The Benguet State University Agribased Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI/IC) unlocked another achievement with its recent Incubatees’ Product and Business Launching at the ATBI/IC Hall on December 28, 2023.

The event aims to showcase the new and enhanced products of BSU ATBI/IC Incubatees to the public, especially investors, business partners, and other concerned stakeholders.

These products include the kinuday (smoked meat produced by Ibaloi people from Benguet), strawberry chutney, strawberry jam, and liquid fertilizer. It also featured the practice of vertical farming which is a practical solution for urbanized areas.

“What we really need is cooperation, partnership, and collaboration not only for the incubatees but for each one of us,” says La Trinidad Vice Mayor Roderick C. Awingan on behalf of Mayor Romeo K. Salda.

Spearheading the ribbon cutting and viewing of exhibits, he further highlighted his points through an illustration that challenges everyone to push past the challenges and difficulties of life, “just shake it off”, and go farther.

In addition, Aulivia Ong on behalf of the President of the Philippine Association of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc. emphasized the importance of collaboration as founded on the principle of Stephen Covey’s book The 8^th Habit which states to “find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.”

As one of the successful grantees of government programs supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), she encouraged the attendees to continue collaborating and seeking support from the government saying, “Sometimes, we think we are on our own when we don’t know that there are a lot of people willing to help us if we have the same goal in mind.”

Further, President Felipe Salaing Comila commended the event as another unlocked achievement for the center. He also accentuated his advocacy on the need for deep integration of entrepreneurial skills and mindset in our curriculum because he believes that “business is the engine of development.”

For the afternoon session, Giant Arches Food Corporation owner and operator Michael del Rosario narrated his journey toward success coupled with failures and all the lessons that came with it.

According to him, “peso in mind” is not sufficient to sustain a business in the long run as entering this field comes with many challenges. “Hindi po biro ang pagnenegosyo,” he said. Instead, it requires passion paired with persistence, perseverance, and prayer.

Manager of Pontiac Farm Supply John Oliver D. Sy, manager of Self Reliance Team La Trinidad Cooperative Freddie T. Langpaoen, and operations and leasing manager of Mangaywan Corporation Jennifer Y. Bello also shared their pieces of advice, inspiration, and to-dos in business management and operation.

Feedback and messages of support to the startup from the stakeholders followed the said event where Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – CAR Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas through her representative Edwin Bagano Jr., Department of Agriculture (DA) – CAR Regional Executive Director Jennilyn M. Dawayan through her representative Nicasio S. Baucas, and Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) – CAR Regional Officer Rogelio B. Tanguid, imparted their congratulatory and encouraging speech along with key points in surviving and navigating the complexity of doing business.

Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin through his representative Councilor Rechel Marcelo and Itogon Mayor Bernard Waclin represented by his Executive Assistant Reynold L. Rhoda, also swore their full support for these kinds of endeavors which aim to help in the economic development and livelihood improvement of our nation.

Additionally, Central Luzon State University – Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (CLSU-AFTBI) Project Leader Pablo J. Rafael Jr. delivered his partner’s feedback for the incubatees whom he applauded for their resilience through the COVID-19 Pandemic “amid market shifts and movements.”

“Success is not necessarily about connections or luck. These are the bases of bad businesses. So, call it old school but believe me, success can be achieved through hard work, prudence, integrity, responsiveness to change, and boldness to believe,” Rafael said.

To close, ATBI/IC Director and Program Leader Ruth C. Diego expressed her utmost gratitude for the continuous mentorship, guidance, and support of the key players behind BSU ATBI/IC’s success.

The event concluded with a networking dinner. //CANapiloy