NEUST showcases research leadership as hub for inter-consortia collaboration

“While Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog are geographically distant, we are closely connected by common goals of development and shared natural and economic resources. Through the bridge we are building, we are fostering regional opportunities and cooperation where the strengths of one region help fill the gaps of another region.”

This was the message of Dr. Rhodora Jugo, President of NEUST and Chair of the Central Luzon Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (CLIEERDEC), as she welcomed the officers of the Southern Tagalog Islands Research and Development Consortium (STIRDC) during their benchmarking visit under the latter’s Intra-Mobility Program.

As the base agency, NEUST hosted the STIRDC delegation and shared key practices in managing capability-building programs, including training assessments, proposal reviews, and aligning initiatives with industry needs through targeted analysis tools.

In her address, NEUST Research Director and CLIEERDEC Director Dr. Marilene Hipolito emphasized the consortium’s resilience, saying that rebuilding CLIEERDEC despite financial constraints was made possible through strong commitment and collaboration.

“We see this visit as an opportunity to learn from our own experiences, exchange ideas, and explore areas where we can grow together. We are hopeful that this engagement will inspire more meaningful collaboration and shared success in the future,” she added.

The forum covered a wide range of topics, including the importance of fostering internal and external collaborations, conducting training assessments and proposal reviews, and implementing an industry needs assessment instrument.

Discussions also focused on the Training Needs Analysis to determine capacity-building priorities for human resources within the R&D ecosystem, aligned with the needs of Central Luzon industries.

NEUST also presented its strategies on budget utilization, committee formation, and convening practices.

Though some CLIEERDEC member institutions were not physically present, they participated through visual presentations showcasing successful consortium-led or supported projects.

The activity also featured a facility visit, allowing delegates to experience NEUST’s emerging technologies firsthand.

Dr. Ramon Docto, STIRDC Regional Chair and President of Palawan State University, expressed his appreciation to NEUST and CLIEERDEC, saying, “Thank you sa pag-aalaga at sharing. Marami kaming natutunan at nakita.”

Engr. Romeolito Tacbian, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of DOST Region III, also shared his thoughts: “We are really honored na dito ito ginanap. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ito and hopefully magiging successful din ang country through innovations.”

The benchmarking activity was also attended by members and representatives of the two consortia, including STIRDC Director Dr. Marjorie Espanola and Jesito Ponio Jr., Supervising Economic Development Specialist at the Department of Economic, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) in Region III.

This event exemplifies CLIEERDEC’s role as a catalyst for inter-consortia collaboration, showcasing how shared expertise and regional partnerships can drive inclusive growth and innovation.

CLIEERDEC and STIRDC are among the regional consortia under the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), which promotes collaborative R&D to strengthen regional capacity and address local industry needs.

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