In preparation for the official operation of the newly-installed Research and Innovation Centers (RICs) in SorSU, along with its vision & commitment toward becoming a premier research University, Sorsogon State University – Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (SorSU-OVPRET), together with SorSU Center Heads and Directors, spearheaded study tours as a benchmarking initiative to various research and innovation centers of leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Luzon: (1) Batangas State University (BatStateU); (2) University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); (3) De La Salle University (DLSU); (4) Philippine Normal University (PNU); and (5) Bulacan State University, from July 17-19, 2023.
The study tours to different HEIs will serve as an effective mechanism for the RICs in the University, seeking out best practices of the aforementioned institutions, which have highly regarded and functional research centers & institutes, and introduce these models of operations in the context of SorSU.
As part of the three-day benchmarking initiative, the eight SorSU Key Officials/Directors and Center Heads, under the leadership of Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training), first visited and benchmarked at (1) Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU-NEU) at Pablo Borbon Campus-Main Campus and Alingan Campus, where the SorSU team held a courtesy call to BatStateU President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, and Engr. Albertson D. Amante (Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services). It was followed by an ocular visit to the different research centers in the Philippine National Engineering University, together with BatStateU’s respective center heads.
Likewise, during the team’s study tour at the (2) University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), they were accommodated by the UPLB Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (UPLB TTBDO) & UPLB CAFS Agricultural Systems Institute (ASI), led by Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan (Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, OVCRE) — whom the team also paid a courtesy visit to. Subsequently, they also visited the UPLB CAFS Organic Agriculture Research, Development and Extension Center (OARDEC).
Further, they were greeted by Dr. Raymond Girard R. Tan (Vice President for Research and Innovation) at the (3) De La Salle University (DLSU), while they were received by PNU personnel during their visit at the (4) Philippine Normal University (PNU). Similarly, on their 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳-𝘋𝘢𝘺 3 at Bulacan State University (BulSU), SorSU delegates were accommodated by Dr. Allen N. Maroma (Vice President for Research, Development and Extension).
Aside from the said HEIs, they also had an opportunity to visit Kgg. Arthur P. Casanova, PhD (Tagapangulo, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino), as well as the National Library and the National Museum of the Philippines.
Along with undertaking systematic process to search for and introduce the models of operations among RICs of other HEIs through drafting a plan of operations for each research center in the University, the benchmarking initiative of the OVPRET also intended to forge linkages with the research centers of various HEIs in the region and across the country that would generate future collaborations and partnerships in research and innovation projects, paving the way to multidisciplinary research which the 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙖𝙮 𝙋𝙪𝙨𝙤 highly promotes.
Headed by Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training) present also as benchmarking participants were SorSU Directors and Center Heads, to wit: Prof. Christine H. Ferolino (Director, Research and Development); Dr. Felisa D. Marbella (Director, Sentro ng Wika at Kultura & Head, Sentro ng Wika, Panitikan at Kultura); Engr. Ivy Rose B. Gonzales (Head, Intellectual Property – Technology Business Management Services); Dr. Fely A. Habla (Head, Sorsogon Food Development Research Center) ; Dr. Oscar Peter D. Pascual (Head, Sorsogon Pili Research Center); Ms. Cristy T. Jintalan (Head, Sorsogon Bamboo Research Center); and Engr. Rey C. Rodrigueza (Dean, College of Information & Communications Technology-Bulan Campus & Prospect Head, SorSU Information Technology and Management Research Center).
Accordingly, the establishment of Research and Innovation Centers (RICs) in the University will provide adequate opportunities for the discovery of new knowledge and innovative technology, leading to the improvement of peoples’ lives in the academe, industries, and communities through programs and service offerings in the form of research and innovation activities. (SorSU PIO)
