The Agusan del Sur State University officially received a ₱250,000 grant today, May 12, 2026, during the National Vetting and Awarding Ceremony of the 2026 Tourism Start-Up Challenge (TSC) held at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City.

Organized by the Department of Tourism and Commission on Higher Education, the Tourism Start-Up Challenge is a nationwide competition highlighting sustainable and community-based tourism innovations from higher education institutions across the country.

ADSSU emerged as the Regional Winner among participating HEIs in the Caraga Region through its proposal titled, “Kahimunan Tu ADSSU: Agro-Tourism Innovation and Incubation Center,” and proudly represented Caraga during the National Vetting and Awarding Ceremony alongside representatives from 16 other regions in the Philippines.

The award was received by student proponents Keneth John Burdeos, Mary Jean Valerio, Jenny P. Otero, Khrystina Abrio, Felimon Daga-ang, and Johanter Helarion together with their mentor, Engr. Janice C. Puspos, while the team was also guided and mentored by Mr. Boylen B. Cabag and Mr. John Paul A. Camino.

The winning proposal envisions transforming ADSSU’s agricultural spaces into an integrated agro-tourism innovation and incubation hub featuring demonstration farms, eco-trails, interactive crop stations, digital visitor systems, and livelihood opportunities for communities.

Aligned with the Tourism Start-Up Challenge priorities, the project combines technology, research, tourism education, and enterprise development, positioning ADSSU as a model for sustainable agro-tourism in Mindanao. Beyond the competition, it showcases student-led innovation as a catalyst for rural tourism and community empowerment under the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, while supporting SDG 8 through sustainable tourism, livelihood opportunities, and inclusive economic growth.

Congratulations, Team ADSSU!