DUMAGUETE CITY -- A multi-million peso business incubation facility, to be managed and operated by Silliman University (SU), will soon rise in San Antonio, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
The facility is designed to foster technological innovation and entrepreneurial talent, as well as develop innovative products and services that will contribute to growth of the economy, not only in Negros but throughout the country.
SU president Betty Cernol-McCann and other officials, particularly lawyer Bert Bravo and his wife, spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremonies on Wednesday (May 22).
The Bravo couple donated a 1.5-hectare lot and PHP100 million for the construction of the incubation facility that will house acceleration, ideation and development, dormitory, and pitching and matching rooms.
Bravo said they recognized the urgent need to promote technological innovation, prompting them to provide funds for the project with no reservations and restrictions.
“It’s free for them to spend,” Bravo said.
He said there is no better investment for the youth than giving them a chance to have great education.
He added that the facility is for people interested in technopreneur development, particularly computer graduates who are aspiring to enter into the business of apps and software development business.
McCann said the university is truly grateful for the donation provided by the Bravo couple.
“When we talk about the technopreneurship park, we would like this to be a lovely place, a garden where flowers bloom and these followers will be in the form of better opportunities for those who will undergo the programs that will be offered here,” McCann said.
Former SU president Ben Malayacang III, who initially discussed the project with the Bravo couple, said it will augment Silliman’s formal education with practical applications.
“So the idea is to give opportunity, not only for Silliman but for industries and other people in Negros,” Malayacang said. (PNA)
