“More than the ink on the paper, we want DOST and PSTO to see our commitment through action, not simply intention. They can count on us to honor every commitment with integrity, consistency, and excellence. We shall remain active partners in creating opportunities that allow our institutions to grow together.”

These were the words of NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo as the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) and the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office III (DOST III) strengthened their ongoing partnership through the signing of agreements today, October 6, 2026, at the Office of the President Conference Room, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

The ceremony brought together university and DOST officials, researchers, and project proponents from NEUST, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and DOST to formalize collaborative initiatives in science, technology, research, innovation, and community development.

The activity started with a message from Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Jean Guillasper, who highlighted the role of partnerships in mobilizing the university community toward research and innovation initiatives responsive to local and national needs.

“This partnership is a powerful opportunity for us to mobilize our researchers, faculty, students, and innovation community toward one shared goal—to develop technologies that are locally responsive, nationally relevant, and globally competitive,” she said.

Messages of support were also delivered by DOST III Provincial Director for Nueva Ecija Dr. Leidi Mel Sicat and DOST III Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, who underscored the importance of sustained collaboration with academic institutions in advancing science, technology, and innovation.

“Together, let us continue to prove and believe in science because science works. Technology can respond to real community needs, innovation can help us prepare for emerging challenges, and partnerships can create meaningful and lasting change,” the Regional Director said.

The DOST III officials likewise expressed the agency’s continued support for research and innovation initiatives of universities across the region.

The agreements formalized during the activity included the Memorandum of Understanding between NEUST and DOST III to support collaboration in emerging technologies, research, innovation, and related initiatives, as well as the Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement for the DOST-funded project originally entitled “SunHarvest: Community-Managed SITUs (Solar Irrigation Trailer Units) for Improved Agricultural Efficiency,” which will now focus on “Smart Rehabilitation of Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicles for Sustainable Community Mobility.”

Following the signing ceremonies, researchers from NEUST and CLSU presented their respective DOST-funded projects, highlighting their objectives, innovations, and potential contributions to their target communities.

NEUST College of Industrial Technology faculty-researcher Dr. Ronnie Juliano presented Project ANGELA: “Transforming Urban Mobility with Care and Innovation in Science City of Muñoz: A Key Initiative Towards Becoming a SMART City-Ready,” which features a gas-electric hybrid ambulance equipped with a patient transport system.

Meanwhile, CLSU Dean of the Office of Admissions, Dr. Marlon Naagas, together with his team, presented SCDI-HUB: AI-Driven Smart City Data Integration and Decision Intelligence Hub for Science City of Muñoz, a project designed to strengthen evidence-based governance through the integration and use of data in the Science City of Muñoz, in partnership with the local government.

Vice President for Administration, Business and Finance, Atty. Bembol Castillo was also in attendance and actively engaged in the presentations, raising questions and sharing points for discussion with the researchers and project proponents.

Closing the ceremony, Project ANGELA leader Engr. Nathaniel Oliveros expressed confidence in the projects and shared the researchers’ hopes for positive results as they take their first steps toward developing innovative mobility solutions.

The activity provided an avenue for researchers and officials from NEUST, CLSU, and DOST III to further connect research and innovation initiatives with practical applications, while strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, and communities in Central Luzon.

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