The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Western Visayas reinforced its commitment to inclusive and sustainable regional development through the Ceremonial Turnover of Funds, Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and Pre-Implementation Meeting for two major projects: “Level-Up Western Visayas: Operationalizing a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem in Western Visayas” and the “Establishment of Regional High-Performance Computing (HPC) Facilities and SMARTECH Center.” The projects are funded under the DOST VI Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program and Smart and Sustainable Communities Program.
The establishment of regional high-performance computing facilities is part of the ongoing implementation of the Western Visayas AI Regional Development Action Plan 2025-2030, to invest in high-performance data computing facilities for storage and connectivity to support AI research and applications, five HPC facilities will be established in Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Aklan State University (ASU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and DOST Western Visayas. These facilities are designed to respond to the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure that can support advanced research, innovation, and AI-enabled applications across multiple sectors.
Complementing this effort is the DOST VI’s support to fully operationalize the Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Robotics Technology Center (SMARTECH) of ISAT U, which marks Western Visayas’ bold and forward-looking commitment to lead the region into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). SMARTECH positions innovation, automation, and advanced technologies at the core of inclusive and sustainable growth, strengthening the region’s capacity in smart manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Meanwhile, Level-Up Western Visayas is a continuing and evolving initiative that has already been implemented to support the region’s startup and innovation ecosystem. At its current stage, the project seeks to further strengthen and operationalize a sustainable innovation ecosystem by fostering stronger synergy among startups, innovation enablers, and investors.
Under the HPC Project, partner institutions expressed their strong support through messages delivered by Dr. Jeffrey A. Clarin of Aklan State University, Dr. Felipe P. Vista of Northern Iloilo State University, and Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris of West Visayas State University, all of whom emphasized collaboration, capacity-building, and regional impact.
Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, President of Iloilo Science and Technology University, conveyed his sincere appreciation to DOST Western Visayas for its steadfast support to science, technology, and innovation, acknowledging the agency’s pivotal role in empowering higher education institutions and driving regional development not only for ISAT U, but for Western Visayas as a whole.
During the ceremony, Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Regional Director of DOST WV, spoke of a future shaped by innovation and responsibility. He envisioned artificial intelligence as powerful catalyst of transformation–strenghtening the competitiveness of industries, revolutionizing healthcare, and enabling government to deliver services that are not only smarter, but also responsive to the needs of the people. He further stressed that AI development must be holistic in nature, anchored not only on advanced infrastructure and technical capability, but also on strong governance, ethics, and accountability, ensuring that innovation remains people-centered and inclusive.
As Western Visayas moves forward, stakeholders collectively committed to harnessing science, technology, and innovation in service of the people—ensuring that every peso invested translates into tangible socio-economic benefits, including quality job creation, competitive enterprises, improved public services, and a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive region. (MDEscaran/RDIMS; Photos by: MDEscaran/RDIMS)
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the country’s premiere agency for science, technology, and innovation, providing direction and leadership in the Philippines. Through strategic policies and programs, DOST ensures that S&T drives national development—delivering solutions and opportunities that maximize economic and social benefits for every Filipino.