SU joins DOST-led LGU Innovation Ecosystem Learning Tour
Silliman University (SU) co-facilitated the Local Innovation Ecosystem Learning Tour organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Negros Island Region (DOST-NIR) for the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Councilors of Dumaguete City on October 22, 2025.
The activity aimed to immerse local legislators in regional science and technology (S&T) hubs and promote collaboration between government, academe, and industry to drive innovation-led development.
The one-day tour, led by Atty. Gilbert R. Arbon, OIC Assistant Regional Director for the Technical Operations Division of DOST-NIR, included visits to key research and technology facilities at Silliman University (SU) and Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).
Representing the Dumaguete LGU were SP Councilor Melissa L. Sagarbarria, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, and SP Councilor Jason Patrick T. Lagahit, chairperson of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Innovation, and Futures Thinking.
At Silliman University, the group visited the Sinergy Technology Business Incubator–Fab Lab, Microgrid and Sustainable Energy Laboratory, and the Molecular Biology Laboratory, where faculty researchers and project managers provided guided tours and demonstrations of ongoing innovation initiatives.
The councilors also paid a courtesy visit to SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, who welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the City Council’s interest in research collaboration. McCann also raised the university’s concern regarding unlawful structures along the Silliman Marine Laboratory’s foreshore area, urging city support to preserve the site in accordance with its Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lease agreement.
Engr. Klint Ian V. Austero (second left), SU College of Engineering and Design dean, explains the features of the Microgrid and Sustainable Energy Laboratory (MSEL) to the guests.
At NORSU, the team toured the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center and the Fab Lab, observing how engineering and technology-driven projects address local needs.
According to Arbon, the learning tour seeks to “immerse SP councilors in local Science &Technology hubs such as university incubators and government-led technology parks,” fostering models of collaboration that advance inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable innovation aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
SU Executive Director for Research, Publication, and Innovation Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II emphasized that the visit of Councilors Sagarbarria and Lagahit was timely, as the University continues to expand its research and innovation initiatives aligned with the SDGs. “The SU RPI is ready to share insights and expertise when invited or requested,” Dr. Guino-o said.
Lagahit, an SU alumnus, expressed pride in his alma mater’s advancements. “There are many innovative developments now that were not present during my college days. These have truly transformed Silliman’s academic and technological landscape,” he said. Meanwhile, Sagarbarria affirmed her commitment to bringing “positive changes to the City of Dumaguete” through innovation and cultural advancement.
As a next step, DOST-NIR and Silliman University are exploring plans to host a Regional R&D Summit for higher education institutions in Negros Island Region and Siquijor. The summit will focus on research agendas such as Ambisyon Natin 2040, the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) 2022–2028, the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2023–2028, and related initiatives under Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) in health.
