CSU PARTNERS WITH DOST, TESDA IX TO POWER SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT IN ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

Tuguegarao City — Cagayan State University (CSU) has forged a tripartite partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IX and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region IX for the establishment of the country’s first C-Trike Kit Developer and Training Center in Zamboanga del Norte.

Through its Electromobility Research and Development Center (eMRDC), CSU developed a specialized conversion kit that transforms conventional tricycles into electric-powered C-Trikes, specifically designed for the tricycle models of Zamboanga del Norte.

This innovation, part of the project “FASTRAC Lite: Development and Validation of the Improved Cost-effective Electric Kits for the Conversion of Conventional Tricycle to eTrike,” will now be expanded through the creation of the Zamboanga del Norte Training Center, CSU’s first satellite hub outside Region II dedicated to C-Trike fabrication, assembly, and training.

Under the agreement, CSU serves as the technology generator of the patented C-Trike conversion kit, while TESDA Region IX will act as the licensee, responsible for developing and training local fabricators and installers. DOST Region IX will function as the facilitating partner, providing technical support, monitoring, and promotion of the technology across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

TESDA IX Acting Regional Director Engr. Alan C. Bacatan described the partnership as “a significant milestone not only for Zamboanga del Norte but for the entire Zamboanga Peninsula,” highlighting the establishment of the center at the Dipolog School of Fisheries as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

Meanwhile, DOST IX OIC Regional Director Jennifer A. Pidor lauded CSU’s dedication to practical technology development, calling the initiative “a livelihood boost, a climate action, and a proof of concept rolled into one.”

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed today, October 22, 2025, by CSU OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, DOST IX OIC Regional Director Jennifer A. Pidor, and TESDA IX Acting Regional Director Engr. Alan C. Bacatan. Witnessing the event were CSU Vice Presidents Dr. Mariden V. Cauilan and Dr. Ana Marie C. Cauilan, University Technical Advisers Dr. Florentina S. Dumlao and Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado (also a member of the CSU Board of Regents), along with DOST II Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera and TESDA II Assistant Regional Director Genero Ronald C. Ibay.