Biliran Province State University has received a P1.3-million grant from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for its project titled Project 2 (Project 1A): Strengthening the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM).

In a letter dated March 4, PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora confirmed that the budget allocation represents the first year of the two-year implementation period, spanning from October 2024 to September 2026. 

The funding follows a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. and PCAARRD Executive Director Atty. Ebora.

Project Leader Assoc. Prof. Jeruel A. Espinazo explained that the project aims to enhance IPTBM at BiPSU by intensifying technology protection, commercialization, and intellectual property (IP) management in agriculture and aquaculture. 

“We need to bridge the gap between research and commercialization and ensure that innovative technologies developed in the university are effectively protected and translated into practical applications that benefit the agricultural and aquaculture sectors,” he said.

As part of Phase 2, the initiative focuses on expanding and improving existing programs, particularly in strengthening Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), optimizing patenting processes, and facilitating effective technology transfer to industry partners.

RAISE EV Project Technical Assistant Krishmar H. Centino also shared that the funding will support the 6Ps and 2Is framework, which includes Publication, Patent, Product, People and Services, Places and Partnerships, Policies, Social Impact, and Economic Impact. “The funding will be used to ensure that these outputs are achieved and even exceeded,” she said.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Cañezo also expressed his gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD for their trust and support. 

“Strengthening our intellectual property and technology management means we can better protect and commercialize innovations that have the potential to transform agriculture and aquaculture,” the university president said. “With this, we strengthen our move to making a real impact in our communities."

IPTBM is under the RAISE Program of the DOST-PCAARRD which aims to provide the optimum environment for inventors, innovators, and investors and calls for the commitment of the regional stakeholders to collaborate to build a competitive agri-aqua innovation ecosystem that maximizes the potential of every science and technology innovation.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.]