THE PHILIPPINE Association of State Universities and Colleges recently held a digital summit themed “Making Research and Extension Work for Covid19 Response: Innovation Initiatives by Philippine State Universities and Colleges.”

Headlining the event was the launch of a compendium on SUC research and extension entitled “Innovating As We Heal As One.”

The summit also featured talks on research and extension work for Covid19 response on a global perspective by U.S. university experts Prof. Michael Purugganan of the New York University and Dr. Gisela Concepcion, the president of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering.

Sharing on-the-ground experiences in driving research and innovation to combat the pandemic were Mariano Marcos State University president Shirley Agrupis, Cebu Technological University president. Rosein Ancheta Jr., and Caraga State University president Anthony Penaso.

A virtual gathering of 310 academic leaders and stakeholders, the summit served as a platform “for relevant discussions that underscore the mandate of higher education in the country, especially in making research and extension initiatives of SUCs relevant to the needs of the industry and the communities in order to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said PASUC President Tirso Ronquillo.

Meanwhile, House Committee Chairperson on Higher and Technical Education Mark Go reiterates his support for the higher education sector.

“It’s our goal at Congress to continue being an ally [of] our SUCs in providing quality innovative and inclusive education for all, even as we brace for the new normal,” Go said.

The United States Agency for International Development Office of Education Director Thomas LeBlanc also gave his congratulatory message and appreciation for the longstanding partnership between USAID and PASUC.

“We at USAID are proud to learn that several of these universities have been or are partners of our Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development program or STRIDE. Through the visionary leadership of [Ronquillo], we worked together on PASUC’s own innovation roadmap as well as the Innovation Diagnostics that would help you become more attuned to what your institutions need and to become more competitive,” LeBlanc said.

Working with government, academic institutions, and industries since 2013, the STRIDE Program is a higher education project of USAID/Philippines to support the Philippines’ path towards innovation-led inclusive growth.

Comprised of 112 member institutions nationwide, PASUC is the umbrella organization of state higher education institutions in the country.