In a step toward strengthening local governance through research-based and evidence-driven initiatives, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) formalized its partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region III through a virtual signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 5, 2026.

Under this collaboration, the initiative is anchored on the Central Luzon Consortium for Local Governance and Research and Development Centers (CL-LGRRC), focusing on the development of a Compendium of Research Studies on Local Governance.

As part of the project, the compendium will serve as a comprehensive knowledge resource that consolidates both published and unpublished research from higher education institutions across the region.

Through this effort, the initiative aims to strengthen the linkage between academia and government by providing local government units (LGUs) with accessible, research-based references to support policy formulation, program development, and decision-making.

In presenting the project overview, DILG Region III Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) V Ma. Bernadette Castro-Macabali highlighted the importance of consolidating academic research for governance use, stating, “Isa lamang po ito sa maraming initiatives ng DILG na kasama ang NEUST. We hope that under this, we are able to collect various research papers alongside other academic institutions. Naniniwala po kami that this initiative would supplement our clients and local government officials sa kanilang decision process and policy-making that would have a positive impact on the community.”

Further emphasizing the role of collaboration, Regional Director Araceli San Jose, CESO III of the DILG Region III, noted that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to translating knowledge into actionable solutions, stating, “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to research and public service, ensuring that knowledge is translated into practical, actual solutions for our communities. We can maximize expertise and innovation to achieve better governance.”

In support of this direction, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo reaffirmed the University’s role in producing research that contributes to community development, stating, “In NEUST, we create and share knowledge because we believe that knowledge should serve people, especially our local government units and the communities they lead. Knowledge should be translated into clear ideas that local leaders can utilize to respond effectively to their constituents.”

In line with the agreement, NEUST will take an active role in consolidating and submitting research studies related to local governance, including coordinating with authors, ensuring proper documentation, and contributing to the review and development of the compendium.

Meanwhile, DILG Region III will oversee the development, design, and dissemination of the compendium, ensuring that all submitted research is processed and utilized in accordance with its intended purpose.

Through these coordinated efforts, the agency will also monitor the usage and impact of the knowledge product among LGUs and stakeholders. At the same time, the development of the compendium is expected to serve as a reference for policy formulation and governance practices in the region, with initial outputs targeted for release by mid-year 2026.

Also present during the signing were NEUST Directors for Research and Extension, Dr. Marivic Villegas and Dr. Marilene Hipolito, along with officials from both institutions.

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