The Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) convened its 1st Quarter Meeting on March 12, 2025, at the RDC Hall, NEDA Regional Office No. VI, Iloilo City. Attended by 29 representatives from 15 member institutions, including government agencies, and private partners, the meeting served as a platform for advancing regional research and development (R&D) priorities and fostering collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
Key agenda items included updates on the upcoming Balik Scientists Forum, DOST Regional Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Consortia Conference, and AI Convention 2025, all designed to enhance collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange among professionals, researchers, students and entrepreneurs. The meeting also discussed the Filipinnovation Awards 2025, which aims to recognize groundbreaking research and innovations that contribute to national development, and Elev8 PH: The 8 Big Ticket R&D Programs of DOST, a national strategy fostering a technology-driven nation. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Regional Development Report 2024 on Advanced Research and Development, Technology, and Innovation, which provides key insights into STI progress in the region.
Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, Director of the Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) from the University of San Agustin, presented the Kasanggang Niche Centers in the Region in Functional Food Excellence (KNIF2E), which aims to drive regional excellence in food innovation through niche research centers. As part of the ongoing commitment to science and technology, Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jaleco-Espaldon, a Balik Scientist from the University of San Agustin, shared her research initiatives focusing on solar energy materials and their applications in sustainable energy solutions.
Further strengthening research networks, the committee formally invited the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Visayas Cluster, represented by Dr. Maria Karmella L. Apaya, to become a member of the RRDIC.
Discussions during the meeting also covered the Western Visayas Startup Development Program, which aims to support local innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering an inclusive and sustainable startup ecosystem, and the DOST Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, a pioneering initiative empowering marginalized communities by developing and strengthening grassroots innovations (GIs).
Regional 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).
A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the 2023-2028 Harmonized Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Agenda (HRRDIA), which provides a strategic roadmap for aligning regional R&D efforts with national priorities. Likewise, the committee approved the AI Regional Development Action Plan 2025-2030, reinforcing the region’s commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence while ensuring its responsible and ethical use.
As Western Visayas continues to position itself as a hub for research, innovation, and technology-driven development, DOST VI remains committed to fostering a strong R&D ecosystem that supports economic growth, sustainability, and inclusivity. (IGTGatpatan/RDIMS)