𝐵𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒 19, 2025 — In a landmark series of events that bolstered regional partnerships and national development goals, Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) President Dr. Rowena A. Plando led the university delegation in several high-impact engagements in Butuan City, underscoring SNSU’s firm commitment to research, development, and infrastructure growth.

 

Accompanied by key officials – Research Director Mr. Ruel T. Buba, Budget Officer Ms. Mary Ann Narciso and Planning Officer Mr. Junson Barrios, Dr. Plando joined fellow State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Presidents and Regional Directors in the official launch and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the Caraga Food Innovation Consortium (CFIC) held at the HERO Activity Loft, Caraga State University (CSU).

 

The CFIC, spearheaded by DOST Caraga in collaboration with SNSU, CSU, ASSCAT, and NEMSU, aims to position Caraga as a premier hub for food innovation through harmonized R&D efforts and commercialization of science-based food technologies.

In her message, Dr. Plando reaffirmed SNSU’s full commitment to CFIC’s mission of transforming local food systems through research, innovation, and community-driven enterprises.

 

SNSU’s display of innovative food products led by Ms. Amor Figuroa including the “lisbos tablea” and ” survival innovars” which were developed by faculty and students from various campuses was among the highlights of the exhibit visited by DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Undersecretary Wilford Will L. Wong, who lauded the creativity and market potential of the showcased goods.

 

In a separate but equally vital engagement, Dr. Plando joined a strategic consultation meeting with Secretary Pangandaman, SUC Presidents in Caraga, Congressman Joboy S. Aquino II and the regional heads of DOST, CHED and DBM. During the session, she strongly advocated four key infrastructure projects aligned with SNSU’s strategic expansion and academic development.

 

Dr. Plando also lent full support to DOST Caraga’s funding proposal for CFIC, emphasizing that SNSU’s share will be directed toward the repair and upgrading of its Food Innovation Center (FIC) in Mainit Campus to meet FDA compliance, as well as for the implementation of science-based R&D projects to benefit local MSMEs and communities.

These engagements underscore SNSU’s proactive role in regional and national development, not only in education and research but also in innovation, enterprise incubation, and policy advocacy.

“Our participation in the CFIC and support to Caraga-wide innovation programs reflect our broader mandate to harness science and technology for inclusive growth and a service-focused future,” said Dr. Plando.

The SNSU President’s engagements in Butuan exemplify the university’s steadfast pursuit of transformational leadership, meaningful partnerships, and long-term institutional development.

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

 

“𝐹𝘰𝑟 𝑖𝘯𝑐𝘭𝑢𝘴𝑖𝘷𝑒 𝑔𝘳𝑜𝘸𝑡𝘩, 𝑒𝘮𝑝𝘰𝑤𝘦𝑟𝘦𝑑 𝑙𝘪𝑣𝘦𝑠 𝑎𝘯𝑑 𝑎 𝑠𝘦𝑟𝘷𝑖𝘤𝑒-𝑓𝘰𝑐𝘶𝑠𝘦𝑑 𝑓𝘶𝑡𝘶𝑟𝘦”