The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (OVPRET), successfully conducted the Strategic Realignment Workshop on Research PAPs and Research Workforce Capacity Building from June 24 to 26, 2026, at the USG Function Hall, NEUST Gabaldon Campus.

The three-day activity brought together Research, Extension, and Training (RET) chairpersons, center heads, and project leaders in support of the university’s continuing efforts to align institutional research priorities, strengthen research productivity, and build workforce capacity in planning, implementation, monitoring, and sustainability of research initiatives through project management and innovation-driven approaches.

In her opening message, Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, acknowledged the contributions of the university’s former presidents, previous RET vice presidents, and former RET directors whose leadership and initiatives laid the foundation for the robust research and extension ecosystem that NEUST continues to strengthen today.

Dr. Guillasper emphasized that sustaining and advancing this ecosystem remains a shared responsibility of current RET officials and personnel as the university responds to emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education.

She further underscored the importance of reviewing, revisiting, and realigning the existing RET Agenda despite its current implementation period extending until 2028, noting that institutional strategies must continuously evolve to remain responsive to rapidly changing global and societal demands.

Highlighting the significance of innovation in institutional development, she explained that the transition toward a Research, Innovation, Extension, and Training (RIET) Agenda reflects NEUST’s commitment to integrating innovation as a core component of research and extension programs while maintaining alignment with the university’s long-term goals.

Serving as resource speaker and facilitator throughout the workshop, Mr. Teddy Dizon, Public Health and Development Manager, led the discussions and workshop sessions focused on aligning research programs with the University Research Innovation and Extension Agenda and the strategic goals and objectives of the colleges.

The first day featured discussions on the policy anchors of Research, Innovation, Extension, and Training (REIT) in higher education institutions, an overview of REIT outputs, and a comprehensive orientation on the TRANSCEND Agenda encompassing Technology and Engineering, Resilient Cities and Communities, Agri-innovation, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Culture and Education.

Participants also engaged in sessions on priority-setting processes, criteria selection, and the alignment of program goals and objectives with the REIT TRANSCEND Research Agenda through collaborative cluster-based workshops.

To strengthen strategic focus and discipline-based collaboration, participants were grouped into six clusters corresponding to the major thematic areas of the TRANSCEND Agenda.

The second day concentrated on defining research priorities, developing aligned research projects, establishing project management frameworks, and formulating extension activities grounded in prioritized research initiatives.

Activities on the final day focused on refining research-to-extension project plans and strengthening implementation strategies to ensure sustainability, relevance, and measurable institutional impact.

Further enriching the workshop, Dr. Kenneth Armas, Director of the Planning and Development Office, delivered a presentation on Successful Program Implementation and highlighted key RET accomplishments that significantly contributed to the university’s recognition and achievements.

The workshop culminated in the presentation of outputs developed by participants before university officials led by Dr. Jean Guillasper, together with Dr. Marilene Hipolito, Director of the Research Services Department; Dr. Marivic Villegas, Director of the Extension Services Department; Dr. Marilou Pascual, Director of the University Training Department; Dr. Angelo Santos, Head of the Research Publication Office; Dr. Edgelly Vitug, Head of the Innovation Management Office; Dr. Marlon Torres, Director of the Management Information System; and Dr. Kenneth Armas.

The panel provided constructive feedback, recommendations, and strategic insights to further refine proposed initiatives and strengthen alignment with institutional priorities.

In her closing message, Dr. Guillasper commended the dedication, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated by RET personnel throughout the workshop and encouraged participants to sustain the momentum toward achieving the university’s mandate and advancing research excellence.

Through this initiative, NEUST reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating a dynamic, innovation-driven, and future-ready research ecosystem that advances knowledge generation, strengthens extension initiatives, and contributes to national and community development.

#NEUSTGLOBAL #NEUSTRET #StrategicRealignmentWorkshop #SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure #SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities #SDG12ResponsibleConsumptionAndProduction #SDG16PeaceJusticeAndStrongInstitutions #SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals