Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos on Monday hailed a program providing funding to student-led startups in the agri-aqua sector, saying it would give young innovators a platform to engage in projects that have a positive impact on society. The recently launched PHP120-million SIBOL program will fund student-led projects from 24 state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide. Each SUC will receive PHP5 million over a two-year project implementation period to help students turn their research outputs into viable startups. According to CHED, participating SUCs have existing Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators under the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Network of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. Bernos also expressed hope that the initiative would receive greater funding in the future, and that researchers and scientists in the country receive greater support.