12/12/2025
๐๐ป๐ด๐ฟ. ๐๐ผ๐๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ, ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ณ. ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐บ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฝ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ
A wave of innovation swept through Western Mindanao as two pivotal events showcased the regionโs growing commitment to technological advancement and entrepreneurship. Held at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City on November 19-20, 2024, the Technology Forum and the Start it Right: Programs and Services for Startups program featured the power of collaboration, creativity, and support systems in driving progress.
The first day, November 19th, highlighted the Technology Forum, organized by the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), which featured two groundbreaking technologies developed by students from Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) โ Tampilisan Campus. Presented by Engr. Karlfred Junnee A. Doydora and Mr. Yhebron J. Lagud, the HarvAT Seaweed Harvester and SAFitek Coco Dehusker showcased practical innovations aimed at improving efficiency in seaweed farming and coconut dehusking. The speakers shared their inspiring journey from ideation to commercialization, emphasizing how research and determination can turn challenges into opportunities for agricultural progress.
Engr. Doydora expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to present the SAFitek Coco
Dehusker, the very first Utility Model of JRMSU. โJust immensely grateful for the opportunity to present the coconut dehusker, the very first Utility Model of our University. A special thanks to WESMAARDEC for inviting me as a resource person, and to the key officials of the University: Tampilisan Campus Director Dr. Merlyn N. Luza, VPRDE Dr. Rizza Bagalanon, and the University President Dr. Maria Rio Abdon-Naguit for allowing me to present the technology," he said.
He highlighted the innovationโs significance, saying, "This experience enabled me to serve as a conduit for introducing this simple yet very impactful technology to potential investors, adopters, and an attentive audience. It marked a significant step forward for the coconut industry, particularly benefiting coconut farmers by making their work safer, easier, and more efficient. The enthusiasm and interest shown by the attendees were incredibly motivating, and I am excited about the impact this innovation will have on the industry to be a reality. This activity just stamped JRMSUโs leading role in innovation within the region."
On November 20, the Start It Right: Programs and Services for Startups program, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IX, focused on empowering startups. Prof. Yhebron J. Lagud, representing the DOST-JRMSU Sidlak Technology Business Incubator (TBI), outlined the support systems available for emerging entrepreneurs.
"This generation is very lucky because we have technology business incubators all over the Philippines that will help you build and launch your business venture. It gives you better options in life aside from being an employee to being a CEO in your own company," Prof. Lagud said.
He encouraged students to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, saying, "My advice to our students, since this is a new thing in the University, at least join events in the Sidlak TBI for you to experience and learn what it takes to establish your own business venture - try to take the least path traveled, you might enjoy it, who knows, you will be the first homegrown startups that will be launched in the market."
Both events reflect the dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. By bridging technological advancements with extensive support systems, the region continues to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and transformative solutions.
