USTP Claveria champions AGROPOLIS 2.0 as catalyst for Mindanao’s sustainable science and technology growth
By Carlos Ian Mendoza, USTP Claveria STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (USTP Claveria) continues to advance the boundaries of innovation and sustainability as it takes a leading role in shaping the future of Mindanao’s Science and Technology Parks through the METROHACKATHON: AGROPOLIS 2.0 (Pilot Agropolis Hub Conceptual Phase) held on October 7–8, 2025, across Metro Cagayan and Misamis Oriental.
This milestone event marked a major step forward in the USTP System’s vision to transform Mindanao into a hub for science-driven agricultural advancement and countryside development. The Agropolis concept, a pioneering initiative masterfully crafted by EnPraxis Incorporated, envisions an integrated ecosystem where agriculture, bioenergy, technology, and tourism converge to fuel inclusive growth and sustainability
Leading the design effort is Mr. Mark Roeland De Castro, President and Principal Architect of EnPraxis, whose team has been working closely with USTP to craft the Agropolis Master Plan. More than just a physical infrastructure, the Agropolis represents a transformative platform that connects every phase of the agricultural value chain, from ideation and production to processing, distribution, and marketing, all powered by research and innovation.
“The Agropolis is not just a dream; it’s a vision we are now turning into reality,” said Dr. Renato O. Arazo, Chancellor of USTP-Claveria, who expressed his gratitude to the USTP leadership, local government units, and private sector partners for their active participation. He emphasized that each USTP campus will have a role in this agropolis development, underscoring the collective effort toward countryside innovation.
The two-day workshop fostered dynamic collaboration among USTP-Claveria faculty and students, local government representatives, private sector partners, and community stakeholders. Through intensive sessions on profiling, ideation, synthesis, and strategic planning, participants contributed valuable insights that will refine the final Agropolis Master Plan.
Once completed, the comprehensive plan will be presented to the Philippine Senate and Congress for legislative endorsement and funding. It will also be introduced to potential investors and funding partners from both the public and private sectors, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), LGU Claveria, and the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, among others.
Representing USTP-Claveria during the Metro-Hackathon were Dr. Renato O. Arazo, Chancellor; Dr. Dennis T. Yamuta, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration; Dr. Argin A. Gulanes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services; Dr. Eric Randy R. Politud, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Extension; and Mr. Clint Djanggo Pacana, Agropolis Coordinator. Their active involvement underscored the campus’s strategic role in advancing the USTP System’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) agenda.
With its science-based framework and community-driven mission, the USTP Agropolis is poised to redefine the landscape of sustainable development in Northern Mindanao. More than a science and technology park, it aims to be a destination for innovation and eco-tourism, showcasing Mindanao’s agricultural and technological potential to the nation and the world.
As USTP-Claveria leads the charge toward realizing this transformative vision, Agropolis 2.0 stands as a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to research, innovation, and inclusive progress, a symbol of how education, science, and collaboration can drive sustainable futures for Mindanao and beyond.
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