Director of the Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development and Project Leader of the AdZU AZUL Hub Mario Rodriguez paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, July 29 to discuss a proposed partnership aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in Isabela City. Also present were Technology Business Incubator Officer of the AdZU AZUL Hub Lera Lorenne Dammang and LEDIPO Investment Services Unit Head Irish Fonollera.
During the meeting, the AdZU delegation presented the HERMOSA Consortium, a collaborative initiative of DOST IX, DTI IX, DICT IX, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, and Western Mindanao State University that seeks to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem in Region IX and the Western BARMM area.
Building on the initial coordination with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office through LEDIPO Chief Jamju Rivera, the proposed partnership aims to establish and operationalize the Isabela City Local Innovation Hub. The initiative will focus on startup development, capacity-building, mentoring, and ecosystem-building activities to support local entrepreneurs and innovators.
Following the meeting, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman also welcomed visitors during a courtesy visit. The delegation included Ghed Edaño, Alvin Noel Gayados, Hazel Ann Niples, Jomar Adalan, Jasper Ray Milo Agaman, and Queenie Balisong. The visit served as an opportunity for fellowship and meaningful exchanges, reflecting the importance of fostering connections and strengthening relationships beyond the city. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
