VSU, business sector strengthen ties at AbanTeknolohiya 3.0

A remarkable milestone unfolded during the recently concluded AbanTeknolohiya 3.0 on April 15–16, 2026, as Visayas State University (VSU) renewed strategic partnerships with three key business organizations in Eastern Visayas for another five years.

The simultaneous signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with the Baybay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tacloban Leyte, Inc. stood out as one of the major highlights of the two-day innovation event.

The ceremonial signing marked a decisive step toward deeper industry–academe collaboration, aimed at accelerating innovation, commercializing technology, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in Baybay, Ormoc, Tacloban, and beyond.

University President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, represented VSU in forging these partnerships with business leaders, Mr. Ruel D. Salasayo of Baybay, Ms. Rocel D. Baclayon of Ormoc, and Mr. Henry Y. Gosyco of Tacloban.

The terms stipulate a shared vision to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where research-driven innovations can thrive in the marketplace. Through this collaboration, the business sector will actively support the promotion and expansion of VSU’s Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI), a platform designed to transform research outputs into viable enterprises.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Dr. Yepes pointed out the role of universities as catalysts of inclusive growth and innovation. 

“This partnership reflects our commitment to ensure that the technologies we develop do not remain within the walls of the university but are translated into real-world solutions. By working closely with our industry partners, we can create more opportunities for our entrepreneurs, strengthen local industries, and contribute meaningfully to regional development,” Dr. Yepes said. 

The partnerships outline concrete areas of cooperation, including the recruitment of startup incubatees, engagement of industry experts as mentors, and provision of access to business networks that can open doors to funding and market opportunities. 

In turn, VSU, through the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP), will provide a pipeline of technologies ready for commercialization, alongside training and technical support for emerging entrepreneurs.

Mr. Henry Y. Gosyco, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tacloban Leyte, Inc., emphasized the vital role of the business sector in driving inclusive growth in the region.

“This partnership with Visayas State University is a meaningful step toward strengthening the link between innovation and industry. By working together, we can empower local entrepreneurs, support startups, and ensure that technologies developed in our institutions reach the communities and markets that need them most,” Gosyco said.

This is not the first time VSU built bridges between academe and industry. Earlier this year, the university partnered with World Vision and members of the local business community to bring innovations closer to the community. 

The present involvement of local chambers of commerce and industry is a major stride in attracting investors from the private sector to fund innovations that could impact the homefront and global industries.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; and; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

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