As the STRIDE Program reached its end, Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIIC) celebrated their partnership and milestones through the THRIVE Central Luzon STRIDE Send-Off hosted by the RIIC-3 Business Innovation Unit in Bulacan State University (BulSU), which includes mentors from the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region III, Bulacan State University (BulSU), Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), Tarlac State University (TSU), Holy Angel University (HAU), and University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI) along with the respected guests and officials from different national, regional and local agencies, MSME beneficiaries and other participants. Ceremonial Appreciation of USAID and Send-Off of the STRIDE team was done virtually and publicly available via livestream on the THRIVE Central Luzon Facebook page. The event featured THRIVE Central Luzon milestones, highlighted by the turnover of IBR Plans among MSME beneficiaries as well as the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among partner institutions.

The event formally starts the celebration with the messages of support given by the respected industry partners and officials which includes USEC Rowena Guevarra from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), USEC Rafaelita Aldaba from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commissioner Ronald Adamat of Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Engineer Zedrick T. Farin, the Assistant Director for SPARKS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers of Bulacan State University, shared the THRIVE Central Luzon Journey starting with the establishment of RIIC in Region 3 on December 10, 2022, adopted by the Central Luzon Regional Development Council or RDC as endorsed by its sectoral committee on economic development. After sharing the very productive journey of THRIVE Central Luzon, Engineer Zedrick T. Farin introduces the RIIC-3 IBR Technical Working Group. Followed by the awarding of certificate of appreciation to the IBR Senior Mentors: Dr. Chere’ C. Yturralde of Angeles University Foundation, Dr. Sylverio Ramon DC Salunson of Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Erlie SD Totaan of Tarlac Agricultural University, for their dedication as Senior Business Mentor of the Innovation for Business Recovery (IBR) Program from September 2, 2021, to February 4, 2022, accumulating 42 man-hours in fulfillment of responsibilities and providing technical expertise for the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC-3), THRIVE Central Luzon.

The THRIVE Central Luzon Business Innovation Unit was honored to turnover the Innovation Business Recovery Plans to MSME beneficiaries: TLM Yema Buko Pie and Pasalubong Center owned by Ms. Leonora Magaling and to Mang Dencio’s Sweets and Delicacies owned by Mr. Benjie Reyes. Next is the awarding of the Ube Halaya Mixer developed by the BulSU Mechanical Engineering awarded by the University President, Dr. Cecila Navasero-Gascon to the industry partner, TLM Yema Buko Pie, through the initiative of RIIC-3 with the assistance of DOST-BulSU LAUIn TTUSO.

The new RIIC-3 Core Group members were finally introduced and gave their messages of commitment. Starting off with the National Economic Development Authority, Regional Director for Region 3, Ms. Gina Gacusan, followed by the president of Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Max Guillermo, and the Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Region 3, Atty. Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan. The Regional Director of the Department of Science & Technology, Region III, Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat presents the THRIVE Central Luzon Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and Ceremonial Appreciation for USAID STRIDE.

The THRIVE Central Luzon proudly presents the Certificate of Appreciation to USAID STRIDE, for their unwavering support and technical assistance throughout the establishment of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center in Central Luzon. This serves as a special appreciation of their outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence as a trusted partner in regional development. Ms. Gregoria Simbulan, the Area Vice President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–North Luzon, as well as the RIIC-3 Technical Working Group, expressed their gratitude as they gave us messages of appreciation. Moving forward to the awarding of the Certificates of Appreciation to the THRIVE Central Luzon partners. The award was presented by Dr. Richard Abendan, the chief of party of the STRIDE Program.As for the final touch-up, RIIC 3 acknowledged the partners and support team that unites our core institutions in the spirit of innovation collaboration. And the warmest gratitude to Ms. Marella Jem Castro for the branding’s creative direction and overall guidance for the event along with the rest of the Region 3 team of USAID STRIDE for the support on the RIICs.