Isabela State University - Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center

PRODUCT FEATURE

Meet AC Plant Propagation Farm, a trusted producer of healthy, disease-free, and affordable seedlings located in Brgy. Furao, Gamu, Isabela.

Through proper nursery and propagation practices, the farm produces a variety of planting materials including vegetable seedlings and bamboo seedlings to support the planting needs of farmers and agricultural customers.

AC Plant Propagation Farm continues to improve its production practices and provide easy to grow, ready to transplant seedlings with strong root systems for better survival.

With the support of DOST-PCAARRD through the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of Isabela State University (ATBI-ISU), the farm continues to strengthen its production, innovation, and market development efforts.

From quality seedlings to stronger farms, ISU-ATBI continues to support entrepreneurs in transforming agricultural innovations into sustainable enterprises.

Grow with confidence with AC Plant Propagation Farm and experience quality seedlings for your farming needs, available in Brgy. Furao, Gamu, Isabela, and serving various parts of Isabela.

INCUBATEE FEATURE

Meet Filipinas Dela Cruz and Emerson Dela Cruz, owners of AC Plant Propagation Farm, one of the incubatees of the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of Isabela State University (ATBI-ISU).

Located in Barangay Furao, Gamu, Isabela, AC Plant Propagation Farm has been producing and supplying quality vegetable seedlings since 2020. The farm focuses on providing healthy and disease-free planting materials to support farmers and agricultural communities.

Through the support of DOST-PCAARRD and ATBI-ISU, the enterprise adopted the Automated Mist Propagation System developed by Isabela State University, which contributed to the successful propagation of vigorous bamboo seedlings in 2024. Through technical assistance, mentorship, and enterprise development support, the farm continues to strengthen its production practices, product quality, and business capabilities.

Today, AC Plant Propagation Farm serves government programs, farmers, commercial farms, and agricultural suppliers, expanding access to quality planting materials across Cagayan Valley and nearby areas.

From an idea to a growing enterprise, every journey starts with one step. ISU-ATBI is proud to be part of AC Plant Propagation Farm's journey toward growth and innovation.

Interested in venturing into the Agri-Aqua business? Be part of DOST-PCAARRD-ISU ATBI and turn your ideas into opportunities!

Message our page or visit us at ISU-CVSRRC, Echague, Isabela to learn more.

ISU-ATBI Student-incubatees bagged awards in DA-RFO 02’s Young Farmers Challenge

The ISU-ATBI and its partner College of Business, Accountancy and Public Administration (CBAPA) through the Department of Entrepreneurship warmly congratulates our student-incubatees for successfully competing with flying colors in DA-RFO 02’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC).

The following student team were awarded in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for the recently concluded YFC 2026:

1. Innovest: Rosenia B. Padua, Hannah Mae C. Gatbonton, Justine N. Macabangkit
2. Justine Ani at Las Food Products: Justine G. Tabing, John David B. Aliaga, and Mai Mary Joy L. Mabbayad
3. Lookal Food Company: Richard A. Sagaysay, Lino S. Liban IV, and Allison Angel C. Panida
4. Aquaterra: Krystel Joyce C. Cabangbang, Alyssa Jane M. Acosta, Angella T. Garma, Angelica Mae S. Moria, and Greychelle A. Taruza

The students were trained through an On-the-Job training program of ISU-ATBI before the competition. With the assistance of their advisers and mentors, they successfully presented solutions to the industry and community problems; and turning it into a business opportunity. The students will continue the mentoring program through the CHED-PCAARRD SIBOL Program to further develop the products and accelerate their start-up growth.

On behalf of ISU-ATBI and SIBOL@ISU Project Teams, we extend our warmest congratulations to our student-incubatees and their advisers Ms. Leah B. Bitao and Dr. Raleigh Vizcarra.



Photo courtesy: Ms. Leah B. Bitao, BS Entrepreneurship Department Chair

PRODUCT FEATURE

Crunching Innovation: Mushroom Crisps by BNCL Food Products

Discover the unique taste and innovation behind Mushroom Crisps, a promising food product developed by BNCL Food Products, owned by Nehemia R. Cadiz and Buencamino M. Cadiz.

Made from mushrooms and crafted with creativity, Mushroom Crisps showcase the potential of locally sourced ingredients transformed into a flavorful, nutritious, and innovative snack.

Recently, BNCL Food Products’ Mushroom Crisps has been featured in various trade fairs and innovation events, highlighting the product’s growing potential and market presence. These include the Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair held at Carousel Court, Upper Ground Floor of Festival Mall, Alabang, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 and the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) held at the Cagayan Provincial Coliseum in Tuguegarao City.

With the support of DOST-PCAARRD through the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of Isabela State University (ATBI-ISU), BNCL Food Products receives assistance for product standardization, including nutritional analysis, improvement of processing practices through Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product promotion, and mentorship for enterprise development.

With continuous support and innovation, BNCL Food Products strives to bring quality mushroom-based products to consumers while strengthening its presence in the food industry.

From local resources to innovative creations, ISU-ATBI continues to support entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into market-ready products.

Avail in Nueva Vizcaya and various parts of Isabela, including Yogad-Khan and experience the taste of innovation with BNCL Food Products’ Mushroom Crisps!

ISU-CVSRRC welcomes BISU and LSPU for benchmarking and dialogue on research-related activities

The center welcomes the delegation from The Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC) hosted by Bohol Island State University on September 15, 2026 for a benchmarking activity focusing on research center operation and management. The delegation was led by Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangaya-ay, BISU’s Vice President on Research, Innovation, and Extension and CVAARRDEC’s Director. The center presented its initiatives in addressing the gaps in small ruminant industry through R&D/E and how these technologies are transferred to the industry for commercialization in support to rural development.

Today, the center also hosted Laguna Polytechnic State University (LPSU) delegation led by Dr. Robert C. Agatep, Vice President for Research Development and Extension for a dialogue related to the implementation of Student-based Incubation Program: Bridging technology and entrepreneurship by optimizing ideas to leverage start-up development (SIBOL). The center presented the approved process flow of SIBOL Program, its incubation management, and how RAISE-CV Program supports spin-off companies of ISU.

To BISU and LPSU, we look forward to greater cooperation ahead.

INCUBATEE FEATURE

Meet Nehemia R. Cadiz and Buencamino M. Cadiz, owners of BNCL Food Products, one of our incubatees at the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of Isabela State University (ATBI-ISU).

BNCL Food Products is a growing enterprise dedicated to transforming locally available resources into innovative and quality food products.

With the support of DOST-PCAARRD through the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program of Isabela State University (ATBI-ISU), BNCL Food Products continues to strengthen its capabilities through technical assistance, business mentorship, and enterprise development interventions designed to improve product quality, enhance processing practices, and promote sustainable growth.

With guidance in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product development, marketing support, and agribusiness and financial management, BNCL Food Products is taking meaningful steps toward becoming a more competitive and market-ready enterprise.

As part of its continuous growth and business development, BNCL Food Products has successfully registered its trademark, further strengthening its brand identity and market presence. The enterprise’s products are also currently under evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of its commitment to quality and compliance.

From an idea to a growing enterprise, every journey starts with one step. ISU-ATBI is proud to be part of BNCL Food Products’ journey toward innovation, growth, and success.

Interested in venturing into the Agri-Aqua business? Be part of the DOST-PCAARRD-ISU ATBI and take the next step toward turning your ideas into opportunities!

Message our page or visit us at ISU-CVSRRC, Echague, Isabela to learn more.

68 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆, 𝑰𝒔𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈.

The Municipality of Echague, Isabela in partnership with the Isabela State University through the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation Systems Enhancement Program in Cagayan Valley conducted a 2-day Agripreneurship Training for Mengal Women Organization. The training was organized by the Tourism Office of the municipality, in celebration of 2026 Mengal Festival.

The training aims to transform traditional aspiring business owners into profitable agricultural entrepreneurs by providing training on essential farm business planning, financial literacy, and marketing strategies. The organization was established to support women group in the municipality, by providing access to livelihood programs. Furthermore, the activity aligns with the key priority programs of Municipal Mayor Faustino “Inno” A. Dy, V, particularly on agripreneurship and livelihood development programs that are tailored for community organizations. Through the activity, it empowers farmers and small enterprises to streamline, enhance, and commercialize locally produced goods.

Through the Agribusiness Management Hub Project of RAISE-Cagayan Valley Program, mentoring was extended to the group to further improve their enterprise management, ensuring alignment of the products to food safety standard, expansion of market, and growth of the business. The training was packed with lectures, workshops, and output presentation.

It also served as venue to demonstrate strong partnership between Isabela State University and LGU Echague, Isabela.

HIGHLIGHTS | Day 2 of the AgriEnterprise Development training Workshop shifts the focus toward practical ex*****on, equipping our regional MSMEs with knowledge regarding Business Model Canvas Development and the process of Technology Business Incubation. Today, participants were empowered to refine their business models.

We commend the ongoing commitment of our MSMEs from Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, and Isabela, along with the unwavering support of our institutional partners - CSU, QSU, NVSU, and BFAR - in driving regional economic growth.

HIGHLIGHTS | Day 1 of the AgriEnterprise Development Training Workshop is all about turning vision into actionable growth. We warmly welcome the MSMEs from Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan and Isabela, with our partner institutions, CSU, QSU, NVSU, and BFAR.

This capacity-strengthening program is designed to equip our local agri-entrepreneurs with essential tools in Agribusiness Planning, Financial Literacy, and Strategic Marketing to scale-up enterprise.

A huge thank you to our speakers for sharing their valuable knowledge and for guiding this initiative:

Dr. Jonathan Nayga
Dr. Aubrey Joy Balbin
Dr. Eva U. Cammayo
Dr. Sony P. Aquino

Here’s to scaling up and strengthening our local agricultural economy together!

LOOK!

Visit our Pop-up Store featuring the food products of the MSMEs supported by the RAISE-CV Region II, who are currently at a training on the AgriEnterprise Development.

See products available at the new administration building - Isabela State University! See you there!