MSUN ATBI Presented at the NOMCAAARRD's Quick Response Projects  for the AANR Sector Training-Workshop

Written by Dante Quiao Suminguit

The MSUN Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) was featured during the training-workshop on IEC/CEPA production under the project “Responding to COVID-19 Challenges for the AANR Sector: A NOMCAARRD Initiative (QRP),” held on June 24–26, 2024 at the MSU Naawan Function House. The activity gathered various stakeholders, including farmer beneficiaries, to strengthen support for technology transfer and agricultural enterprise development. 

The QRP, led by NOMCAARRD, responds to the GALING-PCAARRD Kontra COVID-19 program and the newly launched LINGAP project of DOST-PCAARRD, aiming to fulfill the mandate of consortium member institutions in technology dissemination. Implemented across Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Camiguin, the project focuses on establishing sustainable agri-based enterprises by addressing local challenges and maximizing available resources. It involves two phases: a pre-implementation phase focused on coordination, networking, and beneficiary selection, and an implementation phase covering baseline data gathering, capability building, actual production, evaluation, and monitoring. 

To date, the project has assisted 21 farm enterprises, five fisherfolk groups, two women’s organizations, and one school, benefiting 365 farmers, fisherfolk, and teachers. Despite pandemic-related constraints and dry spells, the project generated PHP 760,000, marking a 7% income increase in its first year of implementation in 2022.

MSU at Naawan identified five farmer groups as project beneficiaries: Tagbalogo Farmer’s Association in Naawan, Camuayan Farmer’s Association in Balingasag, Tagpaco Growers Vegetable Association in Initao, Balintad Farmer’s Association in Manticao, and the Manticao Farmers Association, all benefiting particularly from MSU at Naawan’s expertise in tilapia production. 

During the second day of the workshop, the MSUN ATBI was invited by Prof. Sheila C. Poonon and Prof. Aida D. Perpetua to present its programs. Dr. Manolito E. Parungao delivered a promotional presentation on the ATBI, which was well received by NOMCAARRD staff, QRP project personnel, LGU representatives, the Agricultural Training Institute–Northern Mindanao, and farmer-beneficiaries. The session highlighted potential collaboration between the QRP project and the ATI as a training resource provider, with LGUs facilitating local implementation. 

The ATBI aims to support these organizations by enrolling them in its incubation program, strengthening their enterprises through training, consultancy, and improved business development services. 

Furthermore, MSUN ATBI will enhance the IEC/CEPA materials created during the workshop and file them for intellectual property protection, complemented by an IP awareness session facilitated by the MSUN IPTBM to underscore the importance of intellectual property in agricultural enterprises. 

The success of the activity was made possible through the support of the NOMCAARRD QRP staff, particularly Prof. Sheila C. Poonon and Sir Jan Kent Merla, as well as Prof. Aida D. Perpetua, DOST-PCAARRD, and the MSU Naawan Administration.