Palawan State University (PalawanSU) stood out with a strong display of innovation and entrepreneurship At the SUC Fair 2024 and Mi Casita: Booth Exhibit Competition at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City. Led by Ms. Ramy Ann Libarra and Mitzi Almira V. Garcia, PalawanSU showcased products from the University’s assisted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including artisanal crafts and eco-friendly merchandise. The display was supported by detailed brochures that highlighted PalawanSU’s academic programs and research, development, and extension (RDE) initiatives. Their efforts paid off, with 80% of the products sold during the event.
The fair, held in Zamboanga, featured a series of activities that underscored the importance of innovation in higher education. A solidarity meeting, a vibrant parade, and speeches from prominent figures such as Zamboanga Mayor Hon. John M. Dalipe and CHED Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera set the stage for the event. Dr. De Vera also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Innovation Exhibit, reinforcing the fair’s theme of fostering creativity and progress.
PalawanSU’s participation was further praised by CHED Director Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, who commended the university’s efforts, enhancing the prestige of the event and motivating the PalawanSU representatives.
The success of PalawanSU at the Mi Casita: Booth Exhibit Competition was remarkable, with their products selling out within an hour, highlighting the high demand for items produced by the University’s assisted MSMEs. Beyond sales, the PalawanSU team actively engaged with other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), exchanging best practices and forging valuable connections for future collaborations.
Day 2 of the fair was filled with exciting competitions, including PINTAR: Poster Making, Colors of Mindanao: TikTok, MAS: Regional Music Video, BELLEZA: Mr. and Ms. SUC Fair, SEENEMATICA: Same-Event Edit, and INNOVAR: Research Pitching. These events fostered camaraderie and friendly competition, providing participants with an enriching experience.
On the final day, the LENTE: Photography Competition Exhibit showcased outstanding works from talented participants, while a plenary talk by Justice James Lee Cundangan added a significant dimension to the fair. The PalawanSU representatives took the opportunity to explore other SUCs’ booths, gaining inspiration and exchanging ideas. They also lent their support to booths from MIMAROPA and CALABARZON, helping attract attention and reinforcing the spirit
of unity and collaboration among the universities.
PalawanSU’s participation in the SUC Fair 2024 not only highlighted its commitment to innovation but also strengthened its network of partnerships across the educational landscape, embodying the spirit of collaboration that the event sought to promote.