The Bohol Island State University (BISU), in its effort at promoting innovation and social enterprise in partnership with Bohol Dairy Cooperative, launched the moringa waffle ice cream cone in a fitting ceremony on April 4 at the Island City Mall Activity Center, Tagbilaran City.
Dubbed “Pagpasigarbo” (to take pride of), it is a key component of BISU’s Innovation Technology Support Office (ITSO) in its attempts at product commercialization, thus, exemplifying food innovation in support of local enterprise.
The moringa waffle ice cream cone is a byproduct of the innovative research done by graduates of BISU’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, major in Food Technology, during their senior year in college. The innovators from the College of Technology are: Roselle Baro, Jenny Rose Acma, Monica Alarde, Nicy Apale, and Merian Glaize Bapilar with their adviser, Prof. Charlene Eve Salarda.
The business model of “Pagpasigarbo,” which emphasizes adaptability and community-centered solutions, was designed and implemented by the Entrepreneurship Department and Tourism Management Department spearheaded by Dr. Rizaleth Mepieza, dean of the College of Business and Management.
On the other hand, Bohol Dairy Cooperative, a farmer-centric organization committed to sustainable agriculture producing farm fresh dairy products, adapted the technology from BISU, consequently, circulating the product in the commercial market. Moreover, the unique product embodies the creativity and ingenuity of the Boholano spirit.
Present at the launch were key members of the local tourism and hospitality industry, representatives of Bohol Dairy Cooperative, top administration officials of BISU, and other government and business partners.
They were Dr. Anthony Penaso, BISU president; Dr. Ivy Corazon Mangaya-ay, vice-president, Research, Innovation and Extension; Dr. Angeline Eligio, ITSO university director; Dr. Maria Donna Buates, ITSO Main Campus director; Dr. Jessie Nigparanon, dean, College of Technology; Dr. Rizaleth Mepieza, dean, College of Business and Management; Sarah Jane Polestico, Bohol Dairy Cooperative general manager; Jude Bernard Guieb, Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, Provincial Government of Bohol;
Dan Fernandes, resort manager, The Bellevue Resort Panglao; executive director, Bohol Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Resorts; and BISU Board of Regents member; Joanne Pinat, officer-in-charge, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office; and Emma Gomez, chef and owner, Animula Restaurant; and, Fritzie Mae Zamora, president, Bohol Tour Guides Association.
“I laud the creativity and innovative initiatives of our students, now graduates, for this endeavor. As professionals making their mark today in the real world, their contribution goes a long way in the development of our local enterprise,” Dr. Buates commended.
Dr. Mangaya-ay underscored BISU’s trailblazing work in the local community. “Today, however, is particularly special, this moment stands out because what was once a mere idea, a distant dream of commercialization is now living reality,” she added.
Bohol Dairy Cooperative accepted and embraced this development as it looks forward to more partnerships with BISU. “We are excited at the prospect of helping boost the local economy in Bohol and exemplifying remarkable food innovation with our partners,” Polestico enthused. | NWI
