31/03/2026
๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข๐ก ๐ญ ๐ฃ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก-๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ก๐ง ๐๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ญ ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐
The Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) in Region 1 reaffirmed its commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable development during its 1st Quarter Meeting held on March 19, 2026 at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Multi-Purpose Hall, DMMMSU-MLUC.
Bringing together stakeholders from government agencies, academic institutions, and other partner organizations, the meeting served as a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration and align regional efforts toward the priority STI programs and initiatives.
Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, RRDIC Chairperson, emphasized the importance of reinforcing institutional mechanisms, improving research and development coordination, and promoting innovation-led initiatives that respond to the regionโs evolving development needs.
Among the key highlights was the presentation and approval of the Terms of Reference for the Committeeโs Technical Working Groups on: a.) Artificial Intelligence, b.) Circular Economy, c.) Research and Development, and d.) Innovation, which are expected to improve inter-agency coordination and support the efficient works of the Committee. The Committee also approved the updated guidelines for the Harmonized Region 1 Research, Development and Innovation Agenda 2023โ2028 which provides
strategic guidance to national government agencies, local government units, higher education institutions (HEIs), research institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations in aligning their RDI initiatives with regional and national development priorities, further strengthening the regionโs framework for setting research priorities and advancing excellence.
Updates were likewise presented on major regional initiatives, including the Regional Technical Advisory Group in Region 1, which underscores the value of data-driven and climate-resilient agricultural solutions, and DMMMSUโs Coaster 3 Project, which applies science-based engineering approaches to coastal protection. The Committee also reviewed the Science, Technology, and Innovation Chapter of the 2025 Regional Development Report to ensure that captured and validated data would be reflected in the crafting of the 2025 Regional Development Plan. Members were also briefed on the Innovation Grants for Calendar Year 2026 and encouraged to maximize funding opportunities for high-impact projects. The committee secured Mr. Racky D. Doctor, RRDIC Co-chairperson as the regionโs representative for the Luzon Sub-National Competition of the Filipinnovation Awards 206 and Dr. Armando Q. Ganal as member of the Board of Judges subject to the approval of the Regional Development Council.
Through these initiatives, RRDIC-1 continues to strengthen science, technology, and innovation as vital pillars of regional growth, helping pave the way for more resilient communities and meaningful progress across Region 1. ๐๐๐
