CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO – A pivotal step towards enhancing technical and vocational education in MIMAROPA was taken on July 3, 2025, during the “Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training System (SIPTVETS) Project Stakeholders Consultation Meeting.” Held at the TESDA MIMAROPA Regional Office, this consultation brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, all committed to the successful establishment and operation of the region’s new RTIC in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro. The Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded SIPTVETS Project is poised to inject significant resources into this innovation hub, ensuring its capacity to foster cutting-edge skills and technologies.

Focused Innovation for Key Regional Industries

Two RTICs will be established in Oriental Mindoro, specializing in areas critical to MIMAROPA’s economic future:

• The Bansud RTIC, to be located within the Simeon Suan Vocational and Technical College Farm-AgriTourism School (SSVTC-FATS) in Sitio Ebong, Barangay Pagasa, Oriental Mindoro, will focus on Farm Automation and Mechanization. This center aims to modernize the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the region’s economy, by integrating advanced technologies and practices.
• The Palawan RTIC, situated at the Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trades in Puerto Princesa City, will champion innovation in the Tourism sector. This focus will further strengthen Palawan’s reputation as a premier tourist destination by equipping its workforce with world-class skills and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

A Unified Front for Progress

The consultation meeting for the RTIC in Bansud saw the active participation of key figures and organizations, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving this initiative. Attendees included:

• Project Management Office (PMO) representatives: Dir. Gilbert M. Castro (Project Manager), Mr. Paulo Salino (National Expert for Environmental Safeguards, PMC), and Ms. Noime Ilagas (M & E Staff).
• Regional and Provincial Government Agencies: RD Angelina M. Carreon of TESDA MIMAROPA, RD Naomi Lyn C. Abellana of DOLE MIMAROPA, ARD Cherry Lou Repia of DepEd MIMAROPA, Engr. Maria Teresa B. Carido of DA MIMAROPA, Ms. Maria Nikka Jade Atienza (PTA I of DOST-PSTO-MIMAROPA), and PD Arnel Hutalla of DTI Oriental Mindoro.
• Educational Institutions: Engr. Israfel L. Mangui (Vocational School Administrator III of SSVTC), Arch. Francis Neil B. Quijano (RTESDC Chairperson, AGRITEKTURA Prime Mover), Atty. Arman Fernandez (Administrator of Southwestern College of Maritime, Business and Technology, Inc.), and Mr. Roland D. Orate (Coordinator of Mindoro State University).
• Local Government and Community Leaders: Ms. Mediatrix T. Lusterio (Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of Bansud), Ptr. Rodolfo P. Dela Cruz (representing the Indigenous Community in Sitio Ebong), Hon. Arhunfol D. Roda (Barangay Captain of Barangay Pag-asa, Bansud), and Councilmen of Barangay Pag-asa Hon. Mark R. Macalindong and Hon. Allen Zyrus Lingon.
• Industry and Cooperative Representatives: Mr. Heribert B. Quialquial and Ms. Marjorie Cuasay of Calapan Labor Service Development Cooperative (CALSEDECO), Mr. Bryan John S. Dizon of the Association of Accredited Tourist Accommodations in Puerto Princesa Palawan, Inc. (AATAPPP), Mr. Nelson Gabutero (Administrator of Gabutero Organic Farm), Mr. Arnold C. Esguerra and Mrs. Rachel F Esguerra of Maralitang Magsasaka ng Mindoro (MMM) Bansud, and Mr. Edwin M. Mendoza (President of Samahan ng Lehitimong Mangingisda ng Proper Bansud).

The diverse attendance highlights the broad support of the stakeholders, recognizing their potential to serve as vital links between local industries, government agencies, training institutions, and communities.

A Shared Vision for Progress

The Bansud RTIC, with its focus on Farm Automation and Mechanization, will aim to foster a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration. This includes strengthening quality assurance, facilitating workforce upskilling, promoting entrepreneurship, driving applied research and development (R&D), and establishing robust collaborative arrangements and institutional partnerships. These pillars will ensure the RTIC is a hub for social innovation and shared knowledge.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous endorsement of the RTICs by both the Regional Technical Education and Skills Development Committee (RTESDC) and the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Committee (PTESDC). Their joint resolution titled, “EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE SIPTVETS (SUPPORTING INNOVATION IN THE PHILIPPINE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEM) PROJECT IN ORIENTAL MINDORO,” solidifies the regional commitment to these transformative centers.

The focused group discussions allowed stakeholders to directly address their queries and provide valuable input, setting the stage for future strategic planning meetings of the RTESDC and PTESDC. With this strong show of commitment, the establishment of the RTICs in Bansud and Palawan in 2025 is set to usher in a new era of innovation and development for the MIMAROPA region.•