Caraga State University (CSU) and the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCCIFI) have officially sealed their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on August 19, 2025 at the OP Conference Room, CSU Main Campus.

To advance innovation-driven economic growth in the region, the partnership aims to commercialize intellectual property, strengthen industry-academe collaboration, support local entrepreneurship, and accelerate technology-based enterprise development through joint programs, training, consultations, and other capacity-building initiatives.

Through the Technology Transfer and Licensing Office (TTLO), which also serves as the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) unit together with the TARA Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program in Caraga, CSU continues to expand its collaborations, driving innovation to industry, entrepreneurship, and community development.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, President of Caraga State University; Mr. Kenneth L. Ciudad, TTLO Director and RAISE Program Leader; and Mrs. Jenelyn Asis, Project Leader of TARA Agri-Aqua ATBI, representing CSU; and by Mrs. Christina Hemady R. Arcillas, President, and Mrs. Maribeth Y. Perez, Executive Director, representing BCCCIFI.

With this collaboration, CSU and BCCCIFI look forward to implementing meaningful programs and initiatives that will benefit both institutions and the communities and industries they serve.

RAISE Caraga delegates participated in the RAISE 10 Summit at Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, on January 21-22, 2025.

The summit brought together researchers and stakeholders from Northern Mindanao to address challenges in agriculture and technology, focusing on the themes of connectivity, innovation, and growth.

A key highlight was the inauguration of CMU’s newly renovated Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Building, the first green building funded by DOST-PCAARRD-Institution Development Division (IDD). This eco-friendly facility, equipped with solar panels, will serve as a hub for advancing innovation in the region. Key officials, including Director Melvin B. Carlos, Director Noel A. Catibog, and Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena, underscored the importance of collaboration and partnerships during the event.

Day two showcased innovation pitches, with Dr. Kenneth L. Ciudad of RAISE Caraga serving as a judge, followed by the graduation ceremony of CMU’s Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator incubatees. The Caraga delegation gained valuable insights and strengthened ties with their Region 10 counterparts, fostering aligned efforts to advance regional development.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to NOMCAARRD and RAISE Region 10 - Northern Mindanao for organizing this impactful summit. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Vellorimo J. Suminguit, Director of CMU IPTBM, for his visionary leadership and contributions. Together, let’s continue to RAISE innovation and development in the agri-aqua sectors!

#LetsRAISETogether 

On January 9, 2025, representatives from Caraga State University (CSU) held a successful exploratory meeting at PhilRice Caraga in RTR, Agusan del Norte. The Rice Business Innovations System 2.0 (RiceBIS 2.0) aims to enhance the value chain and transform rice-based farming communities into sustainable and competitive agro-entrepreneurs, served as the foundation for the discussions.

The CSU delegation included RAISE Program Leader Mr. Kenneth Ciudad;  RAISE Project Leaders Mr. Genesis Jared Cutamora, and Mr. Joey Arles O. Vergara; ATBI Manager Mr. Elpedio Corbeta Jr.; FIC Affiliate Faculty Mr. Lix Modina; and Soil Science Faculty Mr. Leo Jude Villasica. The meeting aimed to strengthen partnerships and foster collaboration for innovative research and development (R&D) projects.

Key highlights of the meeting included:

Partnership Discussions with the RAISE Program

Discussions focused on the implementation of upcoming RAISE Program projects in collaboration with PhilRice Caraga. These initiatives aim to deliver innovative solutions that will benefit local farmers and communities across the region.

Collaboration with the Cabadbaran City LGU

A meeting with the Mayor of Cabadbaran City emphasized the local government’s critical role in supporting and implementing agricultural projects. This partnership seeks to ensure impactful and sustainable outcomes for the community through strengthened support and engagement.

Innovation Talks with CSUCC and the Food Innovation Center (FIC)

A visit to the CSU Cabadbaran Campus Director and the FIC Main Campus underscored plans for product innovation and development. The FIC committed its support to advancing these efforts, paving the way for dynamic and market-driven solutions tailored to regional needs.

This meeting represents a significant step in empowering agricultural communities and advancing sustainable development initiatives. It highlights the collaborative efforts between CSU, PhilRice Caraga, and other stakeholders to drive innovation in agriculture and rural development.

Caraga State University (CSU) welcomed the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) for a benchmarking activity to strengthen technology transfer and intellectual property management.

The activity started with a courtesy call to CSU President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing innovation and supporting the growth of Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) offices in the country.

Following the courtesy call, Mr. Kenneth Ciudad, Project Leader of RAISE Project 1 - Regional IPTBM, presented the history and timeline of IPTBM at Caraga State University. His discussion highlighted the growth and achievements of CSU’s IPTBM, as well as the challenges encountered in ensuring that university-generated technologies are protected and successfully transferred to the market.

An open forum followed, where the PhilMech RAISE Project 1E team, led by Ms. Jamaica Marie P. De Guia, discussed best practices, challenges faced, and the strategic actions taken by CSU’s IPTBM to overcome these obstacles. The exchange of insights allowed both institutions to explore solutions and strategies for effective technology transfer and commercialization.

As an already established IPTBM, CSU takes on the role of a "big brother" to newly developing IPTBM offices, including that of PhilMech, extending guidance and support to ensure their success. This collaboration is a significant step toward strengthening the ecosystem of technology transfer and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Together, we continue to build a future where research-driven technologies find their way to the communities that need them the most!