The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) MIMAROPA partnered with Mindoro State University (MinSU) I-BIBES as host of the second leg of its Information Session Caravan for the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA). The in-person session was held on March 4, 2026, at the ASTEER Building, MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.
Organized in collaboration with MinSU, the caravan gathered members of the region’s innovation community, including startups, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Technology Business Incubator (TBI) partners, faculty researchers, student innovators, and emerging enterprises. The activity highlighted research-based and commercialization-ready initiatives from MinSU, such as BALAHIBUS (keratin extracted from poultry feathers), iServe (web app for online campus service appointments; reduces walk ins), Libasify (natural souring agent from Libas leaves), and HANDA (emergency alert app notifying nearby response offices), among others.
Representatives from private enterprises including Pang’s Packaging and Pasalubong Center, as well as the MaluanLuan Agricultural Cooperative also took part in the activity. Other notable participants included Project MOSES powered by GENESIS, which has earned both national and international awards, and Arch. Francis Neil Quijano of John Paul College, a national finalist of the PFA.
In a message delivered by Dr. Jerrel S. Reyes, Chief Presidential Management Staff, Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University President underscored that innovation remains at the heart of Mindoro State University’s institutional direction and long-term development agenda.
“It remains one of the central pillars of the University’s development agenda, as we firmly believe that innovation serves as a powerful driver of sustainable development and societal progress,” she said.
Anchored on this principle, she added that MinSU continuously advances innovative initiatives across instruction, research and development, and extension services, ensuring that ideas generated within the University translate into meaningful impact for communities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Emerson Kim J. Lineses, Chief Economic Development Specialist of the Development Research Division of DEPDev MIMAROPA, emphasized the vital role of higher education institutions in nurturing innovation and supporting aspiring innovators.
“Napili namin ang MinSU dahil alam naming napaka-aktibo ng mga State Universities and Colleges sa pagpo-promote ng innovation sa kanilang mga komunidad, lalo na sa kanilang mga estudyante,” Mr. Lineses shared.
Enabling universities to serve as regional hubs for Filipinnovations, the info caravan intends to cultivate stronger, more inclusive paltform of Filipino-led solutions.
Increasing Regional Engagement in the PFA
The primary objective of the caravan is to encourage more innovators from MIMAROPA to apply for the 2026 PFA cycle and gain national recognition.
“We are actively promoting the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, especially now that this is already the second time it is being conducted. We want to reach as many innovators as possible and encourage them to apply for this year’s competition,” Mr. Lineses added.
As Secretariat of the National Innovation Council (NIC), DEPDev provides guidance to innovators throughout the application process, ensuring that promising ideas from the region gain national visibility. The 2026 PFA seeks outstanding solutions that demonstrate creativity, technical rigor, and measurable community impact—advancing innovation-driven development across the country.
The information session also provided practical insights on product development, startup building, and innovation-led economic growth. For student participants, the activity served as a strong foundation for entrepreneurial pursuits.
“Yung mga natutunan ko po dito, magagamit ko po sa aking pag-aaral at sa paglikha ng mga bagong products and services na pwedeng makatulong sa pagtaas ng kita at trabaho dito sa ating bansa,” shared Marco Gatarin, a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering student and project member of iServe.
The Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, established under Executive Order No. 99, s. 2025, is envisioned as the highest recognition for innovation in the Philippines, with the top five national finalists formally awarded by the President of the Philippines.
Through this partnership, DEPDev MIMAROPA and MinSU reaffirm their shared commitment to cultivating inclusive, region-driven Filipinnovation and empowering local solutions for national development.
via Kerby Kim Ursoa
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