The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) hosted the Regional IP Summit 2025 and 2nd RET Expo on November 24–25, 2025, at Nieto Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

Organized by the Innovation Management Office (IMO) headed by Dr. Edgely Vitug, in partnership with the Central Luzon Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (CLIEERDEC) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the summit gathered innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, IP specialists, and institutional leaders from across the region to strengthen collaboration and advance the culture of intellectual property in Central Luzon.

The two-day event highlighted the importance of building a future-ready region—one that champions innovation, accelerates research and development, and integrates stronger systems for IP protection and commercialization across institutions, industries, and communities.

In her message, NEUST Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (VPRET) Dr. Jean Guillasper underscored the strategic value of intellectual property in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

“In a world defined by rapid technological and digital advancements and transformation, intellectual property is not merely a legal concern but a strategic asset that protects ideas, empowers creators, fuels industries, and secures the region’s competitive advantage,” she said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Wilfredo Calaguan, IP Rights Specialist V of IPOPHL, emphasized the region’s potential for innovation-driven development.

“We were brought here because this region holds massive potential. Central Luzon is home to vulnerable real-world challenges, strong industrial sectors, growing R&D capacity, talent-rich universities, emerging startups, and a community that wants to innovate. With the right tools, Central Luzon can create solutions not just for the region but for the entire Philippines,” shared Engr. Calaguan.

The summit featured a series of in-depth discussions covering the full spectrum of intellectual property and innovation processes—from IP awareness and protection for new product development, to leveraging information synthesis, patent search and landscaping, commercialization pathways, technology transfer mechanisms, and strengthening digital safety in an innovation-driven era.

These sessions were led by field experts, including Engr. Calaguan; Dr. Marilene Hipolito, NEUST Research Services Department Director and CLIEERDEC Director; Mr. Dindo Dumali, IPOPHL IPRS II; Atty. Martina Martin Marte, Attorney III of IPOPHL; Atty. Reggie Anne Pamatian, IPOPHL IPR Specialist; and Engr. Mervin Albalate, Head of the BulSU Innovation & Technology Support Office (ITSO).

The panel discussions featured regional stakeholders such as Engr. Romeolito Tacbian, Assistant Regional Director of DOST; Rosalie Abesamis, Regional Director of the Department of Budget and Management; Ms. Maria Andrea Gueco, Senior Economic Development Specialist of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Region III; and Dr. Kenneth Armas, NEUST Planning and Development Office Director.

Their insights emphasized the need for aligned efforts among government, academe, and industry to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The summit also featured an exhibit by Nueva Ecija-based entrepreneurs who showcased local crafts and delicacies, and likewise graced by IP and innovation leaders across Central Luzon, including NEUST key officials, Mr. Marlon Dedicatoria, VPRET of President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), Mr. John Roy Abenaza, Project Officer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Human Resources Development Foundation, Inc. (PCCIHRDF), and various RET chairs and coordinators from partner institutions.

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