Photo credits: DOST-Special Projects Division (SPD)
Researchers from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs) in Western Visayas participate in DOST’s Visayas Call Conference at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City. Together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI, the region was represented by researchers from West Visayas State University (WVSU), Capiz State University (CapSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Technological University of the Philippines (TUPV), University of San Agustin (USA), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), and Department of Agriculture (DA) Region VI.
The Visayas Call Conference was conducted by DOST to announce and promote its research and development (R&D) priority areas for CY 2026. Amendments in the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) guidelines were also discussed, as well as the new performance indicators, submission requirements, evaluation process, and timelines. Furthermore, researchers were guided on how to craft proposals that are aligned with the DOST Councils’ priority areas. Breakout sessions were facilitated by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), and National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) to address the researchers’ queries and clarifications.
Dr. Jonel P. Saludes of the University of San Agustin *USA) sharing his experience in implementing the project, “PHILMARINE-BLI: Re-arming the Antibiotic Arsenal PHILippine MARINE actinomycete Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors (BLI)” (Photo credits: DOST-SPD)
The conference also featured two prominent researchers from Region VI: Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, a Balik Scientist and Vice President for Research and Global Relations of USA, and Dr. Renerio S. Mucas, Associate Professor from ISAT U. They shared experiences and best practices in implementing DOST-funded R&D projects.
Dr. Renerio S. Mucas of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) presenting his project “Management of Unified Control and Automated System for Smarter Hydroponics Greenhouse.” (Photo credits: DOST-SPD)
Dr. Saludes leads the “PHILMARINE-BLI: Re-arming the Antibiotic Arsenal PHILippine MARINE actinomycete Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors (BLI)” project, while Dr. Mucas spearheaded the collaborative project “Management of Unified Control and Automated System for Smarter Hydroponics Greenhouse.” Notable practices they emphasized included having a clearly defined, realistic, and attainable project plan, fostering strong partnerships and collaborations, resource-sharing, and viewing suppliers as technology providers rather than mere sellers.
As capacity-building endeavors expand within Region VI, an increasing number of researchers are gaining confidence in accessing DOST funds for their projects. Concurrently, DOST aims to extend its reach to more researchers across various regions through regional call conferences, fostering broader engagement in scientific pursuits. (KSBBernardino/RDIMS)