DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia presented SSU’s best practices on innovation and inclusive education during the 5th Annual Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) Conference, held from July 9 to 11 in Dumaguete City. Themed “Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change,” the convention brought together academic leaders in a meaningful exchange of best practices in higher education.
Dr. Palencia delivered two highly distinguished talks under the categories of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Economic, Social and Government (ESG) Trend. These presentations showcase the University’s position as a rising national leader in innovation-driven and impact-focused education.
From Classroom to CEOs: How Universities Can Spark the Startup Revolution
On July 9, under the Entrepreneurial Spirit category, Dr. Palencia presented “From Classroom to CEOs – How Universities Can Spark the Startup Revolution.” Central to his talk was SSU’s unique incubation model, “LAMBAT,” a coastal-rooted framework that turns ideas into thriving ventures.
“We named our incubator ‘LAMBAT,’ meaning ‘fishing net’ in our dialect. We don’t just teach business—we catch ideas, grow them, and release them into the world,” Dr. Palencia said.
The incubator’s “Catch and Release” strategy operates in three phases:
- Hook – scouting early-stage ideas
- Hatchery – mentoring and testing
- Release – launching with funding and support
President Palencia further presented the tangible impacts of SSU’s TBI-LAMBAT which raised a ₱25.3 million funds, attained a ₱500,000 startup revenue, launched 19 startups, trained 1,000+ individuals, and hosted multiple events and trainings across Eastern Visayas.
Addressing Global Challenges: Inclusive Education and Food Innovation
On July 10, Dr. Palencia shifted focus to SDG-based responses as he highlighted SSU’s flagship initiatives that address economic, environmental, and social goals.
He showcased SSU’s initiative called, “Kalalawdan han Samar Igparayaw” (Elevating Samar’s Seas), a food resiliency program that supports sustainable aquaculture practices, and develops innovative seafood products, and strengthens the Philippine mollusk and Blue Swimming Crab industry. The program has successfully trained 500+ fisherfolk, gained ₱2 million in annual revenue from seafood products, reduced pressure on wild fish stocks, and established the Eastern Visayas Center for Crustacean Research and Development (EVCCRD).
Furthermore, President Palencia shared SSU’s LEARNSPACE (Learning, Education, and Aspirations for Rehabilitations and New Starts through Prison-based Adult and Community Education), a prison-based adult and community education model that supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The program helped 107 PDLs; provided training on basic literacy and numeracy, entrepreneurial and financial skills, and mental resilience; and has generated ₱150,000 through small entrepreneurial projects launched by the PDLs.
“Beyond numbers, [the] impact has been profound,” Dr. Palencia noted.
Dr. Palencia’s dual presentations echo SSU’s commitment on inclusive education and development as the institution strives to integrate the sustainable development goals (SDG) in all of its efforts.