To foster research, development, ang innovation in Western Visayas, the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) convened its 3rd quarterly meeting where 23 representatives from 13 member institutions.
Key agenda items included updates from the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Artificial Intelligence, Smart Agriculture, and Blue Economy, as well as progress on ongoing initiatives such as the Visayan Journal of Science, Technology, and Innovation (VJSTI), the upcoming Idlab Awards, and the Regional GIS Network (RGIN).
Regional research and development (R&D) updates were also presented by consortia members, including the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC), Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC), Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIEERD), and the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources Research, Development, and Extension Network (AFRRDEN). Discussions covered establishing innovation hubs and identifying priorities for the 4th quarter of 2024 and 2025.
As part of the ongoing commitment to research, science, and technology, Dr. Eric Zeus C. Rizo, a Balik Scientist from the University of the Philippines Visayas, shared his research initiatives, with a focus on freshwater biology in Panay. Dr. Rizo also highlighted his contribution to the development of “Sukat ng Kalikasan” (SnK), a framework and toolkit supporting the implementation of the PENCAS Law, the country’s first law aimed at systematically assessing natural resources and mitigating their unregulated use. (IGTGatpatan, FKADuspar/RDIMS)