Cauayan, Isabela, Philippines — To address the rapidly evolving demands of research and development in higher education, Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, President of both the Philippine Association of Research Managers, Inc. (PHILARM) and Marinduque State University (MarSU), led a regional seminar titled “PHILARM at the Forefront of Change: Leading R&D Management in a Dynamic Landscape” on July 30, 2025, at the Amphitheater of Isabela State University – Cauayan Campus.
The event gathered research managers, educators, and institutional leaders across the Cagayan Valley Region in a call to strengthen regional and national R&D capabilities. Dr. Boyet L. Batang, ISU President, opened the program by urging collaboration and recalibration of R&D frameworks to keep pace with global change.
Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, DOST Region II Director and CV PHILARM President, welcomed the delegates, emphasizing that research should not only aim for publication but must bridge societal gaps and drive community transformation.
Delegates from major institutions—including state universities, private colleges, and government agencies—were acknowledged by Dr. Kathlyn B. Cruz, Vice President of CV PHILARM. They represent a growing network of professionals united in advancing the research agenda in the region.
PHILARM Founder Dr. Rogelio Cuyno and National VP Dr. Johnny A. Ching inspired the participants to pursue research grounded in mentorship, societal needs, and purpose.
In his keynote, Prof. Dr. Zulueta highlighted the growing responsibility of higher education institutions to lead innovation. He underscored the urgent need for strategic, visionary R&D leadership amid the disruptions of the 21st century.
“There is an urgency to evolve R&D leadership,” he said. “Let us move from reactive to proactive approaches. Give importance to the impact of every research—not just for academic prestige, but for people, for communities.”
He emphasized the role of universities like Marinduque State University, which, through active participation and leadership in national organizations such as PHILARM, plays a significant part in shaping research cultures, building linkages, and contributing to the collective pursuit of academic excellence.
Three plenary sessions enriched the discussions delivered by Dr. Joseph C. Pepito (Cebu Technological University) on managing R&D in rapidly changing environments; Dr. Grace D. Buencillo (SPAMAST) on nurturing innovation and resilience; and Dr. Melvin B. Carlos (DOST-PCAARRD) on strategic partnerships in regional R&D.
Prof. Dr. Zulueta also led the oath-taking of the new PHILARM–Cagayan Valley officers, marking a renewed commitment to regional collaboration.
The Commitment Signing and Messages of Support, facilitated by Dr. Miladis B. Mabutol, emphasized that sustained partnerships are crucial for research development and policy impact.
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, former ISU President, through his representative Dr. Precila C. Delima, concluded the seminar by stressing the role of strategic leadership in navigating an increasingly complex academic landscape.
This initiative reflects MarSU’s proactive engagement in national academic discourse and highlights how inter-institutional linkages, such as those built through PHILARM, are vital in cultivating a research culture rooted in relevance, resilience, and responsibility.
(J. Breganza)
#EmpoweringMindsTransformingLives #MarinduqueStateUniversity #SGD4QualityEducation #SDG17PartnershipsfortheGoals #SDG #MarSU
