ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The Regional Development Council Region VI-Western Visayas Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RDC VI – RRDIC) conducts the first leg of the General Annual Review of Research and Development (R&D) Plans and Accomplishments of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. The General Annual Review aims to align the developmental needs of the SUCs and HEIs with the broader goals and priorities of the region.
“[T]he socio-economic issues must be addressed by R&D funds despite the scarcity of resources, optimizing resources at the same time meeting the challenges,” RDC VI – RRDIC Chairperson and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga said during the opening remarks.
A total of eight (8) SUCs participated in the first leg of the review, coming from all over Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region, namely Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), Aklan State University (ASU), Capiz State University (CapSU), University of Antique (UA), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), and West Visayas State University (WVSU).
Engr. Hazel Lynn C. Maganto, Head of the Research, Development, and Innovation Management Section (RDIMS) of DOST VI, presented the 2023-2028 Harmonized Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Agenda (HRRDIA), which highlights the R&D needs identified by the different government agencies, local government units (LGUs), SUCs, and HEIs, and other private institutions in the region.
The presentations outlined each institution’s latest R&D Agenda, 2024 Accomplishment Report, 2025-2026 R&D Plans and Budget, and best and unique R&D practices.
The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by SUCs and HEIs due to limited R&D funding, with an emphasis on the need to better leverage external funding sources to support academic research initiatives. The review also pointed to the importance of developing new degree programs that align with emerging fields in regional R&D, such as natural fibers, textiles, and geology, while also maintaining key programs in fisheries and forestry to support sustainable resource management.
Additionally, given the region’s rich natural resources, there is significant potential for biodiversity research to contribute to disaster risk management, food security, and overall socio-economic growth. The focus on publishing in Scopus-indexed journals underscores the need to develop more local publication that are accessible to researchers in the region and the broader Visayas area.
RD Gelonga also emphasized collaborations between institutions to conduct cross-cutting studies while also utilizing the R&D facilities in the region. Human resource development should also be a priority in ensuring the continuous growth of the R&D landscape in the region, engaging Balik Scientists and students in R&D activities.
The RRDIC’s annual review serves as a platform for SUCs and HEIs to present and review their accomplishments and plans and assess their alignment to the various development plans and thrusts of the region. (CPPahila/RDIMS)