24 students from NUS embarked on a two-week cultural and innovation immersion in Maasin, Iloilo. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Iloilo Provincial Government, Iloilo City Government, and Innovate Iloilo.

To further enrich their exposure, Innovate Iloilo organized the Iloilo Innovation Circuit Tour, a curated learning journey designed to highlight the province’s leading innovation-driven facilities. These included university-based research centers, fabrication laboratories, and grassroots enterprise communities across Iloilo and Miag-ao.

Facilities Visited by the Delegation:

1. Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) — University of San Agustin
   C2B2 is the country’s premier microbial biobank, specializing in chemical biology, biotechnology, and natural drug discovery. Its mission is to elevate Philippine research to global standards, producing impactful, high-quality research aimed at addressing local healthcare needs.
   
2. ISAT U – DTI Fabrication Laboratory — Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U)
   A key maker space that empowers students and MSMEs through access to digital fabrication tools, prototyping equipment, and tech-based enterprise development.
   
3. Philippine Center for Packaging Engineering Laboratory — Central Philippine University (CPU)
   Located within CPU’s College of Engineering, this is the first and only formal packaging education program in the Philippines. Established in 2006, it is endorsed by DOST’s Packaging R&D Center-ITDI and the Packaging Institute of the Philippines. The facility offers education and services in packaging design, transport packaging, testing, and international best practices.
   
4. Philippine Genome Center – Visayas (PGC-VISAYAS) — University of the Philippines Visayas
   PGC-Visayas is a regional research hub focused on genomic research and its application in agriculture, medicine, and fisheries. It supports collaborative science in areas such as omics, genome sequencing, and disease mapping.
   
5. Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) — ISAT U Miag-ao Campus
   RYPIC supports micro to medium-sized enterprises in the garment sector through natural textile-based yarn production and innovation. Established in 2016 through a partnership between ISAT U and DOST-PTRI, it also aims to promote textile tourism in Miag-ao.
   
6. Baraclayan Weavers Association — Brgy. Baraclayan, Miag-ao
   A community-led weaving cooperative that preserves Iloilo’s heritage textiles, especially hablon and patadyong. Through government and private support, the association receives access to modern tools and equipment while maintaining traditional weaving practices.
   
   

Iloilo’s Innovation Identity

This tour served as a dynamic showcase of Iloilo’s commitment to sustainable development, technology, and cultural preservation. The visit by NUS students highlighted how research, innovation, and community collaboration are positioning Iloilo as a regional model for inclusive and innovation-led growth. For more updates on innovation initiatives in Iloilo, follow Innovate Iloilo and its partners.