DOST RDLead Honors Top Institutions at 2025 Year-End Assembly

Parañaque City, 17 December 2025 – The Department of Science and Technology’s Research and Development Leadership (RDLead) program recognized outstanding institutions and individuals advancing research excellence during its 2025 Year-End Assembly and Conference at the Grand Westside Hotel.

“I am confident that RDLead will continue to expand its impact in the years ahead, reaching more communities and lighting the way toward innovation and hope,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., highlighting the program’s role in nurturing research leadership nationwide.

With the theme “Fire in Motion: From Sparks to Synergy,” the event served as both the year’s culminating activity and recognition platform for RDLead host institutions, RD Leaders, and partners who foster collaborative, inclusive, and impactful research ecosystems.

Publication Productivity Awards

Among 114 RDLead host institutions, three state universities were recognized for their consistent efforts in generating high-quality research outputs and publications in Scopus-indexed journals and conferences:

  • Mindanao State University Marawi (MSU)
  • Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)
  • University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines Cagayan de Oro (USTP-CDO)
In photo: Representatives from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Engr. Khorina Aguilar-Tablada, Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, and Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, RD Leader for SLSU, receive the Publication Productivity Award, from the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) officials Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda and Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas during the 2025 RDLead Conference and Year-End Assembly.

University officials highlighted the awards as a driver of research excellence.

Dr. Fema M. Abamo, former Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Development of MSU–Marawi, said the recognition encourages faculty and students to increase research productivity and innovation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Frances Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services of SLSU, noted that the achievement inspires a culture of excellence among the academic community.

Dr. Apolinario Babia Gonzaga Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of the USTP System, added that the award will motivate researchers and support USTP’s goal to become a national hub for science, technology, and innovation.

Engagement Achievement Awards

The Engagement Achievement Awards recognized RDLead host institutions and RD Leaders who actively pursued research funding opportunities, partnerships, and community engagement:

  • Bohol Island State University (BISU) and RD Leader, Dr. Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo
  • Mindanao State University (MSU) Maguindanao and RD Leader, Dr. Emilia T. Quinitio
  • Tarlac State University (TSU) and RD Leader, Dr. Dennis V. Cantre

“This award is a strong validation of the systems we have deliberately built to strengthen research capacity at Bohol Island State University,” said Dr. Ivy Corazon Ancog Mangaya-Ay, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of BISU, noting that the university’s sustained  research productivity.

Dr. Dennis V. Cantre, RD Leader of TSU, emphasized that partnerships forged through RDLead continue beyond engagements, supporting collaborative research and academic programs addressing regional needs.

In photo: Dr. Emilia T. Quinito, RD Leader for Mindanao State University–Maguindanao, and Dr. Ramjie Y. Odin, Professor at Mindanao State University–Maguindanao, receive the Engagement Achievement Award, from Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) officials Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda and Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas during the 2025 RDLead Conference and Year-End Assembly.

Partners’ Recognition 

The following DOST Regional Offices were honored for their continued partnership and support to RDLead: 

    • DOST National Capital Region (NCR)
    • DOST Northern Mindanao (Region X)
  • DOST Caraga (Region XIII)

Special Recognition: Support to NRCP Membership

Institutions that actively promoted NRCP membership in 2025 were also acknowledged:

  • Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT)
  • Bukidnon State University (BukSU)
  • Catanduanes State University (CatSU)
  • Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)
  • University of Rizal System (URS)
  • University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT)
In photo: The University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT), represented by Dr. Darin Jan Tindowen, is recognized as one of the recipients of the Special Recognition for Support to NRCP Membership during the 2025 RDLead Conference and Year-End Assembly.

Special Awards: Stars of the Year

The Female and Male Stars of the Year awards recognized attendees who best embodied the event’s romantic retro theme, standing out for their style, confidence, and creativity.

In photo: Dr. Joycelyn C. Jumawan and Dr. Eddie Fetalvero are awarded Female and Male Star of the Year during the 2025 RDLead Conference and Year-End Assembly.

The 2025 RDLead Conference and Year-end Assembly reaffirmed the program’s commitment to nurturing leaders who champion inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation in research. The event recognitions and partnerships highlight a shared vision of a stronger, more inclusive Philippine research ecosystem. (Byron Lei B. Diaz, S&T Media Service)     

Hits: 44