Central Philippine University (CPU), a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized autonomous university, continues to strengthen its presence in the national research community as its Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) Director Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Jr., has been accepted as a member of the Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP). Dr. Sabijon, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Curriculum Development from West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City, joined the Council on January 12, 2026, under Category VIII – Social Sciences, with a research focus on Education and Communication.

The Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), established on December 8, 1933 through Act No. 4120, is the country’s oldest national research council and serves as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It functions as a collegial and advisory body of scientists, researchers, engineers, and scholars tasked with promoting and supporting fundamental or basic research, providing expert advice on issues of national interest, fostering local and international scientific collaboration, and advancing a culture of science and technology in Philippine society. Membership in the NRCP offers opportunities for research funding, capacity-building initiatives, publication support, and engagement in research-to-policy programs that contribute to evidence-based policymaking and national development.

Dr. Sabijon’s admission to the NRCP places him alongside other esteemed CPU faculty researchers, as well as qualified researchers and experts from various schools and universities nationwide who are active members of the Council. This achievement reflects the University’s sustained commitment to research excellence across disciplines. Among these CPU faculty are:

	Dr. Laureen M. Manalo Doctor of Philosophy in Fisheries (Marine Fisheries) University of the Philippines Visayas – Miagao, Iloilo Date of Acceptance by the DOST-NRCP: August 5, 2022 NRCP Category: V – Biological Sciences Area: Mollusks Biology
	Prof. Christsam Joy S. Jaspe-Santander Doctor of Engineering in Water Engineering (on-going) University of San Carlos, Cebu City Philippines Master of Engineering in Water Engineering and Management Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani, Thailand Date of Acceptance by the DOST-NRCP: August 29, 2023 NRCP Category: VII Engineering and Industrial Research Area: Chemical Engineering and Water Resource Management
	Dr. Sheila Mae B. Pingul-Ong Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering (PhD in EnE) (Wastewater Treatment) University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City Date of Acceptance by the DOST-NRCP: August 29, 2023 NRCP Category: VII – Engineering and Industrial Research Area: Chemical and Environmental Engineering
	Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on Doctor of Ministry (Church Management and Pastoral Ministry) Central Philippine University Date of Acceptance by the DOST-NRCP: September 24, 2024 NRCP Category: VIII – Social Sciences Area: Theology
	Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Engineering) cum laude Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Weimar, Germany Date of Acceptance by the DOST-NRCP: September 24, 2024 NRCP Category: VII – Engineering and Industrial Research Area: Biosystems and Environmental Engineering
	Dr. Mizpah C. Villalobos Doctor of Philosophy (major in Chemistry) University of Santo Tomas, España Manila Date of Acceptance by the DOST-NRCP: Sept 24, 2024 NRCP Category: X– Chemical Sciences Area: Biochemistry/Functional Foods

 Under the strong leadership of CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Vice President for Research and Development (VPRD) Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, the growing number of CPU faculty members in the DOST-NRCP underscores the University’s expanding role, in advancing scientific inquiry, educational research, and policy-relevant studies. Likewise, it affirms the University’s commitment to generating knowledge that supports national development and contributes meaningfully to the country’s scientific and academic community.