Armed with groundbreaking shovels & hard hats, the Department of Science and Technology region XII Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan & Sultan Kudarat State University President Dr. Rolando R. Hechanova led the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Food Innovation Center (FIC) in SOCCSKSARGEN region from DOST XII yesterday, January 20, 2022.

In his message, RD Malawan, expressed his gratitude that the FIC building is just adjacent of the Complementary Food Processing Center inside SKSU compound, the producer of the complementary BigasMongo (BIMON) curls fortified with nutrition developed by the DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute. He also emphasized that, DOST XII will always partner and collaborate with SKSU for more Research Development and Innovation activities in the province. Complementary Food Processing Center and the Food Innovation Center are just among the few, with more to come due to now strengthen RDI program of the office.

Moreover, Dr. Hechanova extends his appreciation to RD Malawan for the trust and continuous collaboration with SKSU in RDI activities, the said Food Innovation Center (FIC) is just one of many, he said. He further added that he really pushed for the approval of the building for FIC because the equipment needed for the center was already provided by DOST XII.

The said Groundbreaking Ceremony was graced also by Dr. Mary Lynn G. Magbanua, Director of SKSU-Isulan Campus, Provincial Director of Sultan Kudarat PSTO Ms. Zenaida D. Guiano, Ms. Beatriz O. Bongcawel, SRS II and other high ranking officials of the university.