RAISE KM CAR

19/09/2026

𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Beyond the RAISE CAR Program’s implementation period, project leaders and staff from Benguet State University (BSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), and Apayao State College (ASC) gathered for a Sustainability Planning Workshop on September 16, 2026, at the Everlasting Hall, Research and Extension Building, BSU, as part of the RAISE CAR Summit 2026.

The activity re-echoed the sustainability planning framework introduced during “RAISE Forward: Strengthening Innovation, Sustainability, and Collaboration,” held August 11–14 at DOST-PCAARRD in Los Baños, Laguna. The original workshop aimed to develop strategies for continuing RAISE initiatives, strengthen institutional and stakeholder commitment toward long-term program goals, and formulate actionable plans, resource mobilization strategies, and monitoring mechanisms.

Dr. Ruth C. Diego, Program Leader of RAISE CAR Phase 2, opened the activity with an overview of the workshop and its expected outputs.

The re-echo followed six steps: understanding sustainability, assessing the current state, identifying priorities, creating a sustainability vision, setting goals and developing metrics, and developing an implementation plan.

Dr. Russell B. Dolendo, Project Leader of RAISE Project 7, discussed the first two steps, highlighting sustainability beyond environmental concerns and introducing the Sustainability Maturity Model to assess projects in governance and leadership, environmental performance, social responsibility, resource management, and stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Nordalyn B. Pedroche, Consortium Director of CorCAARRD, discussed identifying priorities and creating a sustainability vision, including the use of Sustainability SWOT to examine challenges, opportunities, strengths, and areas requiring further action.

For the succeeding steps, Dr. Diego discussed setting measurable goals and developing an implementation plan, linking sustainability with areas such as technology transfer, partnerships and linkages, capability building, governance and leadership, resource management, and stakeholder engagement.

Following the re-echo sessions, Ms. Kenji D. Kantala facilitated the workshop proper, where project leaders and staff applied the framework to their respective projects and presented their outputs. Dr. Diego then led the Ways Forward, guiding the next steps toward sustaining the Program’s initiatives and gains.

Through the activity, RAISE CAR project leaders and staff worked toward strengthening the systems, partnerships, capabilities, and innovation mechanisms established through the Program so that its initiatives and gains can continue creating impact beyond the RAISE CAR Program’s implementation period—putting into action the RAISE CAR Summit 2026 theme, “Connecting Innovations. Creating Opportunities. Sustaining Impact.”

18/09/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁! 🌱✨

Congratulations to Ifugao State University (IFSU) and Maynandros Integrated Farm on the launch of 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐚𝐩, IFSU’s first commercialized technology, during the RAISE CAR Summit 2026!

Another milestone in turning research-generated technologies into real-world opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and commercialization. 💙

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁

Research-generated technologies, market-ready products, and industry needs took center stage on the second day of the RAISE CAR Summit 2026, held September 16 at the Everlasting Hall, Research and Extension Building, Benguet State University (BSU).

The Regional Pitch Fest brought together researchers, technology generators, entrepreneurs, government agencies, private-sector representatives, and other innovation stakeholders through three interconnected components—Technology Pitching, Market/Product Pitching, and Industry Pitching—creating opportunities to connect available technologies and products with potential adopters, markets, industry needs, and partners.

The morning program opened with remarks from Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, Vice President for Research and Extension of BSU. This was followed by a presentation on the Technology Commercialization Process by Ms. Jessa A. Abnasan, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-CAR, representing Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of DOST-CAR. Her presentation highlighted DOST-CAR’s role in the technology commercialization process, including the Fairness Opinion Board (FOB) process, providing participants with a clearer understanding of mechanisms that support the movement of research-generated technologies toward commercialization.

The opening activities also featured the Innovation Bell Ringing Ceremony, symbolizing a collective commitment to advancing innovation, collaboration, technology commercialization, and partnership across the regional innovation ecosystem.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡-𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞

During the Technology Pitching, researchers and technology generators presented innovations covering agricultural production, food processing, and consumer products.

The session featured the Potato Aeroponics Misting System, presented by Hanzel M. Mallari of Benguet State University (BSU), and the Aloe Vera Shampoo Bar, presented by Dr. Lorna Ildefonso of Ifugao State University (IfSU).

Ms. Daena Mariele Dar of BSU presented two food innovations—the Low-Sugar Tomato-Lemon Marmalade and Ready-to-Eat Sweetened Dehydrated Carrots. The session also featured innovations in vacuum-fried chopsuey chips, French beans, carrots, and cabbage, presented by Engr. Erickson N. Dominguez of BSU.

Joining online, Dr. Crisel C. Domingo of Isabela State University (ISU) presented Butter Cookies from Cacao Pod Husk Powder. The session also featured Dehydrated Santol Candy, presented by Esther T. Botangen of BSU, and a Turmeric-Infused Cocoa Powdered Drink, presented by Michael Karl M. Barnuevo of BSU.

Beyond showcasing the technologies themselves, the pitching session provided opportunities to identify innovations with potential for adoption, commercialization, and partnership. An open forum, negotiation meetings, and signing of commitment notes followed, allowing technology generators and interested stakeholders to discuss possible collaborations and next steps.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬

The Regional Pitch Fest then shifted from research-generated technologies to products and enterprises through Market/Product Pitching.

Dr. Gemma S. Das-ilen of Alate Agritech Solution OPC, a BSU spin-off company, presented the Coffee Berry Borer Lure Trap, while Mr. Lesley Dale G. Umayat of BAM Food OPC presented the Ready-to-Eat Vegetable Pear, recognized during the program as the first technology commercialized under the RAISE CAR Program.

The segment also featured MAKA Veggie Ice Cream, presented by Dr. Mary Ann Umayam of Apayao State College (ASC).

The product pitches were followed by an open forum and negotiation meetings, providing potential buyers, industry partners, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders with opportunities to explore market linkages, distribution, collaboration, and partnerships.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Completing the Regional Pitch Fest was Industry Pitching: Needs for Research, Technology, and Innovation, which brought the demand side of the innovation ecosystem into the conversation. Rather than presenting available technologies, representatives from government and the private sector shared industry trends, challenges, and opportunities that could potentially be addressed through research, technology, and innovation.

Mr. Paul Mayo and Ms. Janice Campos, representing Atty. Raymond G. Panhon, Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), presented “Current Trends and Industry Prospects: Potentials for Research, Technology and Innovation,” highlighting industry trends and potential areas where research, technology, and innovation could respond to emerging opportunities and needs.

Representing the private service sector, Ms. Gretchen Inso participated on behalf of Mr. Michael Del Rosario, whose businesses include McDonald’s in Baguio and Benguet, Hotel Veniz Burnham, Hotel Veniz Session, V Hotel and Apartel, and Sunshine Supermart. Their participation brought perspectives from the food, hospitality, retail, and service sectors into the Regional Pitch Fest, helping connect research and innovation discussions with needs and opportunities in the local market.

From the private agricultural sector, Mr. Luther K. Palukpok of Ino Heights Forest Farm in Mt. Tagpew, Kibungan presented needs and opportunities involving wild blueberry research, forest diversity inventory, and the potential of coffee growing under Mt. Tagpew conditions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Winston Valenciano of Valenciano Integrated Agriventures (VIA), Potia, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, raised opportunities related to breadfruit varietal identification and characterization and production technologies.

The Industry Pitching concluded with an open forum, discussion meetings, and signing of commitment notes, creating an avenue for researchers, technology generators, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to explore how identified industry needs could be matched with possible research, technology, and innovation solutions.

Together, the three pitching components demonstrated the interconnected pathways of the regional innovation ecosystem: researchers and technology generators presented technologies, entrepreneurs brought products closer to markets, industry representatives articulated their needs, and stakeholders came together to explore where these opportunities could meet.

Through the Regional Pitch Fest, RAISE CAR strengthened the bridge between research and application, innovation and enterprise, and technology and industry, creating avenues for research-generated technologies and products to move toward adoption and commercialization while encouraging research and innovation to respond to actual needs and opportunities in the region.

The Regional Pitch Fest formed part of the three-day RAISE CAR Summit 2026, anchored on the theme “Connecting Innovations. Creating Opportunities. Sustaining Impact.”

16/09/2026

🔔 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀!

The 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 brought participants of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement Cordillera Administrative Region (RAISE CAR) Summit 2026 together in one symbolic moment—each bell representing an idea, an innovation, and an opportunity waiting to create impact.

In celebration of Benguet State University’s 110th Founding Anniversary, participants rang their bells together for 11 seconds, culminating in one collective call:

“𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘!” 💙🔔

The ceremony marked the start of an action-packed second day featuring the Regional Pitch Fest, which created opportunities to connect technologies, products, industry needs, and potential partners, followed by Sustainability Planning to help strengthen the continuity and long-term impact of the RAISE CAR initiatives.

More than the sound of bells, it was a call to strengthen connections, build partnerships, and bring research and innovation closer to the industries, communities, and people they are meant to serve.

𝐷𝑎𝑦 2 𝑜𝑓 3 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒! ✨ 𝐽𝑜𝑖𝑛 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐸 𝐶𝐴𝑅 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑡 2026 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡, 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡. 💙

15/09/2026

𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆

Researchers, innovators, technology generators, entrepreneurs, incubatees, private-sector and government representatives, and key officials gathered at Benguet State University on September 15 for the opening of the 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑) 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, anchored on the theme, “Connecting Innovations. Creating Opportunities. Sustaining Impact.”

Among the participating institutions were DOST-PCAARRD and partner State Universities and Colleges—Ifugao State University, Apayao State College, Kalinga State University, and the University of Abra—bringing different sectors of the regional innovation ecosystem into one venue for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and partnership-building.

Day 1 highlighted messages of support from RAISE CAR partner institutions and a keynote message delivered by Dir. Noel A. Catibog of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), DOST-PCAARRD.

Also launched during the opening day were the Technology and Innovation Showcase and Agro-Food Trade Fair, providing a platform to feature research-generated technologies, innovations, and products while creating opportunities for market linkage, technology adoption, commercialization, and potential partnerships.

In the afternoon, “The RAISEtory: Knowing the RAISE Program in CAR” brought the seven RAISE CAR projects together to present their respective roles, initiatives, and contributions to the regional innovation ecosystem. The session was facilitated by Ms. Jennyline S. Tabangcura, Director of the University Public Affairs Office (UPAO) of Benguet State University, as the projects shared how their interconnected efforts contribute to the broader goals of RAISE CAR.

Following the RAISEtory, Dir. Catibog led the presentation and discussion of the Regional Innovation Roadmap, bringing participants together to align regional directions and efforts toward research, technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation.

Day 1 concluded with a socio-cultural networking night, celebrating Cordilleran culture while creating an informal space for participants to strengthen connections and build partnerships.

Through the Summit, RAISE CAR continues to connect people, institutions, technologies, and opportunities—bringing research and innovation closer to industry, communities, and the people they are intended to serve.

𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑎ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑! 𝐽𝑜𝑖𝑛 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐸 𝐶𝐴𝑅 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑡 2026 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒𝑠—𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡, 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡. 💙

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 🤝💡

The 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 brings together people, institutions, technologies, and ideas—creating spaces where connections are strengthened, partnerships begin, and opportunities for collaboration take shape.

At the heart of these connections are research-generated technologies and innovations with the potential to move beyond laboratories and institutions toward adoption, commercialization, industry partnerships, and real-world impact.

Together with our partner State Universities and Colleges across the Cordillera—Benguet State University, Ifugao State University, Apayao State College, Kalinga State University, Mountain Province State University, and the University of Abra—we continue to strengthen a regional innovation ecosystem built on shared knowledge and collaboration.

Because technologies create greater value when they reach the right people, and innovation moves further when we connect, collaborate, and RAISE together. 💙

Day 1 of 3 complete! Join us for Day 2 and Day 3 of the RAISE CAR Summit 2026. ✨