The Síbul Technology Business Incubator of Pampanga State Agricultural University recently forged a Memorandum of Agreement with eight Pampanga farmers and agripreneurs, now formally called “incubatees”, in the university.
PSAU Officer-in-charge, concurrent Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anita G. David emphasized, “This momentous MOA signing officially marks the start of the incubatees’ journey towards sustainable agribusiness development through our incubation program.”
David explained that incubation is an all-encompassing term for services and resources relevant in running an enterprise such as, but not limited to, entrepreneurship and skills development, technology innovation and commercialization, technical support, and access to facilities, among others.
David added, “We hope that through this program, we would be able to see more agribusinesses thrive in the mainstream market in the next few years and prove that we are a valuable asset of our business landscape in Pampanga and the whole of Central Luzon.”
On behalf of the incubatees, Maricon Arcega of the Florida-Lubao Organic Farmers’ Association said, “This incubation program is a good opportunity for us, farmers, in gaining more knowledge in terms of crop production and product development… also, in operating our [would-be] businesses.”
Richard Sarmiento, PSAU fisheries student specializing on catfish production, moreover said, “This opportunity means a lot to me as I will be more trained and guided in becoming an agripreneur.”
Along with Arcega and Sarmiento as incubatees are Emmanuel Dela Cruz of 4RES Agri-Trading, Benson Gapuz of Xcell Boar Stud Services, Amor Mallari of Planas Agricultural Cooperative, Fernando Alvaro of Pio Farmers’ Association, and Clara Ortega and Analyn Caasi of Vizal Sto. Niño Rice and Livestock Farmers’ Association.
Aside from said incubatees, Jerry Guese of Nagkakaisang Magpapatubig ng Paroba Matamo, Arayat, Inc., Anjali Vi Lupera of Pinatubo Farm, Kim Aron Timbol of Infinite Mushroom, and Reynaldo Lapat of Nueva Ecija Rice, Corn, Vegetable, and Livestock Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative have committed themselves to the incubation program, with another MOA signing ceremony to follow.
Also present during the MOA signing were Vice President for Administration, Business and Finance Myrna B. Lorenzo and Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management Director Walter L. Pacunana, who served as witnesses.
