SOLID NORTH PL BACKS FUNDING FOR STUDENT-LED AGRI-AQUA STARTUPS

Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos hailed a program providing funding to student-led startups in the agri-aqua sector, saying this would give young innovators a platform to engage in projects that have a positive impact in society.

“The SIBOL: Student Technology Business Incubation Program for the Agri-Aqua Sector is a great initiative by the Commission on Higher Education that spurs young Filipinos to pursue ideas that could have a transformative effect in their locality, if not nationwide,” Bernos, a member of the House committee on higher and technical education said.

The recently launched P120-million SIBOL program will fund student-led projects from 24 state universities and colleges nationwide. Each SUC will receive P5 million over a two-year project implementation period to help students turn their research outputs into viable startups.

According to CHED, participating SUCs have existing Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators under the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Network of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

Under the program, the participating SUCs will each mentor 10 student innovators. The mentees would join capacity-building activities, and have access to facilities, technical and financial assistance, and industry linkages to help validate technologies and connect with potential partners and investors.

Bernos said the program would help ensure that meaningful research, especially by students outside the capital, are actualized and make a difference.

“These grants will also inspire our student researchers because there is a chance for them to turn their ideas into tangible enterprises that benefit them and their fellow Filipinos, instead of these papers simply gathering dust in the library due to lack of opportunity and support,” the lawmaker said.

“Imagine, at least 200 ideas will be supported to become local enterprises that will generate jobs and introduce innovations in sectors that badly need support,” she added.

Bernos also expressed hope that the initiative would receive greater funding in the future, and that researchers and scientists in the country receive greater support.

“Napakarami nating mahuhusay na researcher at scientist na naghihintay lamang na mabigyan ng oportunidad na maipatupad ang kanilang pananaliksik. We can and should use their expertise in our development efforts,” she said.