By OVPRDE
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (center), Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa (right), and CPU Balik Scientist Dr. Jebie A. Balagosa (left) represent Central Philippine University at the 12th Annual Balik Scientist Program Convention.
Central Philippine University (CPU) was recognized as a host institution of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Balik Scientist Program during the 12th Annual Balik Scientist Program Convention held on October 29, 2026, at The Manila Hotel. The recognition highlights the University’s role in supporting returning Filipino scientists as they share their expertise, strengthen local research capabilities, and contribute to national development.
Representing CPU at the convention were University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, and CPU’s medium-term Balik Scientist, Dr. Jebie A. Balagosa. With the theme “Balik Agham: Siyensiyang Pandaigdig, Para sa Bayan,” the gathering emphasized the contributions of Filipino scientific expertise to addressing the country’s development needs.
For CPU, the recognition underscores the importance of institutional support in making scientific engagements meaningful and sustainable. Hosting a Balik Scientist involves creating opportunities for collaboration, supporting research activities, and enabling faculty members and students to learn directly from an expert with international research experience.
Dr. Balagosa is currently undertaking his medium-term Balik Scientist engagement at CPU, continuing his work in research, mentoring, and laboratory development. His first engagement as a short-term Balik Scientist in 2025 helped lay the foundation for geotechnical research at the University through laboratory activities, student participation, and institutional collaboration. His continuing engagement builds on these efforts, with an emphasis on sustaining research capabilities and connecting scientific work with local engineering and sustainability concerns.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy receives the recognition plaque naming Central Philippine University as a host institution of the Department of Science and Technology’s Balik Scientist Program.
A central objective of the engagement is to develop research capabilities that can endure beyond the scientist’s stay. Through hands-on research experience, technical guidance, and collaborative work, students and faculty members have opportunities to strengthen their skills and pursue studies responsive to local needs. The engagement also aims to help researchers develop their work for publication.
Dr. Balagosa’s work also explores connections between laboratory research and practical environmental challenges. Areas of interest include the potential use of landfill-derived materials for sustainable engineering applications, alongside a complementary engagement with the Iloilo City Government. This direction offers opportunities to examine how scientific knowledge can support better resource use and environmental management.
The recognition draws attention to the shared responsibility behind successful scientific partnerships. Returning scientists contribute specialized knowledge and experience, while host institutions provide the academic environment, facilities, coordination, and continuing support needed to sustain the work. For CPU, this partnership strengthens the connection among research, teaching, and community engagement.
The participation of President Dagohoy and VPRDE Romallosa in the convention further reflects the University’s support for scientific exchange and research partnerships. Such engagements contribute to developing stronger research teams and creating learning opportunities for students and young researchers.
As CPU celebrates this recognition, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting Filipino scientists and nurturing a research community where expertise is shared and emerging researchers are mentored. Through its continuing participation in the Balik Scientist Program, the University seeks to translate international expertise into lasting local capability and research that serves communities.