On April 15, 2025, the VSU Technomart and Pasalubong Center were officially relaunched as part of the grand festivities marking the 101st Founding Anniversary of VSU.

The event featured a vibrant showcase of locally made products, from native delicacies to handcrafted souvenirs, highlighting the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the VSU community and its partners.

VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes emphasized her appreciation, hoping that the products and the stories behind them will bring greater recognition to what science and local enterprise can achieve when combined. She specifically highlighted that this partnership could generate more livelihoods, providing additional income and support, particularly for vulnerable communities. These efforts are aimed at helping families achieve greater financial stability through local entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Dr. John Glenn Ocaña, shared his insights, stating that the VSU Technomart and Pasalubong Center are not merely facilities for selling products but platforms for promoting the adoption of locally developed technologies. He underscored that this initiative aligns perfectly with DOST’s mission to complete the entire value chain from the conceptualization of technologies to their development and eventual commercialization. This approach not only creates economic opportunities but also ensures that research conducted in the Visayas reaches the market. By fostering innovation and encouraging the adoption of science and technology, the initiative positions these technologies as key drivers of progress. DOST recognizes the potential of these locally developed technologies, which can be embraced by entrepreneurs to fuel real socioeconomic development.

The relaunch of the VSU Technomart and Pasalubong Center exemplifies the positive impact of local entrepreneurship, where innovation meets tradition. By empowering entrepreneurs with scientific knowledge and technological advancements, the region stands to experience significant socioeconomic growth. This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and local communities in driving sustainable development. Through these efforts, local enterprises can thrive, uplift communities, and contribute to the broader economic prosperity of the Visayas.

This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals No.: 1 - No Poverty, 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth, 9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production, 17 – Partnerships for the Goals