The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) held its first-ever Research, Innovation and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Excellence Awards on August 19 at the Graduate Programs Function Hall, recognizing outstanding researchers, innovators, and extension champions whose work contributes to the University’s pursuit of excellence and meaningful impact.
The inaugural RISE Excellence Awards also honored EVSU’s valued research, innovation, and extension partners whose collaboration continues to strengthen the University’s efforts in advancing impactful research, meaningful innovation, technology transfer, and responsive extension initiatives.
Among the major awardees was Lady Winderose V. Oliverio, who was named Innovator of the Year, while the School of Engineering received the Top Performing School in Innovation award. The Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EVFIC) was also recognized as Technology Licensing Practitioner of the Year.
The RISE Community Impact Award was presented to the FORGE Project, led by Rey Rolad Macauba, for its contribution to creating meaningful impact in communities.
Meanwhile, the RISE Technology Transfer and Adoption Award was conferred on the SMART DEWS Project, led by Dr. Lyra Nuevas, recognizing its efforts in translating research and innovation into solutions with practical applications.
The FORGE Project, led by Macauba, also received the RISE Outstanding Extension Champion Award for Faculty, together with its team, for its contributions to community extension.
For the non-teaching personnel category, Dr. Dorris Ann Espina received the RISE Outstanding Extension Champion Award for Non-Teaching Personnel for the ENRICH Program, along with team members Vina Grace C. Buenaventura, Atty. Rodolph Hernandez, and Dr. Leslie Tecson.
The inaugural awards also highlighted the University’s achievements in research publication and scholarly impact. The Global High Impact Paper of the Year Award was presented to Ma. Jenny C. Advincula, Christine Dawn S. Mombay, Harriette Mae A. Mercullo, Joseph P. Nacionales, and Antonia D. Entino-Senorita for their paper titled “How can GenAI foster an inclusive language classroom? A critical language pedagogy perspective from Philippine university teachers.”
Joseph P. Nacionales likewise received the Outstanding Citation Distinction Award for garnering 110 citations during the 2025–2026 period.
The Apex Research Publications Award was awarded to Pearly Joy Peja for the study titled “Uncovering the drivers of climate gentrification in the Global South: Case study of Tacloban City, Philippines.”
The Community Impact and Transformation Award was also presented to Rommel V. Traya, Risa Mel P. Varona, Laddy Ann A. Malatbalat, Lyra K. Nuevas, Dindo C. Obediencia, and Ma. Windie C. Velarde for their study titled “Android Mobile Application: Tsunami Alert System with an Escape Route for Evacuation in Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.”
Their recognition highlights the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring that EVSU’s knowledge, expertise, and community-based initiatives translate into meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
In his message, EVSU President Dennis C. De Paz, Ph.D. congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to use the recognition as inspiration to pursue greater achievements.
“May you regard them as encouragement to continue reaching greater heights. May this recognition inspire you to pursue more innovative ideas, strengthen meaningful partnerships, and create even greater impact,” De Paz said.
Recognizing Partners in Extension
Beyond recognizing the accomplishments of EVSU researchers, innovators, and extension champions, the first RISE Excellence Awards also acknowledged the University’s extension partners, whose cooperation and support have been instrumental in bringing EVSU’s extension programs and services closer to communities and stakeholders.
Recognized as extension partners were the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Palo, Side by Side Alliance Inc., LGU Abuyog, Leyte, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office VIII (BJMP RO8), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Education Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS).
As the first RISE Excellence Awards, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in EVSU’s continuing efforts to recognize and promote excellence across research, innovation, and sustainable extension. It provided a platform to celebrate not only individual and team achievements but also the partnerships that help translate knowledge, ideas, and innovations into meaningful contributions to communities.
The inaugural RISE Excellence Awards underscore EVSU’s commitment to strengthening a culture of research excellence, innovation, collaboration, and service as the University continues to generate solutions and initiatives that create lasting impact.#
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 04: Quality Education; SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Via JFRuedas|UMDC
