𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐏𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐃-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐙𝐈𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐞𝐂 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

The J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) hosted the Calendar Year 2026 Second Quarter Meeting and Member Institutional Visit of the Zamboanga Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (ZIEERDeC), led by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) through the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office IX (DOST IX), at the JHCSC–Pagadian Extension Campus Conference Room on June 30, 2026, led by ZIEERDeC Consortium Director Dr. Marvin A. Maulion, who presided over the institutional visit and the second quarter meeting. The activity gathered representatives from member higher education institutions (HEIs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to strengthen research collaboration and advance regional innovation initiatives.

The activity was hosted by the JHCSC Research Office under the leadership of Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension (VPRIDE) Dr. Mark Patalinghug, in collaboration with Resource Generation Management Director Dr. Moises Glenn D. Tangalin and Research Director Ruel Lasagas, with the support of College President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales. Representing the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office IX (DOST IX) was Ms. Emierose Empas.

During the institutional visit, consortium representatives presented ZIEERDeC’s mandate, organizational structure, and programs that support research, development, and innovation in industry, energy, and emerging technologies. Participants were also introduced to research funding opportunities available through DOST-PCIEERD and discussed potential collaborations that align with regional development priorities.

In his message, Dr. Maulion underscored the significance of institutional visits in identifying the strengths and needs of member institutions while fostering stronger partnerships among stakeholders. He emphasized that the gathering reflects the consortium’s shared commitment to promoting research-driven solutions and expanding opportunities for collaborative initiatives that contribute to regional progress.

The afternoon session focused on the consortium’s Calendar Year 2026 Second Quarter Meeting, where members reviewed ongoing programs and mapped out upcoming activities. Among the key agenda items discussed were the proposed Training of Trainers, Proposal Packaging Workshop for faculty researchers, expansion of consortium membership, revisions to the ZIEERDeC Operational Manual, research proposal evaluation, and budget utilization. Preparations for the Reverse Pitching and Hackathon, scheduled on August 20, 2026, in Zamboanga City in collaboration with the HERMOSA Consortium, were likewise presented.

Consortium members also identified priority sectors and corresponding research challenges that will guide future innovation initiatives. These included waste management, fisheries, digital marketplaces, product authentication systems, creative industries, manufacturing, food and service operations, healthcare accessibility, Halal tourism, tourism heritage, and traffic management. The meeting likewise covered participant allocation for the upcoming Reverse Pitching and Hackathon, with around 50 participants expected from member institutions, followed by an open forum where representatives exchanged recommendations and discussed implementation concerns for future consortium activities.

By hosting the meeting, JHCSC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research excellence and strengthening partnerships with DOST IX, DOST-PCIEERD, and fellow ZIEERDeC member institutions. The activity concluded with a renewed commitment among consortium members to pursue collaborative research, enhance institutional capabilities, and develop innovative solutions that address regional and national development priorities.