Stairway Foundation, Inc. (SFI) visited MinSU–Victoria (Main) Campus on October 19, 2026, to benchmark the University’s agricultural facilities and initiatives as references for developing its own future agricultural offerings.
Mr. Lars C. Jorgensen, SFI Executive Director, accompanied by his son, Mr. Zachery Jorgensen, and SFI representatives, was welcomed by Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University President .
Together with Engr. Jerrell S. Reyes, Ph.D., the delegation visited the Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory, Mushroom Farm, Shared Service Facility for Calamansi and Banana Processing, Stingless Bee Farm, and Project S.A.G.I.P. prototype at the ASTEER Building.
At the Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory, Mr. Neil C. Icalla, Agricultural Technologist, explained the process of using a sample of a disease-free banana tissue sample to propagate the plants in a sterile environment. They also took a look at the samples of banana tissues being cultured at the laboratory, and the banana plantlets being grown in the adjacent nursery.
The group then proceeded to the Mushroom Production Facility, where they were introduced to the process of growing mushrooms using corn as a substrate or a foundational surface which they will live on. Meanwhile, at the Shared Service Facility for Calamansi and Banana Processing, the group was welcomed with a tasting session on the Banana Wine fermented since 2017, and the Calamansi Juice Concentrate mixed with honey, which are already being commercialized locally. As Mr. Jorgensen likened the taste of Banana Wine to rum, and noted that it can be sold internationally as its taste goes on par with those already in the market.
Engr. Reyes then ushered them to the Stingless Bee Farm, where they explored the colonies and discussed potential application back in their farm, the Baclayan Organic Farm-Stairway Foundation, Inc. After that, they took a quick stop at the ASTEER Bldg., where they took a look at the prototype of Project SAGIP (Survival Agriculture through Green Innovative Practices), an initiative of President Apostol for sustainable food sustenance amidst rising economic challenges. They then discussed their observations with the president during their lunch meeting, and expressed their gratitude to the experience and hospitality provided by the University.
Through the benchmarking activity, SFI gained firsthand exposure to MinSU’s agricultural facilities and initiatives that could serve as references in shaping its future offerings and supporting sustainable farming practices. (kpic)
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