CATBALOGAN CITY – On Monday, July 21 (20), nine start-ups were soft-launched by the SSU TBI-LAMBAT at the newly-built SSU-CAS Mini Theater.

The TBI-LAMBAT of Samar State University (SSU) is one of the few TBIs or Technology Business Incubators in the Philippines which are specifically designed to promote entrepreneurship thereby promoting development of new businesses and eventually results in creation of more jobs and enhanced economic growth.

Graced by high level invitees from different government and non-government agencies, and industries who share the same vision with the incubator, six Marine and Food Technology Incubatees and three Technology-Based Incubatees presented the nature of their ventures and the products they offer.

The Nora’s Seafood Products by Ms. Leonora Doncilla, J’s Seashell of Ms. Julie Ann Arcales, All About Seaweeds founded by Mr. Ruel Amascual, Bites ‘n Fishes owned by Ms. Janet Caber, Anne’s Agri Products of Ms. Gavina Doblon, and Basta Saging established by Mrs. Charito Cabrera organized a food exhibit right after the event where guests nibbled on the different food products.

“Aside from having the guests taste our food products before they get into market, some guests purchased our goods and asked our contact numbers for their own consumption,” Mrs. Doncilla said, CEO of Nora’s Seafood Products.

Meanwhile, representing the City Mayor was the City Administrator, Atty. Dennis Cosmod. He asked Engr. Raven Tabiongan of Team Surge PH, Mr. Jodel Mahinay of El Saribo Tech, and Mr. Rudio Cabrillas Jr. of Tambal to submit their technologies to the City Government.

“These technologies will really be helpful to the community, as such, we have to submit these to the City Health Office (CHO) and to the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) to be included in their planning,” Atty. Cosmod stated.

The nine incubatees were awarded grants by the University President, Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, through the Research Office to help their businesses grow and have a head start.

Afterwards, a momentous Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place at the 2^nd Floor of the Research and Innovation Center (RIC) unveiling the Headquarter Facility of the SSU-TBI LAMBAT.

DOST RO VIII Director Ernesto M. Granada, DTI Samar Director Araceli Larraga, Pasalubong Center President Deny Uy, HiBes Sales Marketing Manager Nel Laygo, and City Administrator Atty. Dennis Cosmod inked a Memorandum of Agreement with the University as their partners on the future endeavors of the SSU-TBI Lambat.

Also joining the Soft Launching via Zoom were Chief Technology Transfer Officer Russell Pili and CHED Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag.