Central Philippine University

By Sharlene G. Gotico


CPU officials received a grant from DOST-PCIEERD last June 23, 2022 at the World Palace Hotel in Davao City.

CPU places fourth among 27 universities that were granted a grant under the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HeIRIT) program of the the Department of Science and Technology -Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). This was announced during the HeIRIT 2.0 Kick Off Program held at the World Palace Hotel in Davao City on June 23-24, 2022.

The top five universities are the following:
1. De La Salle University -College of St. Benilde
2. Ateneo de Manila University
3. Philippine Women’s College of Davao
4. Central Philippine University
5. University of the Philippines – Baguio

In her message during the Kick Off event, Dr. Lyre Anni Murao, Chancellor of UP Mindanao, said that these university-based TBIs help shape their respective regions’ innovation landscape and help shape the country’s economy. Moreover, she challenged the TBI teams to “fashion a new breed of entrepreneurs who will champion ‘Filipinnovation’”.

As part of the acceptance into the HeIRIT 2.0 program, the CPU team will undergo a training program and will receive a grant from PCIEERD in preparation for the setting up of a technology business incubator (TBI) to nurture local start ups in Region 6.

The members of the CPU TBI Team are the following: Prof. Ma. Rhea Rizza Melliza (TBI Manager), Prof. Sharlene Gotico (ITSO Manager), Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, Engr. Gelvie Lagos, Engr. Yeseil Sacramento (Technical Members), and Prof. Renjo Debil (Entrepreneur-in-Residence). The application to the DOST PCIEERD HeIRIT program was initiated by the dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Dany Molina, who also serves as the team’s consultant/adviser.

It was in February 2022 that the CPU team, together with University President Dr. Teodoro Robles, underwent a panel interview with DOST PCIEERD as part of the application process. Rating criteria used for selection included technopreneurship program; support laboratories and infrastructure; active research and development; team composition/gender balance; and university support, among others.