01/09/2026
๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ค๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐ผ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฉ 2026 ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐จ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ก ๐ผ๐จ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ก๐ฎ
By: Kristin R. Castillo
The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through the Ilocos Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (ICIEERD),actively participated in the 2026 PCIEERD National Consortia Conference and General Assembly on August 26 to 27, 2026, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City, under the theme, โConnecting Regions, Advancing Innovation.โ The activity brought together regional research and development (R&D) consortia, government agencies, academe, industry, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and advance the countryโs regional innovation ecosystem.
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โThe conference highlighted the importance of connecting regional R&D capabilities with national priorities and translating research outputs into technologies, services, and solutions that address real-world challenges. Key discussions emphasized strengthening STI investments, enhancing collaboration among government, academe, industry, and communities, bridging the gap between research and commercialization, and developing stronger regional innovation ecosystems. Speakers also underscored the need for regional consortia to identify priority challenges, maximize local strengths, and generate measurable impacts through research and innovation.
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โA significant highlight was the signing of three Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) involving the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIEERD); Central Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (CVCIEERD); and Negros Island Region Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NIRCIEERD). The partnerships aim to strengthen collaborative research, capacity building, technology development, and the transfer, adoption, licensing, and commercialization of technologies. The conference also featured the progress of the Impact Assessment of Regional Consortia (IARC) Project, which assesses the contributions of the DOST-PCIEERD Regional Consortia Program to research, innovation, and regional development across 16 consortia and 364 member institutions.
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โOn the second day, participants engaged in a workshop to identify priority areas that will contribute to the finalization of the 2027 Call for Proposals. The discussions covered emerging and strategic areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, synthetic biology, marine and maritime technologies, quantum technologies, and nuclear technologies. The workshop provided an avenue for regional consortia to identify opportunities where R&D investments can address emerging challenges, strengthen regional capabilities, and contribute to national development priorities.
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โThrough its participation, DOST Ilocos Region and ICIEERD reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, advancing strategic R&D initiatives, and connecting the research capabilities of the Ilocos Region with national innovation priorities. The conference served as a platform for sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and developing a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready R&D ecosystem where regional innovation contributes to sustainable and inclusive national progress.