The Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) of the Regional Development Council VI successfully convened its 2nd Quarter Meeting for CY 2025 on June 24, 2025, reinforcing Western Visayas’ commitment to advancing its research, development, and innovation (RDI) agenda.
Chaired by DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, the meeting recorded active participation from 13 out of 21 member institutions represented, with a total of 37 participants in attendance.
The meeting served as a crucial platform to review ongoing initiatives and strategize future directions for the region’s RDI landscape. Key discussions included updates on the Visayan Journal of Science, Technology, and Innovation (VJSTI), accomplishments by the RRDIC Technical Working Groups on Artificial Intelligence, Smart Agriculture, Blue Economy, and Startup Development, and preparations for the upcoming AI Fest 2025.
During the meeting, DOST Balik Scientist, Dr. Jebie A. Balagosa, a Geotechnical Engineer and Associate Professor at Central Philippine University, presented his groundbreaking work on “Sustainable Geotechnics for Regional Development: Translating Korean Innovations in Bentonite and Bio-Energy By-Products to Philippine Applications”. His research focused on soil dynamics, stabilization techniques, and the use of compacted bentonite for high-level radioactive waste repositories.
Further updates on regional R&D activities were provided by leading research institutions. Dr. Mary Jane A. Amar of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) reported on the activities of the NICER Center for Mollusk Research and Development (CMRD) Program, focusing on mussel and oyster studies, as well as community training for fisherfolk. Ms. Ma. Carmel F. Javier of the Philippine Genome Center Visayas (PGCV) shared their accomplishments since 2019, which include training sessions and various biosurveillance activities. PGCV also contributed to the genome analysis of the endangered Visayan spotted deer.
Additionally, Project SARAi—funded by DOST-PCAARRD and spearheaded by UP Los Baños was introduced. This project empowers Filipino farmers through advanced technologies and data-driven agricultural strategies. The committee unanimously endorsed a motion to promote DOST-institution partnerships for the project’s technology transfer component.
Consortia updates were also presented by the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC), the Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC), WVCIEERD, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research for Development and Extension Network (AFRREDN), all of which shared their ongoing and upcoming initiatives aligned with the regional RDI agenda.
As Western Visayas continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, DOST VI reaffirmed its commitment to aligning research efforts with regional priorities through the Harmonized Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Agenda (HRRDIA) 2023–2028. The committee remains steadfast in fostering partnerships, expanding access to research opportunities, and translating innovation into meaningful societal impact. (IGTGatpatan/RDIMS)