The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) continues to make its mark on the global stage with four (4) prestigious distinctions including indigenous education, technology innovation, and research.
The university’s Regional Center for Indigenous Peoples Education (ReCIPE) was named a finalist in the THE Awards 2025 for Research Project of the Year in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Meanwhile, NEUST Chief Information Officer Dr. Marlon Torres received the Legend CIO Award at the Philippines CIO 200 Summit 2025; Prof. May Nerissa Lopez earned the Best Paper Award at the PAEPI International Extension Congress; and Jade Hizon, MSc, Dr. Faith Cuevo, and Dr. Loreen Agulan won Best Paper honors at the 8th ARAL International Congress 2025.
ReCIPE recognized as a finalist in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025
The NEUST Regional Center for Indigenous Peoples Education (ReCIPE), under the leadership of Dr. Vilma Ramos, has been selected as a finalist in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025 in the category of Research Project of the Year – Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
This international recognition highlights ReCIPE’s initiative titled “Storybook Writing of the Kalanguya School of Heritage and Living Tradition,” which focuses on the documentation and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Kalanguya Indigenous Peoples in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.
The project embodies NEUST’s commitment to culturally responsive education, indigenous empowerment, and scholarly research rooted in community engagement.
Dr. Ramos emphasized that the recognition serves as a testament to the strength of collaborative research, cultural respect, and the enduring power of heritage preservation, saying, “This is more than an award—it is a testament to the power of faith, research, cultural respect, and community collaboration.”
The project also honors the legacy of the late Dr. Arneil Gabriel, esteemed scholar and founding director of the Center for Indigenous Peoples Education, who laid the foundation for ReCIPE’s mission and impact.
Dr. Ramos reiterated that beyond academic achievement, the true value of the project lies in honoring the lived experiences and cultural heritage of the Kalanguya people, whose voices and traditions are at the heart of ReCIPE’s work.
“This recognition is not only a milestone for the University but also a meaningful tribute to the Kalanguya community, whose stories and traditions inspire the work that we do,” she said.
NEUST ReCIPE is a product of the university’s commitment to inclusive, community-centered education, established and strengthened through the leadership of former University President Dr. Feliciana Jacoba and current University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo.
CIO honored with legend award at global tech summit
In the realm of digital innovation, NEUST Chief Information Officer Dr. Marlon Torres was awarded the Legend CIO Award during the Philippines CIO 200 Summit 2025 held at Dusit Thani Manila.
Dr. Torres was recognized for over two decades of exceptional contributions to the IT sector and his visionary leadership in establishing the NEUST Innovation Hub Digital Transformation Center.
This world-class facility integrates advanced and emerging technologies through multiple specialized labs, including: Mac Lab, Animation Lab, BPO Lab, Coding Lab, Data Science Lab, Cisco Lab, AI and Robotics Labs, FabLab, Blockchain Labs, Network and Security Operations Center, and Data Center.
“This award affirms NEUST’s direction in technology-driven education. It’s not about years alone—it’s about the impact of technology on the organization and the broader community,” Dr. Torres remarked.
Appointed as CIO in 2024 by University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo, Dr. Torres has since led the university’s accelerated digital transformation efforts, positioning NEUST as a regional leader in innovation, infrastructure, and future-ready education.
The Philippines CIO 200 Summit is part of the global World CIO 200 Summit organized by the Global CIO Forum in celebration of its 10th year, which highlights excellence in IT leadership and unites CIOs and technology leaders worldwide to share insights on innovation, business strategy, and digital transformation.
Lopez bags best paper award in internat’l extension congress
May Nerissa Lopez, Associate Professor II from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Gabaldon Campus, earned the 1st Best Paper Award during the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. (PAEPI) International Extension Congress at the Del Carmen Convention Center in Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte.
Prof. Lopez was recognized for her paper entitled “Empowering Local Farmers through Technology Adoption: A Tomato Prunes Extension Model for Sustainable Agri-entrepreneurship in Nueva Ecija”, which highlighted the significant role of science and technology in empowering local communities through sustainable agricultural practices and circular economy initiatives.
“This recognition is a testament to the power of innovation, research, and genuine community engagement in addressing real-world challenges. This award is for the entire NEUST family and our valued partner cooperative, beneficiaries, whose dedication inspires us to bring inclusive, science-based solutions to our communities,” Lopez shared.
Her work was commended for its relevance, practical impact, and innovative approach to advancing local agri-entrepreneurial systems.
Prof. Lopez also expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey:
“I am sincerely grateful to the Lord for His guidance and favor. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our University President, Dr. Rhodora Jugo; Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, Dr. Jean Guillasper; Extension Services Director, Dr. Marivic Villegas; Gabaldon Campus Director, Dr. Franklin Dumayas; and Planning Director, Dr. Kenneth Armas, for their continued trust, encouragement, and support.”
Carrying the theme “Embracing Science and Technology-Driven Extension Platforms for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities”, the conference gathered extension professionals and researchers from various academic institutions across the country.
COEd faculty researchers secure best paper and best presenter awards
In another significant win, three faculty researchers from the NEUST College of Education (COEd) – Jade Hizon, MSc; Dr. Faith Cuevo; and Dr. Loreen Agulan, along with co-authors Dr. Shira B. Taylor and Dean Jo Neil Peria, PhD, won the Best Paper Award at the 8th Action Research, Action Learning International Congress (ARAL) 2025 hosted by De La Salle University – Manila.
Their research, titled “TEATRO EDUCADO: The Impact of a Sarswela Theatrical Performance on the Sexual Health Self-Efficacy of Pre-Service Teachers,” explored the use of traditional Filipino theater to enhance sexual health awareness among future educators.
Dean Peria emphasized that this recognition is not just a win for the research team but a reflection of COEd’s commitment to innovative, culture-based education that tackles real-world issues.
“We are proud of TEATRO Educado for winning Best Paper in ARAL 2025. From the beginning, the College of Education fully supported this project because it addresses a timely and critical issue—empowering future teachers and learners with sexual health education through culturally-rooted, creative approaches. This recognition reflects how our faculty innovate to respond to societal challenges, in line with the university president’s vision of building a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem. Congratulations to Sir Jade, Dr. Faith, and Dr. Loreen. We look forward to seeing this initiative scale, and we will continue to support its growth.”
These recognitions reflect NEUST’s leadership in championing cultural heritage and advancing technological innovation through education, research, extension services, and inclusive development.
Congratulations to ReCIPE, Dr. Torres, Prof. Lopez, and the COEd research team! Your triumphs mirror NEUST’s vibrant academic spirit and serve as inspiration for the entire community to dream bigger, aim higher, and serve with purpose.
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