MMSU joins 1st National IMPACT confab and 9th TBI Summit in Bacolod City
By Lei Frances Ribac, ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ณ๐ช๐ฃ๐ถ๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ
Officials and Technology Business Incubator (TBI) project staff of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) participated in a national gathering of innovation leaders: the 1st National IMPACT Conference and the 9th Technology Business Incubator Summit Philippines held on November 6 and 7, respectively, in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. was Dr. Fides Bernardo Bitanga, Vice President for Administration and Finance. He was joined by Innovation and Technology Director and former Bannuar TBI Project Leader Armie Sabugo; Bannuar TBI project staff Engr. Abegail Ruiz and Engr. Artbellson Mamuri; TBI Chief Lei Ribac; TBI staff Joyce Alejo; and incubatee Dr. Emie Mirasol.
Themed โFrom IMPACT to NXT Horizons: Surging the Next Wave of Knowledge and Technology Transfer,โ the 1st National IMPACT Conference on November 6 gathered industry representatives, researchers, technology transfer officers, university leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
The event, under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOSTโPCIEERD), underscored the role of research and innovation in generating tangible benefits for society, highlighting how the Intellectual Property Management Program for Academic and Research Institutions Commercializing Technologies (IMPACT) pushes forward technology transfer, entrepreneurial universities, and startups.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the IMPACT NXT Program, which builds on the foundations of its predecessor by refining policies and processes, developing competency frameworks, and expanding its reach to include 27 new TBIs nationwide, with MMSU among those selected to be part of this next phase.
Following the IMPACT Conference, the 9th TBI Summit Philippines celebrated the collaboration among TBIs, government agencies, and industry partners in building a more connected and resilient innovation ecosystem across the country, with the theme โThe Innovation Archipelago: Connecting Ecosystems, Expanding Horizons.โ
The inspirational message of CHED Commissioner and former MMSU President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, delivered by Dr. Raul Alvarez Jr., OIC-Director of CHED Negros Island Region (NIR), reflected on the roots of innovation that began during her presidency at MMSU. It was during her term that the Bannuar TBI, the first Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT)-funded TBI in Region I, was established.
Dr. Agrupis emphasized that each TBI serves as a bridge connecting classrooms to communities and universities to the broader innovation ecosystem, transforming invention into meaningful impact. She added that the story of Bannuar TBI embodies the keys to lasting progress: institutionalization, collaboration, and sustainability. She also called on all stakeholders to sustain the bridges built among institutions, industries, and communities as innovation continues to thrive across regions.
Another highlight of the Summit was the Avenue of Visionaries, which brought together university presidents, DOST officials, and dignitaries in celebration of bold leadership and a shared commitment to advancing innovation in the Philippines.
Through its active participation, MMSU reaffirmed its role as a catalyst of regional innovation, strengthening partnerships and supporting technology-based startups that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.
MMSU-TBI
Nov, 13, 2025 01:39:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
