Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University – Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (CMU-ATBI) incubatees shared their journey during the 2nd Incubatees’ Summit and Graduation Ceremony.
Numeriano O. Quemado III, CEO and co-owner of Mushroom City in Kalasungay, Malaybalay City narrated the humble beginnings of the mushroom business he started with his brother Edsel James. The brothers’ enterprise has successfully completed the three incubation curricula of the program.
Quemado shared that the idea came from his thesis during his undergraduate days. He added that he even went around the university and set up a stall at Malaybalay Plaza to sell his mushrooms and mushroom-based products. He called this their stepping stone.
“Every challenge we faced became a stepping stone that helped us build the foundation for something much greater,” he said.
Quemado also mentioned that being part of CMU-ATBI’s program became a turning point for their business.
“This program didn’t just guide us. It transformed us. It taught us how to translate our vision into a structured sustainable business,” Quemado added.
At present, Mushroom City is now one of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Learning Site and a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) farm school. They also regularly conduct training in mushroom production and value-adding.
Another incubatee, John Ryan M. Loyloy recalled how his startup Kape Lumad came to life. A former overseas Filipino worker in Singapore, he realized how highly valuable coffee is. With the help of CMU-ATBI, he was able to introduce Bukidnon coffee products to a wide range of markets and investors. Kape Lumad was listed as one of the Top 5 finalists of the 2024 BPI Sinag Elevate Challenge, a program that recognizes social enterprises focusing on sustainable business models that address social and environmental problems.
NaturesBounty Organique Fertilizer Services, on the other hand, started in 2022 as a retirement plan of Andres Mirar. Mirar shared that through CMU-ATBI, he was able to join training and seminars that he also shares with other farmers. He has also showcased his products at various events in the country.
Both Kape Lumad and NaturesBounty Organique Fertilizer Services completed the Basic Incubation and Advanced Incubation curricula, respectively.
The provincial offices of the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry pledged their continued support to the incubatees as they continue to grow their businesses.
A total of nine incubatees completed the basic incubation curriculum, six in the advanced curriculum, and two finally graduated from the whole program. Additionally, the program also introduced six new incubatees-enterprises.
This graduation ceremony was part of the first RAISE X Summit at CMU University Convention Center on January 22, 2025.
RAISE or the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovations System Enhancement Program is a program by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) that aims to strengthen its pursuit of bringing innovative solutions closer to the people, stimulating inclusive growth and regional development. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]
