Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, together with Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) Officers led by President Edward Du, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Ingo Ash Julian Mercado, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Viernov Grefalde, and AI TEC Executive Director Dr. Jose Rene Gayo, had a luncheon business meeting with Dr. Olivia Villaflores-Yanson on the proposed development of Agro-Industrial Technology and Enterprise Center Campus in Sta Catalina and the modern Bamboo Industry Development in Tamlang Valley, Negros Oriental. The meeting was held at Yanson Beach Resort in the municipality of Dauin.
In a strategic move towards fostering innovation and sustainable development, Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria spearheaded a luncheon business meeting alongside key stakeholders from the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI). Led by NOCCI President Edward Du and joined by Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Ingo Ash Julian Mercado, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Viernov Grefalde, and AI TEC Executive Director Dr. Jose Rene Gayo, the gathering convened to deliberate on the proposed development of the Agro-Industrial Technology and Enterprise Center (AI TEC) Campus in Sta. Catalina and the modernization of the Bamboo Industry in Tamlang Valley, Negros Oriental. Held at the scenic Yanson Beach Resort in the municipality of Dauin, the meeting served as a platform for strategic discussions and collaborative planning.
The dialogue revolved around two pivotal initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and sustainability in Negros Oriental: the establishment of the AI TEC Campus and the advancement of the Bamboo Industry in Tamlang Valley. Dr. Olivia Villaflores-Yanson, a prominent figure in the field of agricultural development and innovation, played a central role in steering the discussions and providing valuable insights into the proposed projects.
The proposed AI TEC Campus in Sta. Catalina signifies a transformative leap towards harnessing cutting-edge technologies and agricultural practices to bolster the region’s agro-industrial sector. With a focus on research, education, and entrepreneurship, the campus aims to cultivate a new generation of agri-tech pioneers and catalyze innovation-driven growth in Negros Oriental. The luncheon meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to explore synergies and chart a roadmap for the campus’s development, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
In addition to the AI TEC Campus, the meeting also delved into the modernization of the Bamboo Industry in Tamlang Valley, highlighting the region’s potential to emerge as a leading hub for sustainable bamboo production and processing. By leveraging technological advancements and best practices, Negros Oriental aims to revitalize its bamboo sector, tapping into the growing global demand for eco-friendly materials and contributing to environmental conservation efforts. The luncheon meeting facilitated discussions on investment opportunities, policy frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives to propel the bamboo industry forward and unlock its full economic potential.
Governor Sagarbarria, in his address during the luncheon meeting, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement in driving the proposed initiatives forward. He emphasized the role of innovation and collaboration in building a resilient and competitive economy, urging all stakeholders to work together towards common goals.
NOCCI President Edward Du echoed Governor Sagarbarria’s sentiments, emphasizing the chamber’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and sustainable development in Negros Oriental. He stressed the importance of strategic investments in key sectors such as agriculture and renewable energy, citing the AI TEC Campus and Bamboo Industry Development as prime examples of forward-thinking initiatives with the potential to transform the region’s economic landscape.
Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Ingo Ash Julian Mercado and PENRO Viernov Grefalde shared valuable insights into the regulatory frameworks and environmental considerations surrounding the proposed projects, underscoring the need for sustainable development practices and adherence to environmental regulations.
Dr. Jose Rene Gayo, Executive Director of AI TEC, provided an overview of the envisioned campus and its role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the agro-industrial sector. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government in fostering a conducive ecosystem for agri-tech innovation and enterprise development.The luncheon meeting concluded on a positive note, with all participants expressing their commitment to working together towards realizing the proposed initiatives.
