The Agusan del Sur State University (ADSSU) joined partner institutions and stakeholders in the 2026 Caraga Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held from August 27 to 29, 2026 in Butuan City under the subtheme “Innovations and Solutions for Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and Resilience.” The three-day celebration, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Caraga, highlighted the contributions of science, technology, research, and innovation in addressing regional challenges, strengthening local industries, and empowering communities.

The celebration opened with a motorcade, followed by the Grand Opening Ceremony at Robinsons Mall, a Press Conference, the launching of the Caraga Regional AI Center, and a Stakeholders Night on August 27. The succeeding activities on August 28 featured The Future of Farming: Smart Agriculture Tech Forum and In Touch with Excellence, while August 29 concluded with Build 3D Caraga: Presentation and Pitching and the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies.

One of the significant highlights of ADSSU’s participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Caraga RISE for Acceleration of Frontier Technologies: Startup and Innovation Acceleration Program for Regional Wealth Creation (CRAFT CARAGA). The agreement brings together DOST–Caraga, ADSSU, Caraga State University (CSU), Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) as partners in strengthening the region’s innovation and startup ecosystem.

The partnership seeks to establish a five-year regional startup development plan and roadmap, enhance awareness of the Caraga RISE consortium, develop the capacities of stakeholders in startup development, innovation, and technopreneurship, establish a regional local investors network, and facilitate collaboration among innovation hubs and stakeholders across Caraga. The project will run from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.

Adding to ADSSU’s presence at the celebration was the Center of Agri-food Processing and Innovation (CAFPI) booth, which showcased the center’s products to visitors and fellow participants. The exhibit offered an avenue to highlight the University’s work in agri-food processing and innovation alongside other technologies and initiatives featured during the regional event. 

Representing ADSSU in the celebration were University President Dr. Joy Capistrano, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension (RIDE) Dr. Ferdinand Dumalagan, Faculty President Hon. Boylen Cabag, and CAFPI Center Chief Prof. Cherie Dela Peña. Also joining the event were Dr. Rodel L. Oclaret, Campus Director of ADSSU–Trento Campus; Dr. Donald Cyndyl L. Miguel, Program Chairperson of the BS Entrepreneurship Program; and Roan O. Raz, Ruvielyn P. Sajolan, Donessa Joy T. Peñaloga, Melchora E. Marzo, and Jack O. Bertulfo. 

For ADSSU, participation in the regional STI celebration reflects the University’s continuing commitment to research, innovation, collaboration, and the development of solutions responsive to the needs of communities and the region.

More than a showcase of emerging technologies and innovations, the 2026 Caraga RSTW serves as a platform for institutions and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and explore how science, technology, and innovation can contribute to food security, sustainable energy, and resilience across Caraga.