Showcasing a variety of activities that highlight the University’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) hosted the Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Summit on December 12, 2024, at Obrero Campus, Davao City.
The event opened with a welcome address from USeP Vice President for RDE Dr. Roger C. Montepio who acknowledged the participants and highlighted the University’s recent accomplishments. He reported on 12 extension programs and 30 research projects for 2024, emphasizing USeP’s ongoing contributions to its mission of transforming communities.
In his inspirational message, University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. underscored the importance of the summit in aligning with USeP’s vision and mission. He encouraged the participants to continue the pursuit of knowledge and innovation in their respective fields that contribute to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
The morning session featured the Innovation Forum, which brought together experts to share insights on various topics. Engr. Howel Adrian Ong, TBI Manager of AdDVentures of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), talked about the circular economy. He first differentiated linear and circular economy while emphasizing the need for innovators to integrate technology and innovation within the circular economy framework.
Ms. Mary Rose Ofianga, Program Manager of the Wadhwani Foundation, discussed Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization. She narrated the evolution from the personal computer to the emergence of internet and then artificial intelligence. She also presented the jobs that are unlikely to be replaced by AI and, at the same time, jobs that would be automated.
Dr. Daisy Besing, USeP Foresight Program Manager, talked about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She discussed the University’s initiatives and suggested opportunities for students to participate in realizing the SDGs.
Associate Professor Michael Machica, Deputy Director of KTTD IPMU, guided the participants on the processes and mechanics for applying Intellectual Property (IP) for innovation outputs. He told the students to make sure their innovation projects are protected. He also offered their office for assistance to those planning to apply for IP.
Engr. Jason T. Occidental from Ateneo de Davao University shared his knowledge on Blockchain. He discussed about Bitcoin and how it is becoming popular in the world today.
The Extension Forum followed, with faculty and student extensionists sharing their experiences from programs like KiblaONE. Dr. Ivy Machica, Engr. Ruel Tuyogon, and third-year undergraduate student Joyce Mariel Romero provided insights into their respective journeys as extensionists, highlighting the impact of these programs on communities.
In the afternoon, former CHED Commissioner and Chair-Designate of USeP’s Board of Regents, Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of research, development, and extension in advancing societal progress. Concurrently, the Innovation Pitch competition was held in the College of Business Administration building, showcasing innovative ideas of student-participants.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the turnover ceremony for the Environment Paralegal Aid Desk, an initiative spearheaded by the School of Law as part of its extension program at the College of Education Quadrangle. This activity was part of the SoL extension program for the Indigenous Peoples at Brgy. 10-A, Davao City; Brgy. Gumalang, Calinan, Davao City; Brgy. Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental; Brgy. Managa, Bansalan, Davao del Sur; and Brgy. Ilomavis, Kidapawan, North Cotabato. Datus, Barangay officials, and representatives from different collaborating agencies were also present to witness the activity, while the representatives from USeP included the Top Management led by the president and the Dean, faculty, staff, and students of SoL.
At the Social Hall, the summit also featured the Book Launching of Panumtuman: Anthology of the 21st Century Bangsamoro Literature, a CHED-funded project led by Associate Professor Gladys Florangel Ortiz. Editor-in-Chief Gutierrez Mangansakan II shared insights into the creation of the anthology, while one of the contributors, Dr. Angelo Lenard Yu, gave a reading from the book.
Later in the afternoon, Associate Professor Sajed Ingilan, Editor-in-Chief of the Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development (SPJRD), facilitated a Scopus Journal Application Session. Journal editors and staff from different higher education institutions in Mindanao, including those from Central Mindanao University (CMU), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP Min), Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), San Pedro College (SPC), City College of Davao (CCD), Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC), Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), and Department of Education (DepEd), alongside students, faculty, and staff from USeP participated in the said segment. Following the session, a short video was presented to celebrate SPJRD’s milestones, and tokens of appreciation were given to its editors.
The summit concluded with the turnover of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) DigiHub Fablab Davao by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The turnover, led by DTI Regional Director Romeo L. Castanaga and City Director Atty. Lucky Siegred M. Balleque, signified a strengthened partnership between DTI and USeP. University officials, led by Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., expressed their gratitude for the collaboration, which aims to enhance innovation and community development initiatives.
The RDE Summit showcased USeP’s dedication to fostering excellence, embracing diversity, and transforming communities through research, development, and extension activities.
