The Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL) actively participated in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02’s TECHGROW Ladderized Training held from May 6 to 8, 2025, at Las Palmas de San Jose, Bagay, Tuguegarao City. Designed to cultivate local innovators, the training focused on guiding participants through key innovation stages: Ideation, Design Thinking, Feature Benefit Value, and Value Proposition.

PNUNL was represented by five dynamic faculty and research personnel: Prof. Virgilio F. Reyes, Jr., Prof. Richter John Macaballug, Dr. Jane N. Cariaga (Head, Research and Publication Unit), Mr. Vijay C. Sicam, and Mr. Aldrin Joshua Mutoc. Their participation supports the university’s continuing mission to integrate innovation and research-driven solutions into its academic and community extension initiatives.

Spearheaded by DOST Region 02, the TECHGROW initiative aims to foster inclusive innovation ecosystems in Cagayan Valley by training researchers and professionals in transforming ideas into viable, market-ready products and services. In her opening message, Dr. Laila A. Taguinod, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services, emphasized the deeper goal of the program. “The TECHGROW Ladderized Training is not merely skills training but a platform for strategic transformation, where we take ideas from ideation to creation, and eventually towards commercialization and impact,” she said.

Facilitated by Dr. Arnel C. Fajardo and Dr. Jesus M. Lindo of Isabela State University–Cauayan Campus, the training immersed participants in user-centered design, problem-solving, prototyping, and value proposition development. The culminating activity will feature final presentations of the participants’ innovations, followed by expert critique and refinement.

PNUNL’s engagement in TECHGROW is aligned with its broader research and extension thrusts, particularly in promoting sustainable development and innovative education solutions in Northern Luzon. By investing in innovation capacity-building, PNUNL continues to empower its faculty and staff to lead transformative change in the region.