MSUN ATBI Took part at the  1st Techno Gabay Program Summit sa Coconut and Masaganang Cocobuhayan Expo 2024

Written by Dante Quiao Suminguit

Northern Mindanao is recognized as the second-largest producer of coconut products in the Philippines, contributing nearly 12% of the national output, equivalent to 3.36 million metric tons. This significant contribution underscores the importance of the region in sustaining the country’s coconut industry. Supporting and strengthening this sector is crucial not only for maintaining production levels but also for fostering the growth of homegrown businesses that rely on coconut as a primary resource. By encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption within the industry, local enterprises can thrive, creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and contributing to regional and national economic development.

On August 31, 2024, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) center participated in the highly anticipated “1st Techno Gabay Program Summit sa Coconut and Masaganang Cocobuhayan Expo 2024,” organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) – Northern Mindanao at SM Downtown, Cagayan de Oro City. The event was designed to serve as a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the coconut industry while simultaneously recognizing the invaluable contributions of farmers, cooperatives, and emerging leaders in the sector. Attendees included a diverse array of stakeholders, ranging from farmers and local entrepreneurs to scientists, industry experts, and government officials, all of whom engaged in meaningful discussions on strategies to enhance productivity, innovation, and sustainable practices in coconut farming and production.

The summit featured a series of presentations highlighting new technologies, market opportunities, and growth strategies for both farmers and businesses operating within the coconut sector. The Philippine Coconut Authority Region X further enriched the event by distributing hybrid coconut seedlings to select participants, providing a tangible resource to support sustainable production and innovation at the grassroots level. MSUN ATBI’s participation allowed the center to present its programs and services, emphasizing its role in supporting technology-driven enterprise development, business incubation, and capacity building for agri-based enterprises. This platform also facilitated networking opportunities with key stakeholders, enabling the ATBI to explore potential collaborations that could expand its reach and impact in the region.

Recognizing the alignment of its mission with that of ATI Northern Mindanao, MSUN ATBI is keenly pursuing formal partnerships aimed at strengthening support for coconut farmers, promoting agri-entrepreneurship, and enhancing the adoption of innovative technologies in the industry. The collaboration envisions synergistic initiatives, including training programs, enterprise development support, and the integration of technology-based solutions to improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability within the sector.

MSUN ATBI extends its heartfelt congratulations to the management of ATI Northern Mindanao, led by Dir. Maria Lydia A. Echavez, for the successful execution of the summit and for providing the center with the opportunity to showcase its programs and services to a wider audience. The center looks forward to deepening engagement and building a lasting partnership with ATI Northern Mindanao, with the shared goal of empowering local farmers, fostering innovation, and promoting the sustainable growth of the coconut industry in Northern Mindanao and beyond. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing regional agricultural development and creating inclusive economic opportunities that benefit farmers, enterprises, and communities alike.