THE Pampanga State Agricultural University’s Sibul Technology Business Incubator (TBI) is bridging gaps in the agribusiness ecosystem by synergizing the relationship of the government, the private sector, and the academe to help agri-based enterprises flourish and thrive.
Formally launched in March, the Sibul TBI tapped different key players who will play a major role in empowering and enabling the TBI clients called “incubatees” in shaping their early-stage technologies and agribusinesses to be market-ready and innovative; hence, the TBI team endeavored the creation of its Board of Advisors (BOA), partnership with industry partners, and a pool of experts.
According to PSAU Officer-in-charge, concurrent Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anita G. David, “Now more than ever, we see this an opportune time to show the spirit of community-building by championing for our farmers and fisherfolk... [and] I am grateful because we have esteemed government and industry leaders, as well as pool of experts, to back us up.”
Having funded two projects for technology business incubation, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (Pcaarrd) serve as co-chairpersons of the BOA.
According to DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano, the Síbul TBI paves the path towards a food-resilient country with empowered farmers and fisherfolk.
Moreover, DOST-Pcaarrd executive director Reynaldo V. Ebora underscored that TBIs at large provide an avenue in the commercialization of agri-aqua technologies, which are results of research for development (R4D) initiatives of PSAU and other academic institutions.
Also included in the BOA from the government were DA Central Luzon regional director Crispulo G. Bautista, Jr., DOST Central Luzon regional director Julius Caesar V. Sicat, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon regional director Leonila T. Baluyut.
From the academe, Benguet State University – Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (BSU ATBI/IC) Director Ruth C. Diego joins the BOA.
In addition, the Committee Chair on Agriculture of Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) Dr. Robert Lo represents the private sector in the BOA.
Industry Partners
Aside from the BOA, the Síbul TBI engaged two Pampanga business groups to guide successful incubatees in penetrating the business landscape, said Síbul TBI Project Development Officer Christian M. Mañalac, Jr.
Mañalac said, “Early on, we recognized the role of our industry partners in taking the charge in terms of linking our incubatees to investment opportunities, larger networks, and institutional partnerships.”
“We have had several discussions with PamCham and the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII) on how their groups could contribute to our cause, but we are glad to have them officially on board” he added.
During the virtual signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Síbul TBI PamCham Vice President Prudencio Garcia remarked, “This partnership with PSAU is very welcome since it strengthens our advocacy for sustainable economic growth in the countryside.”
“As an industry partner, [PSAU is] assured of PamCham’s support and participation in Sibul TBI’s activities and advocacies,” Garcia added.
Further, MACCII president Elizabeth Carlos-Timbol said, “It is high-time that we put our collective efforts in the business ecosystem to engage and enable enterprises in the agriculture sector, with Pampanga positioned to become the next Megalopolis [having] agro-industrial, logistics, and technology as our key strengths.”
“I am hopeful that this partnership with PSAU will reach greater heights in the name of helping the community through the programs and plans since the establishment of TBI,” she added.
Pool of Experts
Gathering reputable, esteemed collaborators from various fields of expertise is important in achieving a successful incubation program, said Síbul TBI Project Development Officer Keanu Aebramh G. Costales.
According to Costales, “We invited some of the best in the industry to be our mentors, trainers, and consultants as we offer various incubation services to our micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners.”
Included in the roster are QBO Innovation and IdeaSpace’s Jackielyn Isip, e27’s Alea Ladaga, Emerge Local’s Carissa Coles, Ateneo School of Government’s Dr. Gabriel Ma. J. Lopez, Agrabah Ventures’ Joselito Ocol, Jr., Holy Angel University’s Joan Mae Manaloto, Pinoy IP Works’ Karl Simon Revelar, LexMeet’s Atty. Marlon Valderama, Zagana’s Joshua Aragon, and Paymaya Philippines’ Elmerei Cuevas.
In fact, the Síbul TBI team recently conducted a training-mentorship series as part of their capacity building efforts in managing TBI and offering incubation services, said Costales, with said mentors as resource speakers.
Different research and development (R&D) experts on various agri-aqua commodities are also being tapped currently to provide trainings on technology development, innovation, and agri-supply and value chain management, among others.
“We are fortunate to have a network of technology experts from PSAU, other higher education institutions (HEIs), and R&D institutes who would amplify innovative thinking in the agriculture sector through this incubator,” Costales added.
If interested to become an industry partner, business mentor, or R&D expert for Sibul TBI, you may email sibul@psau.edu.ph for more details. (PR)