By URC and CPUGAD TBI
USLS delegates, led by VCRE Dr. Romeo G. Teruel, engage in a benchmarking discussion with CPU research and innovation leaders on July 8, 2025, at the CPUGAD TBI Co-working Space.
Central Philippine University (CPU) hosted a benchmarking activity for the University of St. La Salle (USLS), Bacolod City, on July 8, 2025, at the CPUGAD TBI Co-working Space. Key topics covered by the discussants included managing intellectual property rights, rewarding research productivity, global rankings, and interacting with researchers and reviewers in light of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
During the benchmarking discussion, the USLS delegation was headed by Dr. Romeo G. Teruel, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement (VCRE) together with the following heads of offices under the VCRE: Ms. Annabelle A. Alova, Chairperson, Research Ethics Review Committee; Dr. Jie A. Arro, OIC, Institutional Research and Engagement Office; Prof. Dante D. Gustilo, Jr., Director for Research Ethics Review Office; Atty. Rhodora P. Lo, Intellectual Property Office; Ms. Jessa S. Gamilla and Mr. Karl Von Ta-Octa, both staff of the Office of the VCRE.
Representing CPU were Dr. Evelyn Grace D. Ayson, Director of the University Research Center (URC); Dr. Joy G. Raso, Chair of the Research Ethics Review Board (RERB); Ms. Ligaya Villarias-Caniel, URC staff and IP focal person; Mr. Mark Gil D. Peraman, General Manager of CPUGAD TBI; Engr. Gelvie C. Lagos, Project Leader of CPUGAD TBI; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Project Staff of CPUGAD TBI; and Ms. Eldane Gale Pamposa, Communications and Marketing Staff of CPUGAD TBI.
When asked about global ranking systems, CPU shared the preparations done and the initiatives conducted for its inclusion in the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and other ranking systems. CPU has various initiatives, including strengthening international collaborations, increasing research publications in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals, and investing in faculty development.
On the topic of intellectual property rights and commercialization, CPU emphasized the role of its Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) under the University Research Center. The ITSO manages patent applications, copyright registrations, and commercialization agreements, ensuring that benefits from innovations are distributed fairly while protecting the rights of creators within the institution.
The benchmarking concluded with a mutual exchange of insights and a shared vision to uphold integrity, innovation, and inclusivity in research. Both CPU and USLS expressed their intent to explore future collaborations in academic governance, policy development, and faculty research engagement.