RDLead Engagement at SMU Yields PhP 6M Grant from DOST- PCIEERD
The Research and Development Leadership (RDLead) engagement at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya with its RD Leader, Dr. Renann O. Baldovino, has resulted to new external grants from Department of Science and Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) for two (2) projects amounting to 6 million pesos.
These projects are: 1) AI-based Analysis and Development of Wearable Navigating Technology for People with Blindness (Project e-Sense) – PhP 1M; and 2) Establishment of Adaptive Robotics Technology & Intelligent Computing Center (Project ARTIC) for the Food Industry Application – PhP 5M.
Project e-Sense is funded under PCIEERD’s Regional Research Institution (RRI) program. Project ARTIC, on the other hand, is for the establishment of a laboratory or facility in the beneficiary institution under PCIEERD’s Institution Development Program (IDP). IDP supports facility establishment or upgrade to enable the institutions to conduct research along the research thrusts and priorities of PCIEERD.
The two approved project proposals are products of the capacity development of SMU’s personnel supported by the RDLead, implemented by the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). Under the RDLead engagement titled, “Strengthening of Research and Development Capabilities of the Faculty, Researchers, and Personnel of the Saint Mary’s University”, Dr. Baldovino trained and mentored SMU’s faculty and personnel. He conducted various capacity development activities and consultation work among others to help boost the capability and confidence of SMU faculty and personnel in pursuing research opportunities.
SMU personally met Dr. Baldovino and the NRCP personnel during an engagement visit and monitoring last October 2022. The visit enabled the SMU team and Dr. Baldovino to complete the remaining set of activities and trainings outlined in the terms of reference. The meeting also served as a consultation opportunity for the SMU when it comes to research and other opportunities. Further reinforcing the support to SMU, PCIEERD also visited to pre-engage SMU and improve their previously submitted proposals.
Following the grand ceremonial MOA signing event of PCIEERD last October 5, 2023, Engr. Angelino A. Pimentel, Project Leader of the 2 grants said, “The RDLead Program had been the catalyst for the growth of R&D, linkage, and intellectual property registration engagements in SMU. Evidence of that is the approval of a total of PHP 6 million grant from DOST-PCIEERD, 3 intellectual property registrations, 6 international publications, 3 operational linkages with national/international institutions and many more.”
Despite the RDLead engagement at SMU already completed and closed, Dr. Baldovino continues to support the researchers from SMU who still reaches out to him for guidance, inputs, or advice. (by: Marfy H. Lita)
