𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄-𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐌𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐏𝐂𝐀𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) once again made its mark on the national stage as it led the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement in Western Mindanao (RAISE-WesMin) to win the DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director’s Award for Best Regional RAISE Video during the 2025 RAISE Summit held on October 13, 2025, at Hotel Casiana, Tagaytay City.

The victory, which bested 15 regional entries nationwide, highlights WMSU’s leadership in driving innovation, research, and inclusive development in the agri-aqua sector. The recognition also affirms the university’s vital role as the host agency of WESMAARRDEC and the implementing institution of RAISE-WesMin in partnership with DOST-PCAARRD.

At the helm of the program is Dr. Reynante E. Autida, WMSU-ATBI Project Leader and Director of the WMSU Research Development and Evaluation Center (RDEC), who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university’s top management for their unwavering support.

He acknowledged the leadership of University President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Joel G. Fernando, Vice President for Resource Generation Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, and WESMAARRDEC Director Dr. Leonilo B. Abella for strengthening the culture of research and innovation within WMSU and its partner institutions.

Also present during the summit were Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez representing WMSU, Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) President Dr. Rio Abdon Naguit, Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) Executive Director III Dr. Cheryl L. Eusala, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) representative Dr. Maila Pan, and J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) representative Dr. Prexy Tangalin. Their presence underscored the strong collaboration and solidarity among RAISE-WesMin’s consortium partners.

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Through WMSU’s stewardship, RAISE-WesMin has grown into the region’s primary hub for agri-aqua innovation, serving as a platform that connects universities, research institutions, and local industries across Western Mindanao. The program has achieved remarkable milestones: 52 incubatees mentored, 45 technologies supported, 146 IPs filed, and over ₱7 million in startup revenue generated. These numbers mirror the university’s enduring pursuit of excellence in research utilization and community innovation.

Flagship technologies such as the ZamPen Native Chicken and Pyanggang, Oyster Mushroom Chips, Coconut Dehusker, and EcoTap Rubber Propagation Technology showcase how WMSU-led initiatives transform research outputs into livelihood opportunities, particularly for farmers, fisherfolk, and women’s groups in the region.

𝐀 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Beyond research achievements, WMSU has positioned itself as a regional hub for agri-aqua innovation and technology commercialization. Under the RAISE-WesMin banner, the university has conducted 66 training programs on entrepreneurship, innovation management, IP protection, and product development, strengthening the capacity of startups and community-based enterprises.

Looking forward, WMSU aims to expand RAISE-WesMin’s impact by developing a comprehensive knowledge database, deepening industry-academe partnerships, and accelerating technology commercialization across Western Mindanao. Guided by DOST-PCAARRD’s pillars namely RAISE ALIGN, INNOVATION CONNECTs, and RAISE SYNC, WMSU continues to champion innovation that empowers people and sustains communities.

With this latest national recognition, WMSU reaffirms its reputation as a leader in science, innovation, and community development. This achievement once again proves that from Western Mindanao, great ideas grow and inspire the nation. (LMP, PAO)