The Central Luzon Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (CLIEERDEC) reviewed its accomplishments and unmet targets to guide the development of its 2027 operational plan during its annual operational planning activity on October 14–15, 2026, at Savannah Resort Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga.
In her opening remarks, Consortium Director Dr. Marilene Hipolito encouraged member institutions to assess their progress and propose realistic, measurable activities that address Central Luzon’s research and development needs.
She highlighted the consortium’s efforts to establish partnerships, strengthen research capabilities through writeshops and training programs, and expand collaboration opportunities since its revival in late 2022.
Dr. Hipolito also acknowledged that some targets remained unmet, urging members to identify the reasons for these shortfalls and develop strategies to improve performance.
She emphasized the need to meet the targets and requirements set by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), which provides operational funding to the consortium.
As CLIEERDEC prepared for an upcoming evaluation, Dr. Hipolito underscored the need to maintain its Level 2 status while working toward the requirements for Level 3. She also stressed that achieving these goals would require the active participation of the consortium’s four committees and the commitment of all member institutions.
“Let us remember that the success of this planning workshop will not be measured by the number of activities we put in the plan, but by the commitments we fulfill and the results that we will deliver later,” Dr. Hipolito said.
The first day featured discussions on research and development needs, funding opportunities, and committee responsibilities, followed by workshops to review accomplishments, examine missed targets, and assess readiness for Level 3.
On the second day, members worked on proposed activities for 2027, assessed whether these could be carried out, and brought committee plans together for review and validation before setting commitments and agreeing on next steps.
Jesito Ponio Jr., the Chief Economic Development Specialist of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Regional Office III, presented the region’s plans for research and development.
He also introduced the National Innovation Council’s (NIC) Innovation Grants program, which aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and support enterprises developing innovative solutions.
The outputs of all seven workshops were presented, with members in attendance sharing their insights.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Romeolito Tacbian, assistant regional director of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office III, thanked the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), the consortium leadership, and partner institutions for their contributions to the activity.
Engr. Tacbian emphasized that the operational plan should translate into “concrete actions, meaningful partnerships, and measurable results.”
Through these shared plans and commitments, the consortium aims to support research and innovation that address local needs and provide practical benefits to communities in Central Luzon.
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