Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) recognizes that achieving sustainable development in today’s interconnected world demands inclusive collaboration and shared accountability. The University believes that addressing complex social, economic, and environmental challenges can only be achieved by bringing together diverse voices and expertise across sectors. Guided by SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, EVSU actively positions itself as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and collective innovation among academia, government institutions, industries, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Through its strong research, extension, and policy engagement programs, EVSU fosters mutually reinforcing partnerships that promote data-driven decision-making, community empowerment, and evidence-based policy formulation. The University’s cross-sectoral engagements go beyond traditional academic collaboration—they are designed to co-create solutions, align local initiatives with national and global priorities, and build capacities for sustainable governance and resilient communities.

By cultivating these synergies, EVSU strengthens its role as a regional catalyst for sustainable transformation, ensuring that knowledge generation and practical innovation contribute to inclusive growth and long-term impact in Eastern Visayas and beyond.

Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on Technopreneurship and SDG 17

In line with SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) continues to strengthen its role as a platform for cross-sectoral collaboration that connects education, industry, and innovation. To underscore the importance of aligning academic instruction with commercial applications and cultivating a technopreneurial mindset among students, EVSU hosted a roundtable dialogue with representatives from the Wadhwani Foundation USA on May 10, 2024, at the EVSU Executive House Board Room.

The discussion, led by Mr. Lucrecio D. Delgado Jr., Southeast Asia Regional Director of the Wadhwani Foundation, centered on EVSU’s potential to become a technopreneurship hub in Leyte and a catalyst for regional innovation. Delgado emphasized a holistic and inclusive approach that integrates innovation and entrepreneurship across disciplines, encouraging faculty and administrators to embed creativity, research, and market relevance into the fabric of the university’s curricula. He also called for an “organic convergence of departments” to foster collaboration that drives real-world impact and economic transformation.

The dialogue brought together key academic leaders, including Dr. Rose Anna L. Refuerzo, Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship (COBE), and Engr. Ramon I. Lim, Dean of the College of Engineering (COE), along with department heads from both colleges. Their participation reinforced EVSU’s institutional commitment to bridging theory and practice through innovation-led education.

This event built on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between EVSU and the Wadhwani Foundation on August 18, 2023, which formalized collaboration in business development, marketing, and technology integration. The partnership aims to co-develop programs that equip students with entrepreneurial competencies and enable the university to offer industry-responsive business solutions.

Organized through the Office of Internationalization for Higher Education, led by its Director Faustito A. Aure, the roundtable served as part of the Wadhwani Foundation’s regional educational tour and as a continuing platform for cross-sectoral dialogue. Through this engagement, EVSU reaffirms its commitment to building transformative partnerships that link higher education, enterprise, and global development—anchoring its mission firmly in the collaborative spirit of SDG 17.

EVSU and DOST Strengthen Cross-Sectoral Collaboration through STI Forum for Agricultural Cooperatives

In pursuit of SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) continues to champion multi-stakeholder collaboration that advances innovation, technology, and sustainable development in the region. As part of its ongoing partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), EVSU hosted a forum themed “Empowering Agricultural Cooperatives through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)” on August 14, at the EVSU Graduate School Function Hall.

The event served as a cross-sectoral dialogue platform bringing together researchers, technology experts, cooperative leaders, and government representatives to explore practical solutions for agricultural productivity and resilience. The forum featured distinguished speakers including Engr. Roxcella Reas, who presented on the Intelligent Green Box technology; Dr. Loucel E. Cui, Project Leader of DOST-PCAARRD’s SARAi Technology—a national crop forecasting and monitoring system; and Mr. Ronald Alan Pinzon, who discussed the development and applications of a Plant Growth Enhancer.

Through this initiative, EVSU strengthens its partnership with DOST and other stakeholders in promoting science-based innovations for inclusive agricultural growth. The dialogue not only showcased technological breakthroughs but also reinforced the University’s role as a regional convener of knowledge exchange—bridging the academic, government, and cooperative sectors to co-create sustainable solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

EVSU Strengthens National Research Collaboration through DOST-PCIEERD Annual Meeting

In line with its commitment to SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) actively participates in national platforms that foster cross-sectoral collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. On August 16, 2024, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) convened its two-day Annual Meeting with Regional Consortia Partners at the Acacia Hotel, Metro Manila, bringing together representatives from state universities, research institutions, and government agencies across the country.

EVSU was represented by University President, Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, and Vice President for Research and Development and Extension Services, Dr. Analyn C. Españo, underscoring the University’s active role in advancing collaborative research and innovation ecosystems in Eastern Visayas.

The annual meeting served as a strategic dialogue platform for discussing regional research priorities, aligning national innovation agendas, and strengthening partnerships between academia, government, and industry stakeholders. Through its participation, EVSU contributes to the collective goal of building inclusive, sustainable, and technology-driven communities, while ensuring that regional perspectives inform national policies and research directions.

By engaging with DOST-PCIEERD and its network of regional consortia, EVSU reaffirms its position as a key research partner committed to co-developing knowledge, technologies, and policies that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

EVSU’s Participation in the ATU-Net General Assembly: Strengthening Cross-Sectoral and Regional Partnerships

In pursuit of SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) continues to engage in international platforms that promote collaboration, innovation, and shared learning among higher education institutions. One such engagement was the General Assembly of the Asian Technological University Network (ATU-Net), held on November 4–5, 2024, in Iligan City and hosted by the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).

The assembly convened university presidents, rectors, chancellors, and key representatives from technological universities across Asia to discuss collaborative strategies, innovations, and policy directions aimed at advancing technological education, digital transformation, and sustainable development in the region. Through a series of forums, workshops, and panel discussions, participants explored the potential for joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, and digital learning platforms designed to enhance regional cooperation and build resilient academic ecosystems.

Representing EVSU were Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, Vice President for Internationalization and External Affairs, and Prof. Faustito A. Aure, Director for Internationalization for Higher Education. Their active participation in the assembly reinforced EVSU’s role as a regional partner in advancing inclusive and sustainable higher education systems, and as a conduit for cross-sectoral dialogue among academia, industry, and government.

The event highlighted ATU-Net’s commitment to empowering member institutions through shared knowledge, joint capacity-building, and resource-sharing initiatives—principles that resonate strongly with EVSU’s internationalization agenda. By participating in such multilateral engagements, EVSU strengthens its position as a collaborative and globally connected institution, dedicated to co-creating solutions for technological advancement and sustainable regional development under the framework of SDG 17.