WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY (WMSU), ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines โ With heartfelt pride and celebration, the DOST-PCAARRD RAISE-WMSU Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) held its Incubatee Graduation Ceremony 2025 on March 25, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone for the programโs latest batch of agripreneurs who have successfully completed their transformative incubation journey.
The hybrid event served as a vibrant gathering of agribusiness graduates, DOST-PCAARRD representatives, university officials, and key stakeholders from the Agri-Aqua sector. The program was enriched with inspiring speeches and heartfelt testimonials that captured the transformation of the incubateesโfrom aspiring entrepreneurs to innovation-driven leaders in agribusiness. The graduation ceremony underscored the vital role of mentorship, technology, and the support of the community in cultivating sustainable and scalable ventures, affirming the ATBIโs unwavering commitment to advancing the growth of local agriculture and aquaculture industries.
The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous and transformative incubation program designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive and dynamic Agri-Aqua sector. Among the distinguished graduates were Mrs. Rubylyzle A. Alyares, visionary owner of Ruru Mushrooms, Ms. Mirza A. Rivas, dynamic marketing manager of ZASIHIVACMC, Mr. Jeffrey G. Sereรฑo, innovative owner of Cafelayan Hydroponic Farm, and Ms. Julienne Stephanie F. Agapin, creative CEO of Pagbayaw Inc. โ UnVas Canvas. Their success stories stand as powerful testaments to the impact and growing reputation of WMSUโs incubation program, which has become a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in the region.
Dr. Reynante E. Autida, lauded the graduates for their unwavering resilience and determination throughout their incubation journey, commending them as emerging leaders in the Agri-Aqua sectors. He also recognized the invaluable collaboration among WMSU, DOST-PCAARRD, and key incubation partners, whose collective efforts have been instrumental in driving the programโs continued success. Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing real-world business challenges in agriculture, emphasizing the need for unified action across institutions and communities. The DOST-PCAARRD TTPD leader, Director Noel A. Catibog further inspired the graduates to scale their businesses sustainably by leveraging technology and innovation to unlock sustainable growth and opportunities in the sector.
Success Stories of Innovation
A standout moment of the ceremony was the inspiring talk delivered by Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, who captivated the audience with the remarkable success story of Daerryโs Tilapia Ice Creamโan innovative product developed at Central Luzon State University (CLSU). What began as a simple classroom challenge in 2013, evolved into a nationally recognized, protein-rich dessert made from tilapia and carabao milk, now proudly supported by DOST-PCAARRD. Dr. Vera Cruz credited the productโs success to her 7Ps framework: Product, Process, Profit, Planet, Prosperity, Passion, and Prayer. She encouraged the graduates to be bold and visionary as they carve out their own paths in agribusiness.
The ceremony was made even more memorable by heartfelt testimonials from the graduates, who candidly shared the triumphs and trials of their entrepreneurial journeys. One particularly moving story came from Mrs. Alyares, who recounted the challenges she faced while scaling her mushroom businessโfrom refining product development to navigating the complexities of securing FDA certification. She emphasized how the support she received helped her business grow sustainably.
Equally inspiring was the story of Mr. Sereรฑo, former hydroponic lettuce farmer whose bold innovation โ transforming lettuce into crisp nutritious chips โ breathed new life into his agribusiness. He reflected that without the training and mentoring provided by WMSU-ATBI, he wouldnโt have been able to bring his innovative product to market successfully.
Ms. Rivas also delivered a passionate testimonial about her work developing a shelf-stable calamansi powder, a product that has opened up new market opportunities. She recollected how WMSU-ATBIโs guidance in packaging and distribution played a crucial role in refining her brand.
Joining the ceremony virtually, Ms. Agapin shared her experience of growing UnVas Canvas despite being located outside Zamboanga City. She expressed deep appreciation for the online mentorship that empowered her to scale her creative venture.
Looking Toward the Future The 2025 RAISE-WMSU ATBI Graduation Ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates but also underscored the continued growth and potential of the Philippine Agri-Aqua sector. As these new agripreneurs set out to scale their businesses, the collaborative efforts of DOST-PCAARRD, WMSU, and the ATBI will remain vital in helping them navigate the challenges ahead. With the unwavering support of these institutions, the future of the Agri-Aqua industry in the Philippines looks brighter than ever.
