USTP launches Entrepreneurship Service Unit to empower startups and innovators
By Roque P. Bermudez, USTP System STRATCOMM
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In its continued pursuit of excellence in innovation and research, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the frontiers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization through the official launch of the Entrepreneurship Service Unit (ESU) on April 29, 2025, at La Veranda, Chali Resort and Conference Center, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.
The establishment of the ESU is in line with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 10919, also known as the USTP Charter, which mandates the University to provide advanced education and technological training that strengthens national competitiveness in science and technology. Further supported by Resolution No. 250, Series of 2022, the ESU integrates entrepreneurial pathways into the curricula of various academic programs. It aims to advance USTP’s strategic goals while nurturing students’ professional growth and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Laying the Groundwork for Innovation
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Rhea Suzette M. Haguisan, ESU Coordinator of USTP Cagayan de Oro and Manager of the USTP System Business Development Unit, emphasized USTP’s strategic direction in embedding entrepreneurship in its academic and institutional framework. She warmly welcomed stakeholders, underlining the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the ESU’s success.
Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, USTP System President, delivered a keynote message titled “Igniting Startups: USTP’s Entrepreneurship Journey in Driving Innovation.” He described the ESU as an academic support hub where student ideas can be nurtured and transformed into real-world impact. He outlined the components of the USTP Educational Model, the Student Pathway, ESU courses, The Entrepreneurial Mind, and Technopreneurship, all designed to equip students to thrive in a fast-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
Launching the ESU
The launch featured the unveiling of the official ESU logo and booklet, graced by prominent guests and speakers, including Engr. Ruel Vincent C. Banal, Dr. Daryl Glenn B. Pamplona, Mr. Jaime Raphael U. Paguio, and Ms. Rhea Suzette M. Haguisan.
Engr. Ruel Vincent C. Banal, Officer-in-Charge of the DOST Misamis Oriental Provincial Office, delivered a talk titled “Synergizing Science, Technology, and Enterprise: Contribution to Filipinnovation.” He emphasized the aligned vision of government and state universities like USTP in transforming communities into innovation hubs.
Dr. Daryl Glenn B. Pamplona, Education Supervisor II of CHED Region X, discussed “Roadmap for Entrepreneurial Excellence: Collaborative Framework for Sustainable Growth.” He highlighted the critical role of collaboration between government and academe in shaping sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship.
Mr. Jaime Raphael U. Paguio, Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Northern Mindanao Business Council, presented “Tech-Driven Innovation: Industry Insights on Entrepreneurship and Technology Integration.” He shared how CEPALCO’s adoption of innovation and technology has driven its growth and how USTP could follow suit as a premier science and technology university.
Highlighting ESU’s Role and Impact
The ESU represents USTP’s strong commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and commercialization efforts. It is a strategic initiative designed to shape innovative, entrepreneurial mindsets and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable, technology-driven future.
A fireside chat with the guest speakers and Dr. Cultura created a lively, interactive discussion on the future of entrepreneurship at USTP.
In the afternoon, participants attended a workshop on the Entrepreneurs Path Program, led by Ms. Flora Monica M. Ruiz, Head of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (CET) at USTP CDO. Stakeholders, university administrators, and faculty collaborated on curriculum mapping to embed entrepreneurship in academic programs.
Dr. Apolinario B. Gonzaga, Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of the USTP System, closed the program with a Way Forward message. He underscored USTP’s firm commitment to transitioning into an entrepreneurial university, encouraging deeper integration of entrepreneurship into the academic ecosystem to empower students—Trailblazers—to become future innovators.
The launching event was organized by the Office of the University President.
The Entrepreneurship Service Unit (ESU) marks a significant milestone for USTP in its evolution into a stronghold of science, technology, and innovation. With a clear entrepreneurial vision, USTP continues to build a future where startups and innovators can thrive and lead transformative change for a more sustainable world.
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