Mountain Province State University (MPSU), through the visionary leadership of University President Dr. Edgar G. Cue, participated in the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) Masterclass for Cordillera Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) held on June 22–25, 2026, at the ATBI/IC Training Hall, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Representing the University in the four-day capability-building program were Mr. Domingo L. Lawagey, Ms. Dikwanay Kate F. Faed, and Dr. Megan R. Matias. The MPSU delegation actively participated in the lectures, workshops, and collaborative learning sessions designed to equip State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to establish and manage Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) Centers.
The four-day masterclass, organized by DOST-PCAARRD in partnership with Benguet State University (BSU), aimed to strengthen the capacity of participating SUCs in developing sustainable technology business incubation centers. The program equipped participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to transform research outputs and innovative technologies into sustainable enterprises that contribute to regional development.
The first day focused on the Feasibility Study, in which participants explored the fundamental components for assessing the viability of establishing an ATBI Center. Through lectures and workshops, participants analyzed market demand, supply gaps, financial requirements, stakeholder involvement, available technologies, infrastructure needs, and institutional readiness as foundations for a successful incubation program.
On the second day, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions and workshops on the Business Plan for an ATBI Center. Resource speakers guided the delegates in developing strategic business models that cover organizational structure, marketing strategies, financial projections, partnership development, sustainability plans, operational strategies, and resource mobilization necessary to establish a functional and financially sustainable incubation center.
The third day focused on developing the Operations Manual, a vital document that governs the management and implementation of an incubation center. Participants crafted policies, operational procedures, incubation processes, financial management systems, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, client services, governance structures, and institutional policies to ensure effective and efficient AATBI operations.
The masterclass concluded on the fourth day with a Graduation Ceremony that recognized the successful completion of the intensive training by representatives from the Cordillera Consortium Member Institutions. The ceremony celebrated the participants’ commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization in their respective institutions.
MPSU’s participation in the ATBI Masterclass reflects the University’s continuing commitment to advancing research utilization, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development. The knowledge and outputs gained from the training will serve as valuable foundations in the establishment of the MPSU Agribusiness and Food Technology Business Incubation (AFTBI) Center at Baang Campus, envisioned to support farmers, cooperatives, MSMEs, students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs through technology commercialization, business incubation, and enterprise development.
The University extends its sincere appreciation to DOST-PCAARRD, Benguet State University ATBI, the resource speakers, facilitators, and organizers for providing a meaningful and enriching learning experience. MPSU also expresses its gratitude to University President Dr. Edgar G. Cue for his steadfast support and commitment to strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives that continue to create greater opportunities for the University and the communities it serves.
As MPSU moves forward, it remains dedicated to transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises, empowering local communities, and contributing to inclusive economic growth in Mountain Province and the Cordillera region.
