CSU BACKS LAUNCH OF CAGAYAN INNOVATION HUB, STRENGTHENS SCIENCE AND INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM IN REGION II

Cagayan State University (CSU) expressed its full support for the newly launched Cagayan Innovation Hub, Cagayan Data and Knowledge Management Center, and the SARAI Provincial Hub, highlighting the importance of collaboration among government, academia, and industry in advancing science-driven development in Region II.

In his message of support during the launching ceremony today, March 16, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, CSU OIC President, emphasized that innovation must move beyond laboratories and translate into practical solutions that directly benefit communities.

“Through our collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and the Provincial Government of Cagayan, we envision the Innovation Hub as a dynamic center where ideas are transformed into solutions addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, energy, transportation, and climate resilience,” Dr. Ibañez said.

The Cagayan Innovation Hub (iHUB) serves as a platform for research commercialization, technology incubation, and collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation that can drive regional economic growth.

Complementing the iHUB is the Cagayan Data and Knowledge Management Center, which will support data-driven governance by integrating analytics, research outputs, and digital information systems that aid policymakers in evidence-based decision-making and development planning.

Meanwhile, the Smart Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI) Provincial Hub, a localized implementation of the national Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry program, will provide science-based advisories for farmers, including climate risk assessments, crop suitability mapping, and agricultural planning tools to strengthen food security and climate resilience in the province.

As a key partner institution, CSU reaffirmed its commitment to contribute research expertise, scientific knowledge, and technological innovations that will strengthen the province’s emerging innovation ecosystem.

Meanwhile, among the technologies showcased during the event were electric mobility innovations developed by CSU’s Electromobility Research and Development Center, including converted electric tricycles, eTrike, eBuggy, and other battery-powered vehicles designed to support sustainable and low-carbon transportation systems.

The launching ceremony, held at the Provincial Government of Cagayan, was attended by officials from the Department of Science and Technology, led by Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang, along with Hon. Edgar B. Aglipay, Governor of Cagayan, and other regional leaders.

Through this partnership, CSU expressed optimism that the integrated innovation platforms will accelerate the demonstration, adoption, and commercialization of technologies developed by Filipino researchers while strengthening governance systems and climate-resilient agriculture across the province.

The initiatives are expected to cultivate a robust regional innovation ecosystem, one that empowers communities, supports sustainable industries, and positions Cagayan as a hub for science, technology, and data-driven development in Northern Luzon.