Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have officially launched a new partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing to support the growth and development of local small businesses through science and innovation. The event took place at the EVSU ORDExS Studio Room on Tuesday, June 3.
The initiative is part of a project titled “Integrating Innovation through Technical Assistance and Commercialization of New Products for MSMEs in Eastern Visayas.” It aims to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to fresh ideas, new technologies, and expert support.
The event was attended by EVSU officials, including University President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz, Vice President for Research and Development and Extension Services Dr. Analyn C. Españo, Vice President for Internationalization and External Affairs Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, and Center Director of the Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center Prof. Bernard Niño Q. Membrebe. Also present were administrative officers, officials from the Office of Research Development and Extension Services (ORDExS), and faculty members from the College of Technology.
Representatives from DOST VIII also took part in the event. Leading the delegation was Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, Regional Director, along with Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, and Mr. Rogen Vincent R. Tobias, Accountant. Other DOST VIII staff and representatives were likewise present to show strong support for the partnership initiative.
In his speech, Dr. De Paz emphasized that the MOA signing marks a new chapter in EVSU and DOST’s collaboration to support the region through science and technology. He shared that their strong partnership, built over many years, aims to improve the lives of local communities and industries.
According to Dr. Españo, the partnership is significant because it transforms academic research into real-world products and services that benefit the community. “This is not just about papers and studies—it’s about helping our local businesses succeed and improve their lives, ”she said.
Later this afternoon, EVFIC, in collaboration with DOST VIII, will hold a strategic forecasting and planning session to share their long-term vision for the project. The session will discuss strategies to ensure sustainability, establish clear success indicators, and address common challenges faced by MSMEs in the region.
Through this initiative, EVSU and DOST aim to create a lasting impact by bringing together academia, government, and industry to build a stronger and more resilient business environment in Eastern Visayas.
This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 01: No Poverty; SDG 04: Quality Education; SDG 08: Decent work and economic growth; SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals
Written by: H Mariano | ORDExS
Edited by: MS Palami | UMDC
