By The Centralian Link
Dr. Jebie A. Balagosa is back at Central Philippine University for his second Balik Scientist engagement, continuing his work to strengthen research, mentor young researchers, and turn laboratory work into solutions that can make a difference in the community.
Dr. Jebie A. Balagosa is back at Central Philippine University for a second Balik Scientist engagement, running from August 4, 2026 to August 22, 2027, covering six staggered months.
The engagement follows his first stint from April 14 to October 13, 2025, which laid the foundation for geotechnical research at CPU through laboratory activities, student participation, and institutional collaborations.
Describing the second engagement as a transition from “building capacity to making that capacity sustainable,” Dr. Balagosa stressed that research capability requires more than equipment. “Sustainable research requires people who are capable of using the equipment, students who are encouraged to ask new questions, faculty members who are willing to collaborate, and external partners who can provide expertise and opportunities,” he said.
A pre-implementation meeting was held on August 25, 2026, at the CPUGAD TBI Co-Working Space to coordinate research directions, capacity-building activities, laboratory development, mentoring, and collaborations.
A major focus is giving students hands-on research experience. “The first engagement allowed us to plant the seeds,” Dr. Balagosa said. “The second gives us the chance to make sure those seeds grow into something lasting—stronger laboratories, more capable young researchers, meaningful collaborations, and research that responds to problems here in Iloilo.”
The engagement also connects with the Iloilo City Government through a complementary engagement running from September 4, 2026 to August 3, 2027. Among the areas of interest is the exploration of landfill-derived materials for sustainable engineering applications—reflecting his vision of bringing research “from the laboratory to the community.”
By the end of the engagement, Dr. Balagosa hopes to see stronger laboratory capabilities, students and researchers with meaningful research experience, outputs progressing toward publication, continuing partnerships, and scientific evidence addressing local engineering and sustainability challenges.
He also expressed that returning to CPU is personally meaningful because of the University’s Christ-centered community, which encourages him amid uncertainties and challenges.
“One thing I am particularly looking forward to is seeing the research move from the laboratory to the community,” he said. “The first engagement allowed us to build the foundation. The second is about making sure what we built can grow, continue, and create impact beyond the program.”