DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. leads STI engagement at SLSU - Sogod Campus
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) formally welcomed Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), during the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Engagement held on January 22, 2026, at the Southern Leyte State University Main Campus in Sogod. The engagement underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among the academe, national government, and local government units in advancing innovation-driven and science-based development in Southern Leyte.
The program commenced with the preliminaries, followed by the acknowledgment of participants led by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Academics, Research, and Innovation of SLSU. In her remarks, Dr. Sy emphasized the University’s sustained commitment to research, innovation, and extension initiatives that directly respond to regional and community needs.
SLSU President Dr. Jude A. Duarte delivered the welcome message, expressing the University’s gratitude to DOST for its continued support to state universities and colleges. He highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in translating research outputs into practical and high-impact solutions that strengthen local governance, disaster resilience, and economic development.
An SLSU Institutional Video was presented, showcasing the University’s academic programs, research centers, innovation initiatives, and extension services aligned with national and regional development priorities. This was followed by an audio-visual overview of LGU Pintuyan projects, featuring the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle and the Squid Drying Facility, both of which aim to enhance disaster preparedness and improve livelihood opportunities in coastal communities.
One of the highlights of the engagement was the Project Launching of LGU Pintuyan, marking the official rollout of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle and the Squid Drying Facility. These initiatives demonstrate the effective application of science and technology interventions in addressing community-level challenges and strengthening local capacities.
The Message of Commitment from the Municipal Government of Pintuyan was delivered by Ms. Claire Castanares, Executive Secretary, on behalf of Pintuyan Mayor Hon. Ricarte A. Estrella. The message reaffirmed the local government’s dedication to sustaining and maximizing the benefits of DOST-assisted projects for inclusive and long-term development.
Further reinforcing SLSU’s role as a regional innovation hub, a Project Overview Presentation featured key initiatives such as the BrIGHT Project, the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Lig-on, and the GIS Center. These initiatives highlight the University’s efforts in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and data-driven decision-making to support local and regional development.
Messages of support were delivered on behalf of partner local government units and provincial leaders. Sogod Vice Mayor Hon. Jose Ramil G. Golo delivered the message of Hon. Mayor Sheffered Lino S. Tan, while Hon. Damian G. Mercado, Governor of Southern Leyte, and Hon. Christopherson M. Yap, Representative of the 2nd District of Southern Leyte, emphasized the value of strong collaboration among DOST, SLSU, and LGUs in ensuring that science and technology initiatives translate into tangible benefits for communities across the province.
Representing DOST Regional Operations, Hon. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for Regional Operations, delivered a Message of Support, highlighting DOST’s commitment to inclusive, region-based innovation and its continued support to higher education institutions as catalysts for local development.
The engagement was further enriched by the Inspirational Message of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., who emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in nation-building. Secretary Solidum underscored the importance of evidence-based decision-making, resilience, and sustained collaboration among institutions in addressing emerging challenges and improving the quality of life of Filipinos, particularly in the regions.
The program concluded with the Closing Message of Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, Regional Director of DOST Region VIII, who expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders and reaffirmed the regional office’s continued support to SLSU and its partner local government units.
Capping the engagement was the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the BrIGHT Project and the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) LIG-ON, followed by a Facility Walkthrough of the GIS Center. The activity symbolized the formal opening and operationalization of the showcased facilities and projects. University officials, representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, and local government leaders toured the facilities, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing science-based solutions for sustainable and inclusive development in Southern Leyte.
(Photos of BrIGHT Project)
(Photos of LIG-ON TBI)
(Photos of GIS Center)
This STI engagement and the showcased projects contribute to the achievement of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 – Climate Action; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Southern Leyte State University is honored to be the first State University and College (SUC) visited by the DOST Secretary this year—marking a strong and meaningful start to strengthened collaboration in advancing science, technology, and innovation in the regions.
