VSU forges partnerships with World Vision, business sector

In a significant move to bridge the gap between academic innovation and real-world application, Visayas State University (VSU) has forged three major partnerships aimed at bringing university-led research and technologies to the communities and industries that need them most on February 20, 2026 at the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Conference Room, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte.

University President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, recently entered into separate Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., a prominent non-profit organization known for its poverty alleviation projects, and two private business entities, marking a new chapter in VSU's commitment to technology commercialization and community development.  

In her message, President Yepes underscored that technology commercialization demands discipline. 

“It requires that research withstands validation, that production processes meet standards, and that adopters are prepared to invest in scaling. It also requires institutions to provide sustained support beyond the signing of agreements," she added. 

These collaborations, facilitated through the Knowledge Product and Commercialization Office (KPCO) and the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (VSU-ATBI) under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement Program (RAISE 8, Phase 2), seek to transform research breakthroughs into sustainable livelihoods and industrial solutions.

Boosting Local Entrepreneurship: The Tarroz Wine Initiative

Turning its sights toward the local industry, VSU finally sealed the deal with Mr. Jesus Felipe D. Subingsubing, an entrepreneur and owner of JF Healthy Farm in Albuera, Leyte.

As an "incubatee" under the VSU-ATBI, Mr. Subingsubing will receive specialized mentorship and technical support for the production and marketing of tarroz wine.

This partnership, supported by the DOST-PCAARRD under the RAISE ATBI Phase 2 program, utilizes the expertise of the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) to help small-scale producers scale their operations. 

Under the five-year agreement, VSU will provide technical assistance during the early stages of production, assign mentors to help improve market reach through social media and digital platforms, and conduct quarterly monitoring to ensure the quality and quantity of the products.

Mr. Subingsubing was among the businessmen who signed the Term Sheet for his intent to adopt the technology during the Rootcrops Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) held in April 2024. 

Accelerating Industrial Innovation: Cassava Processing Systems

The second partnership involves Five Shepherds Corporation, a general manufacturing firm based in Baybay City and a recipient of Region VIII Department of Science and Technology (DOST-8) Best Licensee Award last year. 

Represented by CEO Winston Borris Dy, the corporation joined VSU as an "acceleratee" to focus on the fabrication and marketing of the Cassava Grates Processing System.

This integrated agro-processing system that VSU developed includes specialized machinery such as Cassava Grater, Spinner, Pulverizer, and Dome Solar Dryer. 

Five Shepherds Corporation, which already possesses the capability to fabricate such equipment, will receive continued technical training and support to ensure these innovative, portable, and affordable machines reach more agricultural stakeholders.

Empowering Vulnerable Communities

The third agreement was forged with World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., a Christian child-focused relief and development organization. 

This partnership leverages VSU’s technical expertise, particularly in crop production, livestock management, and food processing, to support World Vision’s mission of safeguarding children and overcoming poverty.

Represented by its Operations Manager for Visayas, Mr. Bonifacio M. Calapan, World Vision will collaborate with the university to implement development initiatives in the Visayas Field Office. 

Key components of this five-year partnership include knowledge sharing, capacity building, and community immersion. 

Key VSU officials, including Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr., VP for Research, Extension, and Innovation, and Dr. Feliciano G. Sinon, Director for Innovation, witnessed the MOA signing.

These partnerships signal a unified institutional push toward making the university’s research outputs commercially viable and socially impactful.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 1: No Poverty; 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 15: Life on Land, and; SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

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