Cebu City — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Extension, and Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of Research and Development Services, took part in the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC) Zonal Conference for the Visayas Cluster on February 20, 2025, at Cebu Technological University.
The conference introduced Program PROPEL, DOST’s commercialization arm designed to accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological innovations into successful enterprises. The event also highlighted other progressive initiatives, including STI4SDGs (Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals) and PAGTANAW 2050, a long-term roadmap to align the Philippines’ STI efforts with global sustainability goals.
DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC), Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., opened the conference, emphasizing the need for stronger collaborative innovation between academic institutions, government agencies, business chambers, and private enterprises. Cebu Technological University President Dr. Joseph C. Pepito and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia delivered welcome messages, both expressing enthusiasm and optimism for the flagship projects. At the same time, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. highlighted the role of innovation in holistic national development.
Representatives from various DOST regional offices and research institutions expressed their support for these initiatives, including Engr. Jesus F. Zamora Jr. (DOST VII Regional Director), Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga (DOST VI Regional Director), Dr. Leah J. Buendia (DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development)., Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang (Undersecretary for Regional Operations), Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (Executive Director, DOST-PCAARRD), and Her Excellency Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau.
The conference featured presentations and workshops on emerging technologies such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Among the key speakers were Mr. Glenn Quiro, a technology advocate from the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International and a former Intel executive, as well as Dr. John Anthony Jose from De La Salle University.
As the conference concluded, participants engaged in networking opportunities aimed at boosting collaborations for future technological commercialization endeavors. The presence of NwSSU at the event emphasizes the university’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation in promoting sustainable and highly adaptable ventures for economic and technological growth.