DOST-NRCP, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig forge partnership to strengthen education, innovation, and community development

From left to right: Ms. Beverly Mae N. Dela Cruz, Chief Science Research Specialist, DOST-NRCP; Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, Executive Director, DOST-NRCP; Honorable Mayor Victor Ma. Regis ‘Vico’ N. Sotto, representing the City Government of Pasig; Dr. Jayne Lois G. San Juan, RD Leader; and Dr. Glicerio M. Maningas, University President of PLP during the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement on January 22, 2025 at People's Reception Hall in Bridgetowne, Pasig.

The Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP) have formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the theme Strengthening Education, Innovation, and Community through Partnership. This collaboration, facilitated under the RDLead Program, aims to enhance research and development (R&D) capabilities, focusing on advancing STEM education and addressing local community challenges. The ceremony, held at the People’s Reception Hall in Bridgetowne, Pasig, marked a significant step toward advancing science, technology, and education within the local community.

Key stakeholders graced the event including the officials from DOST-NRCP, representatives from the City Government of Pasig, and faculty members from PLP’s College of Computer Studies and College of Engineering. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to empowering PLP, and implementing research-driven solutions that address critical societal needs.

MOA Signing Highlights

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, Executive Director of DOST-NRCP, Honorable Mayor Victor Ma. Regis ‘Vico’ N. Sotto, representing the City Government of Pasig, and Dr. Jayne Lois G. San Juan, RD Leader. Witnesses to the signing included Dr. Glicerio M. Maningas, University President of PLP, and Ms. Beverly Mae N. Dela Cruz, Chief Science Research Specialist from DOST-NRCP.

Dr. Jayne Lois G. San Juan will lead the RDLead Program’s collaboration with the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig. She specializes in industrial engineering with expertise in optimization, simulation, and mathematical modeling. Her research spans bioenergy systems, sustainable aviation fuel, and supply chain management. She is also an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator at De La Salle University. Alongside her is Dr. Glicerio I. Maningas, President of PLP.

About the RDLead Program

The RDLead Program, spearheaded by DOST-NRCP, is designed to strengthen the research capabilities of local academic institutions and research centers. As of 2024, NRCP has engaged 94 RDLeaders, served 90 institutions, and covered all seventeen regions in the country. The program engages highly qualified experts as RD Leaders who provide mentorship and technical guidance to enhance research programs, foster innovation, and address regional and national challenges.

NRCP plays a vital role in implementing the program by identifying and deploying top-tier researchers and specialists who serve as catalysts for advancing research and development in their host institutions.

To know more about RDLead, visit https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/research-and-development-leadership-rdlead/.

(Maria Angela Manabat, S&T Media Service)

Photo credits Jamar G. Garcia