ATBI NorthMin Teams Up for Coincubation Training in Tilapia and Mushroom Culture

Written by MSUN ATBI

The Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) successfully conducted a Coincubation Training on Mushroom and Tilapia Culture from October 2–4, 2024, bringing together two ATBIs in Northern Mindanao—MSUN ATBI and CMU ATBI. This collaborative activity aimed to strengthen capacity building and promote knowledge exchange between incubators, particularly in areas where technical expertise may be limited. Coincubation allows ATBIs to share technologies and best practices, thereby enhancing the overall capabilities of the incubator network.

The first day of the training, held on October 2 at the Research Conference Room of Mindanao State University at Naawan, focused on Tilapia Culture. MSUN ATBI facilitated the session, which began with opening remarks from Prof. Karem A. Palmes, MSUN ATBI Project Leader, who highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing the Agri-Aqua sector. He then introduced the guest speaker, Prof. Victor R. Navarro of the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology (SMFT) and Director of the Center for Aquaculture Research, Enterprises, and Services (CARES). Prof. Navarro delivered a four-hour lecture titled “Starting Your Tilapia Farm: Practical Tips and Sustainable Practices for Agri-Aqua Tech Business Success,” providing participants, comprising CMU incubatees, investors, members of the Barangay Poblacion Farmers Association of Naawan (BAPFAN), and ATBI staff, with a comprehensive introduction to Tilapia farming. The lecture was followed by a guided tour of MSUN’s Tilapia facilities. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the resource speakers, and participants received Certificates of Training.

In the afternoon, Ms. Gwenne Bernaldez, Mushroom Expert, Proprietor of Kabute Farmstead, and CMU incubatee, together with ATBI staff, visited the Mushroom Site of BAPFAN. The visit fostered productive discussions between the expert, project staff, and association members as they exchanged insights and addressed operational challenges.

On October 3–4, CMU ATBI hosted the Mushroom Production Coincubation Training and Benchmarking in Bukidnon. Participants visited Mushroom City in Kalasungay, Malaybalay; Luyong Mushroom Integrated Farm in Lantapan; and Kabute Farmstead in Dologon, Maramag, where they engaged in hands-on learning to enhance their technical skills and operational proficiency in mushroom cultivation. These practical activities provided MSUN incubatees with valuable exposure to established mushroom enterprises and diverse production systems.