DOST-NRCP RDLead Equips Green Valley College Foundation in Robotics and Smart Systems R&D

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – To upskill robotics research, patent drafting, and technology incubation capabilities, the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), through the Enhanced Research and Development Leadership to Foster an Inclusive Research Ecosystem (RDLead FIRE) Program, conducted its second institutional engagement with Green Valley College Foundation, Inc. (GVCFI), training its faculty and student researchers on August 17–20, 2026.

RD Leader Dr. Anthony James C. Bautista guides student participants during a hands-on robotics training session.

RD Leader Dr. Anthony James C. Bautista led the training, which enhanced GVCFI’s capacity in robotics and smart systems research. Participants gained hands-on experience in programming, simulation, sensor integration, and motor control using Tinkercad, Arduino IDE, and AI, progressing from virtual programming to physical hardware integration with the Techrover Multibot. These outputs support GVCFI’s plan to establish the Center for Environmental Mechatronics and Smart Systems (CEMSS-Lab).

(Seated, L-R): NRCP Secretariat Mr. Vince Estella Balahan and Engr. Ivy A. Sacapaño, RDLeader Dr. Anthony James C. Bautista, GVCFI Research Director Ms. Rosalie S. Cabeltes, and GVCFI Research Specialist Ms. Hannah Frenzel C. Olalo, with GVCFI faculty and student researchers.

The session also covered patent searching, intellectual property (IP) drafting, and technology business incubation, equipping participants to advance prototype solutions toward commercialization. Agricultural robotics applications were explored, opening opportunities for farm automation and institutional partnerships across South Cotabato.

Through RDLead FIRE Program, DOST continues to build the R&D capacity of higher education institutions nationwide, fostering sustainable research ecosystems that drive regional development. (Vince Estella Balahan, S&T Media Service)

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