Mr. Joell H. Lales, MTM

Keynote Speaker

Mr. Lales is the Assistant Director of the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), with more than two decades of experience in agricultural and fisheries research for development (R4D) and public sector management. He began his career at DA-BAR in 2000 and has since held progressively responsible positions, including Planning Officer, Division Chief of the Program Development Division, and Director III. He also served twice as OIC Director of the Bureau.

A registered Agriculturist and a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Master’s degree in Technology Management, Mr. Lales has extensive experience in research management, program development, institutional coordination, and stakeholder engagement. His work has focused on advancing an industry-driven and stakeholder-inclusive R4D agenda, strengthening local and international partnerships, and supporting the development and utilization of agricultural technologies and innovations.

As Assistant Director, he contributes to the strategic coordination of DA-BAR’s R4D network and institutional initiatives, with a continuing focus on strengthening research systems and translating R4D outputs into meaningful outcomes for farmers and fisherfolk.

Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. 

Chancellor, UP Los Baños

Dr. Camacho, Jr. is a Professor of Economics at the UP Los Baños, with expertise in development economics, labor and human resources, education, institutions, and political economy. He has held various academic and administrative positions at UPLB, including Dean of the Graduate School, and has contributed to the advancement of higher education, research, and institutional development.

Hon. Neil Andrew N. Nocon

Mayor, Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna

Hon. Nocon has been engaged in local governance and public service, with a focus on community development and strengthening partnerships that support the social and economic development of Los Baños. His work has included initiatives involving education, research, innovation, tourism, and collaboration with academic and government institutions.

Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano

Vice President for Research and Innovation, UP System

Dr. Marciano is a Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the UP Diliman whose work spans engineering, telecommunications, space technology, and research and innovation management. He previously served as the founding Director General of the Philippine Space Agency, where he contributed to the development of the country’s space science and technology capabilities, including the Diwata and Maya satellite programs.

Dr. Haerold Dean Z. Layaoen

Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Enterprise Management, UP Los Baños

Dr. Layaoen is a faculty member of UP Los Baños Department of Industrial Engineering with a background in engineering, innovation, and enterprise development. His academic and administrative work focuses on strengthening university-industry linkages, advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, and facilitating the translation of research and technologies into applications and enterprises.

Dr. Luis G. Sison

Director, UP System TTBDO 

Dr. Sison is a Professor at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute of UP Diliman and Director of the UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office. He also serves as Program Leader of the UPSCALE Innovation Hub. 

He was Vice Chancellor for Research and Development of UP Diliman from 2006 to 2011, during which he established the Technology Transfer Office. He holds an MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from UP Diliman. His research interests include biomedical engineering and education technology.

Mr. Noel A. Catibog

Director, DOST PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division

Dir. Catibog earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture major in Plant Pathology in 1991 and MS in Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Conservation and Management in 2006 from UP at Los Baños. He is presently a PhD Candidate in Development Studies from the same university.

Mr. Catibog is a Certified Patent Agent, having passed the 2009 Patent Agent Qualifying Exam administered by the European Patent Office and Intellectual Property Philippines. He completed a two-month Research Fellowship on IP Rights at the University of London-Queen Mary IP Research Institute, London, England.

He has worked at PCAARRD in various capacities for the past 28 years, and since 2017 serves as the Director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division. He is also the Center Manager of the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center. He has been the recipient of the DOST-PCAARRD Management Excellence Award in 2020 and 2021, and the 2021 Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award (Group Category) recipient as Team Leader of the DOST-PCAARRD Technology Commercialization Team.

Mr. Jose Emmanuel "Jimbo" P. Reverente

Deputy Director, UP System TTBDO 

Mr. Reverente is an innovation coach, business strategist, and educator focused on innovation ecosystems and organizational transformation. 

He is also an Assistant Professor at the UP Diliman College of Engineering, in addition to being the Chief Innovation Officer at The Rizal Academy for Innovation and Leadership and a Senior Lecturer at the Cesar E. A. Virata School of Business. 

He has held leadership roles in the corporate sector and served as Undersecretary of Finance for Privatization and Corporate Affairs. He holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from UP and an MBA in Finance and Strategy from Cornell University.

Dr. Virginia M. Padilla

Co-founder, Fullmight Agricultural Corporation

Dr. Virginia M. Padilla is a researcher and technology developer whose work focuses on sustainable agricultural biotechnology. 

A former University Researcher at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH), she is the researcher-inventor of Nutrio®, a microbial-based foliar biofertilizer developed through UPLB research and DOST-PCAARRD-funded projects.

Her work has contributed to the development and commercialization of science-based agricultural solutions that promote improved crop productivity and more efficient fertilizer use. Nutrio® is now licensed to Fullmight Agricultural Corporation, the UPLB spin-off established by her family following her retirement from government service.

Dir. Remelyn Recoter

Director IV, Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute

Dir. Recoter is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from Central Philippine University and a former Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas. She was designated Officer-in-Charge Director of the Agricultural Training Institute in September 2022. 

Before becoming Regional Director of DA Region 6 in 2016, she served as Regional Technical Director of DA-6 for five years and Regional Executive Director of DA-11 for three and a half years. 

Dir. Recoter has 18 years of experience with the Agricultural Training Institute, where she began her government service. She is a native of Aklan.

Ms. Aiza Umali, MsC, PFT

MS Graduate Fellow, UP Los Baños -  Institute of Food Science and

Technology

Ms. Umali is a Professional Food Technologist from San Juan, Batangas, with Bachelor of Science in Food Technology and Master of Science in Food Science degrees from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

She currently serves as an MS Graduate Fellow at the UPLB Institute of Food Science and Technology, contributing to research and extension activities on Philippine bananas and yams. 

Previously, she worked as a Researcher at DOST-FNRI and as a Laboratory Analyst at SGS Philippines. She has nearly eight years of experience in food research and development.

Ms. Queen Anne Xyza A. Salayo

Founder, Banahaw Creations

Ms. Salayo is a Filipino social entrepreneur, agribusiness advocate, and founder and managing owner of Banahaw Creations. 

A graduate of BS Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship from the UP Los Baños, she developed Banahaw Creations from a university thesis into a food enterprise centered on sustainability, cultural heritage, and food innovation. 

The venture’s flagship product, Pangsapaw sa Bahaw, transforms leftover rice into Filipino-inspired fried rice seasoning pastes using locally sourced ingredients. 

Ms. Salayo was also recognized through the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge, which reflects her engagement in youth agripreneurship and agricultural innovation.

Ms. Glaisa R. Garcia

University Research Associate, UP Los Baños - Institute of Crop Science

Ms. Garcia is a University Research Associate at the Institute of Crop Science (ICropS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), under the Postharvest and Seed Science Division. Her work is in seed technology, with involvement in agricultural research and development initiatives at UPLB. 

She has also contributed to the Philippine Journal of Crop Science as a circulation assistant and layout artist. 

Ms.. Garcia has been involved in Project SARAI, contributing to research activities related to smart agriculture. Her professional work reflects engagement in crop science, seed technology, and agricultural research.

Ms. Sarah Jane B. Manaday

University Researcher I, UP Los Baños - National Crop Protection Center

Ms. Manaday's research work includes crop protection, plant pests, and disease-related studies. 

She has contributed to research on eggplant genetic relationships and drought response, fall armyworm-affected corn, cassava phytoplasma disease, and bacterial communities associated with garlic thrips. 

Ms. Manaday has also co-authored research published in scientific journals and presented in scientific conferences. Her work contributes to the study, identification, and monitoring of agricultural pests and diseases in support of crop protection.

Engr. Howard Lee Andres

Project Technical Specialist, UP Los Baños 

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Engr. Roden Leo Rodriguez

Project Technical Specialist, UP Los Baños 

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Mr. Marc Lawrence Fernandez

Head, AGRIBANK - Loan Operations 

Marc Lawrence H. Fernandez was hired as Department Manager of the PPN Loan Product of the Bank in 2021 and was eventually appointed as the Head of the Loans and Assets Management Department in 2023, overseeing and managing the whole loan operations of the Bank. 

He graduated with a degree in Business Administration Major in Economics at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 2006 and started his career in the banking and finance industry which now spans for more than 18 years.

Mr. Arnel Castillo 

Product Head, AGRIBANK - Agri Machinery Loan

Arnel Castillo is a banking professional from Nueva Vizcaya with 21 years of experience in the banking industry, specializing in agricultural machinery loans and with extensive experience in real estate financing. He currently serves as one of the Product Heads of Agribank. 

As a banker and certified farmer, he brings together financial expertise and firsthand agricultural experience in supporting farmers and the development of the agricultural sector.

Ms. Marie Nicole V. Oliver 

Account Officer, Land Bank of the Philippines - Laguna Lending Center

Marie Nicole V. Oliver is an Account Officer at the Land Bank of the Philippines - Laguna Lending Center, with nine years of experience in banking and financial services. 

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and a Master of Management in Business Management, both from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. 

Her professional experience has given her a broad perspective on the financial needs and challenges faced by different sectors, particularly in accessing appropriate financing and banking services.

Dr. Florencio Reginio Jr. 

Associate Professor, UP Los Baños - Institute of Food Science and Technology

Dr. Reginio Jr. holds a BS in Nutrition and an MS in Food Science from UP Los Baños, and a PhD in Bioresource Science from Chiba University, Japan. His research focuses on functional food development, bioactive compounds, starch digestibility, and plant-based ingredient innovation. 

Dr. Reginio’s current research engagements involve food chemistry, processing, and nutritional quality of Philippine agricultural resources. He is actively involved in DOST- and UP-supported projects, including the “Goin’ Bananas” Program, NARUCORN for Kids Project, and maYAMang Pinas!, which aim to develop sustainable and nutrient-rich food products from banana, pigmented corn, and yam, respectively. His research has been published in several scientific journals. 

Driven by his passion for food innovation and sustainability, Dr. Reginio continues to explore how the Philippines’ natural resources can be utilized to produce healthy, functional, and value-added food products.

Ms. Monica Micaela Milano

Programs Manager, Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture

Ms. Monica Milano is the Programs Manager of the Philippine Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA), where she works on programs and partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in the Philippines. 

She has experience in agricultural development, precision agriculture, knowledge management, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, having previously worked with LM10 Corporation and DOST-PCAARRD. Her work has involved developing training programs, managing agricultural knowledge and partnerships, and supporting initiatives that connect stakeholders across the agri-food sector.

Dr. Renerio S. Mucas

Faculty, Iloilo Science and Technology University

Dr. Renerio Mucas is a faculty member of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) with expertise in research, technology development, and innovation. 

He is the developer of MUCAS-4H, an IoT-enabled smart hydroponics and greenhouse management system integrating sensors, automation, and mobile technology for efficient and sustainable farming. He also developed a hybrid dehydrator machine for agricultural and herbal tea processing and has been involved in its pilot-testing across various agricultural products.

Engr. Rayjand Gellamucho

General Manager, Iloilo Science and Technology University - Kwadra Technology Business Incubator

Engr. Rayjand Gellamucho is a technopreneur, startup ecosystem enabler, and technology transfer professional. He serves as Assistant Regional Manager of the UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium and TBI and TechTransfer Manager at Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U).

He is actively involved in initiatives supporting startups, local entrepreneurs, and innovation communities, and serves as a DICT RAINMAKER: Startup Community Champion. 

Ms. Christine Faith Germinal

Senior Project Officer for Innovation, UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office

Ms. Germinal is a startup founder and an innovation officer at UP System. Her work focuses on innovation, technology transfer, and the development of solutions responsive to user and market needs. 

She has facilitated design thinking and startup innovation activities, including programs for technology and entrepreneurship development. Ms. Germinal has also been involved in initiatives supporting innovation projects and startup ecosystems in the Philippines. 

Her professional interests include technology commercialization, venture development, design thinking, and innovation management.

Mr. Richard Day

President, Upgrade Innolab Inc.

Mr. Day is the President of Upgrade Innolab, a technology business incubator based in Davao City that supports the development of impact-driven and scalable business ventures. 

He is also involved in the Innovation and Development Accelerators Consortium for Startups (IDEAS) Davao, supporting the development of the regional startup ecosystem. His work includes business incubation, acceleration, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development. 

Mr. Day has also been involved in initiatives connecting startups with investors, industry players, universities, and other ecosystem stakeholders. His professional engagement centers on strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation in Davao and Mindanao.