Aldersgate College Inc. (ACI) took another significant leap toward nurturing youth innovation and rural enterprise development as it officially received a set of equipment under the Project Developing Entrepreneurial Students Innovating Rural Economy (DESIRE). The ceremonial turnover, held at ACI’s Audio-Visual Room 1, marked the beginning of Phase 2 of the initiative spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya through its Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development (PROCEDE) Office.
The event, organized in a three-part program, opened with messages of solidarity and encouragement. Ms. Jovelyn A. Detablan of ACI’s Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Office welcomed the participants, followed by Ms. Judith L. Asuncion, Head of the PROCEDE Office, who emphasized the importance of supporting academic institutions as incubators of innovation. Representing Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose “Jing” V. Gambito, incoming Solano Councilor Hon. Roland S. Carub delivered a keynote message highlighting the Governor’s entrepreneurial roots and his aspiration for ACI students to pursue similar paths in contributing to the province’s socio-economic growth.
The core of the ceremony was the official turnover of a suite of tools and machinery for ACI’s BRIDGE Hub, the college’s
innovation and business incubation center. The awarded equipment includes:
• 1 unit – Air Spray Gun
• 10 pcs – F-Clamp
• 1 unit each – Portable Drill, Grinder, Router, Circular Saw, and Planer
• 2 pcs – Adjustable Angle Ruler
• 1 unit – Air Compressor
In addition, procurement is underway for over ₱500,000 worth of innovation equipment, which includes: laptop and desktop computers, small 3D printers and scanner, a small label printer, drone and accessories, laser cutter engraving machine, single-head embroidery machine, and textile heat press machine.
These tools will empower ACI students and faculty to engage in product development, prototyping, and entrepreneurial ventures aligned with Project DESIRE’s goals of creating a diversified, resilient, and inclusive rural economy.
Accepting the equipment on behalf of the institution, Mr. Kristian Cesar C. Ollier, BRIDGE Hub Director and Dean of the College of Business, Management and Accountancy (CBMA), affirmed the college’s commitment:
“We receive these tools as a sacred trust—committed to be utilized in service of a shared goal for a diversified, resilient, and inclusive rural economy.”
Mr. Ollier also expressed gratitude to the PLGU and reaffirmed ACI’s dedication to equipping students with opportunities that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
The latter part of the program was marked by a consultative meeting with Catalyste+, a Canadian-based development organization. Discussions centered on i-LEAD (Inclusive Leadership for Empowering Advocacy and Development), a collaborative program aimed at strengthening the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in national and community development. The meeting also explored potential synergies with BRIDGE Hub’s youth-led initiatives and capacity-building frameworks.
Project DESIRE, under PROCEDE’s guidance, began with Phase 1 comprising capacity-building training and benchmarking activities in Baguio City for selected ACI students. With the realization of Phase 2, ACI’s BRIDGE Hub is now equipped to support entrepreneurial projects that could shape the economic landscape of Nueva Vizcaya and beyond.
The event closed with renewed optimism for what lies ahead—a stronger partnership among ACI, the provincial government, and international organizations, and a firm resolve to transform ideas into action.
