VSU Hosts RAISE 8 Phase 2 Review with SUCs Across Eastern Visayas: Driving Agri-Aqua Innovation Forward.
On June 3, 2025, Visayas State University (VSU) hosted the RAISE 8 Phase 2 Year 1 Semi-Annual Review at the VSU, RDE Hall in Baybay City, Leyte. This significant event brought together project leaders and staff from various state universities and colleges (SUCs) across Eastern Visayas to present updates on the implementation of the "Strengthening Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE)" program phase 2, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
The RAISE 8 Program encompasses nine key projects aimed at enhancing innovation in the agri-aqua sector throughout the region. Project 1, led by Engr. Raven S. Tabiogan of Samar State University (SSU), who also serves as the assistant program leader for RAISE 8, focuses on strengthening regional Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM). Supporting this IP-TBM initiative are five more SUCs under the same component. These include Project 2 (1A) at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), headed by Prof. Jeruel A. Espinazo; Project 3 (1B) at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), led by Dr. Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice; Project 4 (1C) at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), under Dr. Melvin S. Sarsale; Project 5 (1D) at University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), led by Dr. Karina Milagros C. Lim; and Project 6 (1E) at Visayas State University (VSU), led by Dr. Feliciano G. Sinon. Complementing these are three additional projects hosted by VSU: Project 7, focused on strengthening the Regional Agri-Business Hub (ABH), led by Ms. Crislin C. Cortez; Project 8, which enhances the Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (TBI), led by Ms. Julie Bee M. Aguinaldo; and Project 9, dedicated to strengthening the Regional Knowledge Management (KM) Hub, led by Ms. Elmera Y. Bañoc, who also serves as the RAISE 8 Program Leader.
The event opened with a welcome message from Dr. Ivy Emnace, Director for Research at VSU, on behalf of Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr., Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation. In her remarks, Dr. Emnace emphasized the transformative power of innovation rooted in research, stating, “Innovation should be practiced and converted into something that the community will enjoy and benefit from... Research and innovation are not separate pursuits. Through research, we seek to understand the complexities of agriculture and aquaculture. Through innovation, we transform that understanding into tangible solutions—tools, practices, and technologies that improve productivity, promote sustainability, and ultimately change lives.” She ended with an inspiring message, “Think without the box—because the sky’s the limit. Keep moving forward, and may these innovations soon make their way to the market.”
Ms. Elmera Y. Bañoc followed with the event rationale and introduction of participants. An inspirational message from Dir. Noel A. Catibog, Director of PCAARRD’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), was delivered via Zoom. He lauded Region 8’s continued commitment despite the delayed release of funds and expressed optimism about its performance in the national RAISE program. “I am hopeful that, as in Phase 1, Region 8 will again emerge as a top performer. Your flexibility and dedication are commendable. We look forward to your reports on June 9 in preparation for our Year 2 renewal and the upcoming Director Council and Governing Council presentations in July,” he said.
The main highlight of the event was the presentation of accomplishments by each participating SUC. These showcased the tangible progress being made in the region’s agri-aqua innovation landscape. To ensure inclusive participation, some partner SUCs presented virtually via Zoom. The event concluded with an open forum, discussions, and comments from Ms. Mae A. Dagas, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-PCAARRD. Ms. Bañoc then announced upcoming inter-consortia activities, including a technology fair and catch-up plans. The successful conduct of this semi-annual review reaffirmed the region’s strong commitment to advancing agri-aqua innovation through collaborative research, strategic implementation, and institutional partnerships.
