ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – The Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit (NorMinRIPE) 2025, held on April 21-22, showcased a range of products and technologies that reflect the region’s focus on economic growth, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Exhibitors included government agencies, academic institutions, startups, and the private sector.
Among the key exhibits were a coconut tree climbing robot, dynamic gripper robot, and robotic arm cutter developed by a team of Computer Engineering students from St. Peter’s College in Iligan City. The robot automates climbing, harvesting, and slicing coconuts, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional manual methods.
Zuri Manogura, a team member, explained that their research showed farmers’ children are no longer following in their parents’ footsteps, and traditional farming skills are being lost. This prompted them to develop a product that automates coconut harvesting.
“Nagkagamay ang ma-harvest, kana ang problem and naka-think mi, why not mag-create mi og product nga mu-harvest sya. Safe pod sya, pananglitan mukatkat ta in-kaso lang di man malikayan plus danlog ang kuan, isa pod sa delikado ana while gakatkat sila, ang sanggot naa ra sa kilid gibutang,” he said.
(The harvest is getting smaller—that’s the problem. So we thought, why not create a product that can do the harvesting? It’s also safer. For example, when climbing, accidents can’t always be avoided, and the trees are slippery. One of the risks is that while climbing, the sickle is just placed on the side.)
The Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement displayed prototypes and outputs from its consortium members and the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development. The program promotes agri-based innovation and commercialization of technology to support rural development.
Sheila Poonon, Agri-Aqua Tech Component 3 program leader, said the program has assisted 29 agri-aqua startups in business development, including intellectual property management and technology incubation.
“Kinahanglan jud ang innovations nato kay ang agri-aqua sector, it needs attention jud. We need to innovate for food security. Kung di nato ma-help ang sector through entrepreneurial activity, di jud siya pwede mag-grow ang businesses in the sector,” she said.
(Our innovations are really necessary because the agri-aqua sector truly needs attention. We need to innovate to ensure food security. If we can’t support the sector through entrepreneurial activity, businesses in it won’t be able to grow.)
She also expressed gratitude to DOST for their continued support and said that without financial assistance, it would be difficult to achieve their goals.
Government initiatives
DOST also featured its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology, presenting interactive tools like SIMATAR, an augmented reality teaching aid, and the Mt. Agad-Agad Run Adventure educational mobile game.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) – formerly the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – displayed knowledge products related to the NEDA Innovation Fund and the Filipinnovation Awards, emphasizing inclusive, sustainable development through innovation.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)-10 showcased programs aimed at empowering technopreneurs and promoting digital transformation in rural areas.
PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Misamis Oriental presented its infrastructure and logistics facilities to attract investors.
The Iligan local government highlighted its innovation strategies, including an innovation council, public-private partnerships, and smart city initiatives incorporating ICT for urban planning, e-governance, and citizen engagement.
Academic innovations
In the academe, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Cagayan de Oro Business Incubation Technology and Entrepreneurship Startups featured its mentorship and community-driven tech initiatives for local startups. The Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) presented innovation programs such as iDEYA: Center of Innovation and Technopreneurship, which provides workspace, mentoring, and prototyping services.
MSU-IIT also showcased ILIGANiCE products like Taro Chips and Tanglad Juice, developed with DOST support, and FabLab Mindanao’s digital fabrication services, including 3D printing and laser cutting.
Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Bukidnon displayed its 3D Instructional Apparatus for Vector Operations, a patented product that visualizes complex physics equations for students. CMU also featured sustainable products such as banana flour, tablea, and bamboo items. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
