By Kristelle Ezra P. Ediza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry under president Almarco Brito called for stronger private sector participation in innovation to address regional challenges during the “Ang Rehiyon Karon” radio program aired over DXIM Radyo Pilipinas on March 31.
Queritess Queja, executive director of Oro Chamber, said the group is supporting innovation initiatives in Northern Mindanao through its involvement in the Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit (NorMinRIPE) 2026.
The exhibit will present technologies developed by higher education institutions, innovation hubs, and startups.
“So sa exhibits nato, naa’y focus on agri (In our exhibits, we have areas that focus on agriculture). We’re pushing for technologies that are addressing the concerns and challenges of Valencia City and its communities,” she said.
Queja said the exhibit will include technologies on renewable energy, supply chains, and research outputs for adoption and investment.
The chamber cited its earlier initiative, the Oro Best Innovation Program, launched in 2019, which linked research from academic institutions with business applications.
Through this initiative, research from academic institutions has been matched with business applications, resulting in successful technology adoption by local enterprises.
Queja said some enterprises expanded operations after adopting these technologies.
“From three employees, now over a hundred na sila (there are now over a hundred employees). And their raw materials are sourced from nearby communities,” she said.
For NorMinRIPE 2026, the chamber is organizing business matching sessions and pitching activities to connect startups with investors.
“We are pulling together all the investment portfolios of the private sector. Adunay (there is an) opportunity for investors not only to partner with startups but also to adopt technologies,” Queja added.
She said businesses continue to face challenges, such as operational costs, supply chain issues, energy reliability, and access to financing among micro, small, and medium enterprises.
“Ang priority gyud namo karon is to bring down the cost of doing business – mahal na kaayo karon tanan,” she said.
Queja said innovation in energy, supply chains, and productivity can help address these concerns.
With the theme “Building Regional Pathways for Inclusive Innovation,” NorMinRIPE 2026 brings together government, academe, industry, and communities to develop solutions for regional needs. (KEPE/PIA-10)
