By Mikee Natinga Norico

A photo opportunity among representatives from CPU, JNU, WVSU, and DOST VI held at the CPUGAD TBI Co-Working Space, highlighting their shared goal of strengthening institutional partnerships for digital transformation and innovation.

On October 21, 2025, Central Philippine  University (CPU) welcomed representatives from Jeju National University (JNU), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) for an exploratory visit focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation initiatives. The meeting, held at the CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Co-Working Space, served as a platform for collaborative discussions on research, innovation, and the advancement of digital transformation efforts among partner institutions.

The visit commenced with a courtesy call to University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy at the Administration Conference Room. During the meeting, the delegates were formally introduced and given an overview of CPU’s ongoing research and innovation programs under the leadership of Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension. 

Following the courtesy call, the delegation proceeded to the CPUGAD TBI Co-Working Space for a collaborative discussion on AI-driven research, capacity development, and digital transformation strategies. The session provided a venue for knowledge exchange and the exploration of potential institutional partnerships.

Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, Dean of the College of ICT at WVSU and Project Leader of the Center for Digital Transformation, presented a sample of the Digital Transformations Capacity Assessment (University Survey). She emphasized that the initiative aims to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis to strengthen not only university systems but also regional development capacities in digital innovation.

Engr. Jebie Balagosa, PhD, Geotechnical Engineer, DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist Awardee, and Associate Professor at the CPU College of Engineering, shared his pioneering work in sustainable geotechnics, particularly in soil stabilization using biomass and industrial by-products. His research demonstrates the integration of digital technologies in advancing sustainable engineering practices.

Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, presented the University’s institutional profile, highlighting CPU’s recent achievements, active research collaborations, and ongoing RDE projects. She also introduced the CPUGAD TBI through a feature video, underscoring its role as a DOST-supported Technology Business Incubator that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within the region.

Central Philippine University (CPU) was also additionally represented by Dr. Evelyn Grace Ayson, Director of the University Research Center; Ms. Ligaya Villarias-Caniel, URC Staff and ITSO Focal Person; Engr. Yeseil S. Sacramento, Chairperson of the Electronics Engineering Department; Engr. Romarie Jhoanna C. Eder, Chairperson of the Software Engineering Department; Prof. Anfernee Joan Ng, Faculty of Software Engineering Department; Prof. Rose Leah Joy Ojacastro, Chairperson of the Information Technology and Systems Department; and Prof. Rea Balontong, Department Head (IT & IS).

Representing DOST Region VI was Ms. Monique Donnamarie Escaran, Project Technical Assistant for RDIMS. From West Visayas State University’s Center for Digital Transformation were Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, Dean of the College of ICT and Project Leader of the Center for Digital Transformation and Ms. Samantha Gwynyviv Scarlette Lim, Project Technical Staff. Meanwhile, Jeju National University was represented by Prof. Kang Cheol-Ung, Vice President for Research and Director of the JNU Regional Innovation System and Education Program; Prof. Yung Cheol Byun; and Prof. Kim Yong-woon.

The exploratory visit reaffirmed CPU’s commitment to fostering innovation-driven collaborations with academic and research institutions, both local and international, in pursuit of regional and global digital advancement.

The event concluded with a photo opportunity among representatives from CPU, JNU, WVSU, and DOST VI, symbolizing their shared commitment to advancing digital transformation and strengthening research partnerships across institutions.