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  • ISPSC, DTI strengthen partnership through Yacon Wine bottles Turnover and OTOP Campus MOA signing

    The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos Sur Provincial Office has advanced innovation and entrepreneurship through turnover of 120 bottles for packaging the developed yacon wine and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing the Shared Service Facility-One Town, One Product (SSF-OTOP) Campus Project on August 4, 2026, at the RDTEC Conference Hall, ISPSC Main Campus.

    Dr. Jocelyn L. Absolor, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, underscored the significance of the yacon wine as one of the major outputs of the CHED-LAKAS Project, noting that the turnover represents more than the delivery of a product but signifies the successful translation of research into community impact. She also acknowledged DTI's sponsorship of 120 bottles of yacon wine and expressed optimism for stronger collaborations in the future. 

    In his message, ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero described the occasion as another milestone in the College's journey toward innovation and universityhood. President Obrero also highlighted the blessing and inauguration of the Food Court, which now features a collaborative DTI–College of Business Management and Education (CBME) stall showcasing OTOP products from Ilocos Sur, including ISPSC's yacon wine. He also emphasized, “The partnership brings the institution closer to the collective goal of strengthening foundations before transitioning into the University of Ilocos Philippines”.

    Meanwhile, DTI Ilocos Sur Provincial Director H.A. Zaldy Z. Zafra Jr. commended ISPSC for championing local entrepreneurship through the OTOP Campus initiative.

    "Today marks another meaningful milestone in promoting proudly Ilocano products. The OTOP Campus initiative speaks volumes about the college's commitment to regional development and nation-building," he said. Director Zafra added that the initiative provides MSMEs with a sustainable platform to showcase high-quality local products while giving the ISPSC community greater access to authentic products from across Ilocos Sur. 

    Present during the event are Dr. Desa D. Abaya, Chief of Food Products and Innovation Technology with her research team; Dr. Sheryl S. Morata, Campus Director of Main Campus; Dr. Carlo Ian Manalansan, Dean of College of Business Management and Entrepreneurship, with his faculty members; and representatives from DTI Provincial Office. 

    Aside from establishing and managing the OTOP Store within the campus by providing the facility, overseeing its day-to-day operations, and promoting locally developed products, the  College will also integrate the initiative into its research, extension, instruction, and entrepreneurship programs, strengthening experiential learning while supporting local enterprise development. (MVB)
    Photos by Hannah Galutan and Eryll Mae Toquero
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