The UP Visayas RAISE Project 2, in partnership with UPV Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (UPV TTBDO), UPV Department of Chemistry, and UPV Fisheries Technology and Business Incubator (FTBI), conducted the proposal writing workshop titled “Idea to Impact: Crafting Projects that Respond to the Needs of Society” last January 11-13, 2023 at the University of Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo.
The three-day writing workshop gathered researchers and guest speakers from the industry sector and Local Government Units (LGU) with an aim to craft projects and proposals that are responsive to the needs of various prospective industry partners in the Visayas Region.
Dr. M. Cynthia Goh, a Professor at the University of Toronto, established the “idea to impact” mindset on the first day of the workshop with her keynote speech on creating impact through science by addressing the needs of society. Dr. Goh also showcased some of the technologies of the Puerto Princesa (PPS) Innovations, of which she is a co-founder, to highlight how a Techno or Industry Challenge can create practical solutions to problems identified by members of the community.
Another highlight of the event was the “Industry Challenge” session where the LGUs and invited guests from the industry sector presented their economic plans and the challenges they want to overcome, particularly in the research and development areas. Mr. Gideon Ostrea of Treasure Island, Packaging Division (iPak) highlighted their need for sustainable yet cost-effective packaging as well as technologies that aid in increasing the shelf-life of products while maintaining food safety. Mr. Francis Gentoral, a member of the Economic Development Team of the Province of Guimaras, presented the Guimaras Economic Agenda 2025 wherein the province’s aim is to enhance its agri-aqua industry. The LGU representatives from Carles and Estancia, Iloilo asked for assistance in the post-harvest processes of their commodities and data assessment of their fisheries as a basis for policy-making. Possible R&D approaches and future collaborations were discussed with the participants.
Programs, technologies, and services offered by DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), UPV Regional Research Center (RRC), and UPV FTBI were also introduced.
The workshop was a hybrid set-up attended by participants from different SUCs including Capiz State University (CAPSU), the University of Antique (UA), and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) via Zoom and face-to-face. The lectures and discussions culminated in several research proposals that will be matched to funding opportunities this year.
The UPV RAISE Project 2 is part of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program in Western Visayas by the DOST-PCAARRD. The project’s full title is IP-centric Agribusiness Hub: Bridging Innovations and Entrepreneurship in the AANR Sector which aims to establish a regional agribusiness hub in Western Visayas thru training and mentorships, assessment, and packaging of R&D outputs of the technologies, and creating partnerships with different industries and businesses.
