West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6, launched a series of DOST-supported innovation projects on September 16, 2025, at the university’s Business Incubator Nurturing Homegrown Innovations (BINHI) Building.
The initiative introduces four major projects designed to empower Western Visayas through technological advancement: the Center for Digital Transformation for Governance (CDx), which supports local government units in adopting digital solutions; the Advanced Manufacturing Center, a satellite laboratory that provides access to emerging prototyping and manufacturing technologies; Project SARAI, which offers science-based tools to help farmers adapt to climate change; and Project SENTINEL, a disaster preparedness program that integrates real-time weather data, emergency reporting, and energy-efficient lighting.
In his welcome remarks, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz highlighted the collective impact of the projects. “These programs are like elements coming together to form a powerful core—one that will fuel meaningful change across our nation. They are part of our promise to our students, our faculty, our communities, and our future,” he said.
DOST Region 6 Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga praised the timeliness of the launch, noting its benefits for startups and industries in the region. “I cannot contain my happiness and excitement that all of us are here, and we are very upbeat of the future of the region because of the partnership with the university,” he said.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Usec. Sancho Mabborang encouraged industries to maximize the opportunities brought by the new facilities. “I’d like to see that your local industry will benefit from [these] facilities. Salamat po sa inyo, and please continue doing what you are doing, and we hope that more projects can be established here in Region 6,” he added.
Support messages were also delivered by regional directors from partner agencies, including Dir. Arceo Casing Jr. of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Region 6, Dir. Juan Jovian Ingeniero of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6, and Engr. Reynaldo Sy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Region 6. Their messages underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing digital governance, inclusive planning, and regional innovation.
After the program, participants were given a short overview of the projects’ background and objectives, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the third floor of the BINHI TBI Building. Guests also toured the facilities and engaged in networking sessions to explore potential collaborations.
Among the officials present were Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion, Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology and project lead of CDx; and Dr. Arnel Secondes, Director of the Knowledge, Technology Transfer, and Business Development Center (KTTBDC), along with other university officials, faculty, and students. Representing DOST were Undersecretary Leah Buendia for Research and Development, and Engr. Robert Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center.
The launch concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the third floor of the BINHI TBI Building as a new hub for science and technology innovation in Western Visayas.
With these initiatives, WVSU and DOST aim to establish a stronger innovation ecosystem—empowering industries, supporting farmers, strengthening governance, and enhancing disaster resilience. The projects mark a significant step toward positioning Western Visayas as a model of science-driven growth and innovation in the country.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
By WVSU PAMCO
