This strategic research and innovation mechanism underscores the Universityโs commitment to its core mandates in instruction, research, and community engagement, while strengthening industryโacademeโgovernment linkages and creating inclusive opportunities for collaboration.
Prior to the breakout sessions, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed by University President Edgar G. Cue and DTI-MP Provincial Director Mabel F. Banggawan, signifying the renewal of the partnership between the University and DTI-MP and reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing MSME development in Mountain Province.
