To strengthen the University’s academic and development directions, the NEUST Research, Extension, and Training Office (RET) conducted the Research, Innovation, Extension, and Training (RIET) Strategic Planning from January 27 to 29, 2026, at Rico Fajardo Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

“The end of everything we do is not documents, not papers, not awards, not citations—but people,” said NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo as she addressed participants from various NEUST offices during the activity.

Dr. Jugo emphasized that research should go beyond academic outputs and must directly serve communities, highlighting extension work as the university’s frontline service through literacy programs, livelihood training, disaster preparedness, and skills development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, presented the university’s major accomplishments, including the development of ISO procedures, research and innovation roadmaps, funded research and extension projects, and strengthened coordination among offices.

The VPRET also stressed the importance of accountability, proper fund utilization, and the timely completion of projects, noting that unfinished or poorly managed initiatives may affect the university’s credibility and future funding opportunities.

The training proper was led by Mr. Eduardo Guillasper, Jr., MBA, NEUST Finance Management Officer and Officer-in-Charge of the Accounting Office, who discussed resource optimization and budget utilization.

Mr. Guillasper was followed by Atty. Bembol Castillo, Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance, who presented the Project Procurement Management Plan.

The main resource speaker, Mr. Teddy Dizon, Public Health Policy and Research Manager of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians, Inc., concluded the session with a discussion on strategic alignment and gap identification for effective project implementation.

The three-day planning activity also featured the presentation of research priority projects with detailed line-item budgets and action plans.

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