Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has officially launched a weeklong exhibit activity titled "PADAYAW SA ISLA: Riserts, Teknolohiya, at Abakanobasyon" with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, September 25 coinciding with the inauguration of the Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) on the university campus.The event aims to disseminate information and showcase research findings, technologies, and inventions developed by both faculty and students of CatSU. The public can explore completed and ongoing research projects and technological innovations that have been produced within the university.Products on display include a wide range of abaca-based items such as abaca paper, abaca canvas, abaca wine, abaca alcohol, abaca fabric, recycled abaca fiber blocks, and abaca soap. Additionally, the exhibit features communication devices, a 3-in-1 coconut farmers' machine, dress forms made from abaca and recycled paper, a rain collector machine, an automatic fishpond feeder, a solar-powered banca motor, and many more innovative creations.During the opening ceremony, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza emphasized the importance of putting research into practical use. "The true measure of a project is its ability to solve problems and have practical applications. We will invite potential investors to commercially produce our outputs, and those who discover innovations here can enjoy royalties," the president said, encouraging the community to leverage the university's research outputs for practical applications.President Azanza also announced that the university is set to receive substantial funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with 6 million for its abaca tissue culture, and hopes for the 38 million for ATIC pledged by the DOST.The president also stressed the significance of utilizing abaca resources to support local abakaleros, highlighting the unity of various government agencies and stakeholders present at the event. DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace Molina, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Ms. Maria Belma Escueta, and Provincial Fiber Officer of the Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Mr. Roberto B. Lusuegro pledged their support to CatSU's initiatives.Governor Joseph C. Cua commended Dr. Azanza for expanding the university's influence within the community and fostering a stronger connection between the local government and the abaca industry. The governor expressed optimism about the ATIC building, seeing it as a ‘symbol of hope and a catalyst for innovation and progress’ in the province.The exhibit was organized by CatSU's Research, Extension, and Production Affairs department, led by OIC Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo and Assistant Vice President Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea. #ATugay
