Advancing Evidence-Based Local Governance through Research Collaboration with DILG

Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in advancing evidence-based policymaking and local governance reform through the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) initiative. On February 27, 2024, EVSU formally turned over the completed CSIS report for Tacloban City to the DILG during the Utilization Conference held at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

This collaboration began in March 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between EVSU and DILG for the administration of the CSIS project in Tacloban City, designating the University as the Local Resource Institute (LRI). In this role, EVSU provided technical expertise, conducted field research, and facilitated citizen engagement to assess the quality of local public services.

The CSIS is a research-based policy tool designed to gauge citizen satisfaction across seven essential service areas—health, education, social welfare, governance and response, infrastructure, environmental management, and economic investment promotion. Using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, EVSU’s research team employed a multi-stage probability sampling approach to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and reliability in citizen representation.

The turnover conference was attended by key DILG officials, LGU Tacloban representatives, and civil society organizations, underscoring the collaborative and participatory nature of the initiative. Policy recommendations derived from the study highlighted actionable insights for improving service delivery and local government performance.

EVSU’s project team, led by Dr. Jovito B. Madeja, with faculty experts Dr. Gabino P. Petilos, Dr. Richard S. Brun, Dr. Thea C. Galos, Mary Grace H. Aruta, and Michael Joseph Sabino, exemplified the University’s research-driven approach to policy support. As Dr. Madeja emphasized, “The CSIS should not be just a report—it should improve local governance.”

Through this partnership, EVSU reinforces its role as a key regional academic partner in generating policy-relevant research that informs government programs and strengthens citizen participation in governance. The initiative demonstrates how academia and government collaboration can drive data-driven policymaking and localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Driving Sustainable Tourism Policy through Innovation: EVSU and DOT8 Launch SMART TAMSTAR

The Department of Tourism – Eastern Visayas (DOT8) and Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) have strengthened their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 17, 2024, for the development of the Sustainable, Meaningful, Adaptive, and Reliable Technology Tourism Accreditation and Monitoring System for Tourism-Related Establishments (SMART TAMSTAR). This groundbreaking initiative aims to digitize and streamline the tourism accreditation process across Region VIII, supporting both the region’s economic resilience and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The partnership, led by EVSU President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz and DOT8 Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, underscores a shared vision for innovation-driven governance and evidence-based tourism policy. Through TAMSTAR, EVSU provides research, technical expertise, and information technology solutions, enabling DOT8 to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in its accreditation and monitoring processes.

Developed through the dedicated efforts of EVSU’s BS Information Technology students, TAMSTAR integrates a user-friendly accreditation portal and real-time monitoring system designed to improve data management, ensure quality standards, and enhance visitor experiences across the region’s tourism enterprises. With the system now 80% complete, the next phase focuses on full optimization and pilot implementation, set to culminate in a formal launch event in May 2024.

The EVSU–DOT8 partnership exemplifies how academic–government collaboration can drive digital transformation and sustainable policy innovation. By leveraging technology for regional tourism management, EVSU contributes to inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods, and resilient local economies—further solidifying its role as a key enabler of SDG-aligned governance in Eastern Visayas and beyond.

Strengthening Science, Innovation, and Sustainable Development through the DOST–EVSU Partnership

Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continue to deepen their collaborative efforts toward sustainable regional development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 26, 2024, at the Tacloban People’s Center and Library. This strategic partnership underscores EVSU’s commitment to advancing science-based policy initiatives and supporting the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, research, and capacity building.

Central to the agreements is the establishment of the Natural Textile Innovation Hub, a pioneering facility that will lead research and development on the utilization of the country’s natural fibers and traditional weaving technologies. Complementing this is the creation of the Textile Academy, envisioned to cultivate local talent, equip students and artisans with advanced technical skills, and promote sustainable practices in textile design and engineering. These initiatives align with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) while contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through inter-agency collaboration.

The partnership is strengthened by the participation of key leaders including Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, EVSU President; Hon. Renato U. Solidum, DOST Secretary; Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., Director of DOST-PTRI; Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations; Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, Deputy Director of DOST-FPRDI; and Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, VSU President. Their presence underscores the national significance of this initiative in fostering innovation ecosystems that connect research institutions, government agencies, and local industries.

The signed MOU and MOA outline a framework for joint research, technology transfer, and policy development in fiber processing, sustainable materials, and community-based textile production. Through these collaborative projects, EVSU and DOST aim to empower local weaving communities, enhance livelihood opportunities, and promote sustainable economic growth rooted in Filipino culture and innovation.

This partnership exemplifies how academic–government collaboration can drive SDG-focused innovation policies and reinforce EVSU’s role as a regional hub for science, technology, and sustainable development. Together, DOST and EVSU are reimagining the country’s textile landscape—merging tradition, innovation, and inclusivity to build a resilient and sustainable future.

Empowering Women through Local Partnerships: EVSU–Carigara Campus and LGU Tunga Join Forces for Inclusive Development

In pursuit of its mandate to uplift local communities through education, research, and extension, Eastern Visayas State University–Carigara Campus (EVSU–CC), led by Campus Director Dr. Mary Jean P. Yanger, strengthened its partnership with the Local Government of Tunga, Leyte through the implementation of Project L.I.V.E. (Leverage Investment through Venture and Empowerment). This initiative, headed by Instructor Anabelle T. Cerezo, Project Leader, forms part of the University’s broader commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The event was attended by local officials including Barangay Chairman Hon. Orlando Sudario and Hon. Alma Bodo, Chairperson of the Committee on Women, signifying strong local government support. The collaboration demonstrates how EVSU’s academic initiatives complement LGU-led programs in women’s economic empowerment and local enterprise development, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable community growth.

Anchored on a Memorandum of Agreement signed on October 5, 2023, between EVSU–Carigara Campus and the Local Government of Tunga, Project L.I.V.E. represents a long-term framework for empowering women through education, livelihood training, and entrepreneurship. This partnership showcases EVSU’s enduring commitment to building capacity, reducing inequalities, and fostering evidence-based local development policies through strong university–government cooperation.

On December 27, 2024, EVSU–CC extended a community development service to the women’s organization of Barangay San Pedro, conducting the first activity under Project L.I.V.E.—the Personal Entrepreneurial Development Seminar facilitated by Dr. Ma. Loida Marquez. The seminar aimed to enhance entrepreneurial knowledge, foster business acumen, and build a sense of accountability and leadership among women participants.

Promoting Community Health and SDG Partnerships through the DIA-Life Project

In a proactive effort to address local health challenges and strengthen partnerships with government and community stakeholders, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Carigara Campus, in collaboration with the Barangay Council of San Pedro, launched the DIA-Life Project on December 4, 2024, with the theme “Empower Health: Unification Against Diabetes.” The initiative reflects EVSU’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—through collaborative action and community-based health programs.

The project’s first phase focused on preventive health interventions by offering free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings to residents of Barangay San Pedro. These services not only identified individuals at risk of chronic illnesses but also strengthened community awareness on diabetes prevention, early detection, and lifestyle management. Through these data-driven interventions, the initiative supports local health governance by generating community health insights that can guide future barangay health policies and programs.

The success of the activity was made possible through the leadership of Barangay Captain Hon. Orlando P. Sudario, his council, and local health workers, whose collaboration ensured broad community participation. EVSU’s non-teaching employees spearheaded the activity, showcasing the University’s inclusive approach—where all sectors of the academic community contribute to social transformation and public welfare.

Moving forward, the DIA-Life Project will conduct periodic follow-up health activities every two to three months. These sustained engagements will reinforce evidence-based community health promotion, strengthen local governance capacities, and institutionalize cooperative mechanisms between the University and local government units to achieve health equity and sustainable development in the region.