14/10/2026
๐ฟ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ค๐๐ค๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐ค๐ฃ, ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐ก๐ก๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ผ ๐พ๐ค๐ก๐ก๐๐๐๐จ, ๐๐พ๐พ ๐ผ๐๐พ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐
๐ค๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ค๐จ๐๐ช๐ข
by: Karylle Angel Medina
In a major expansion of Northern Luzon's research and development ecosystem, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through the Ilocos Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (ICIEERD), welcomed LORMA Colleges and WCC Aeronautical and Technological College (WCC ATC) as its newest member institutions. The ceremonial signing of the Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) and official membership induction took place on October 14, 2026, during the opening day of the 4th Joint Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Symposium, themed โConverging Research, Development, and Innovation for a Resilient and Sustainable Ilocos Region.โ
The 4th Joint RDI Symposium is a collaborative initiative among the Sustainability, Innovation, Leadership, Linkages, Access and Growth in Region 1 (SILLAG Region 1) Startup Consortium, ICIEERD, Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources, Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), and Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC). Serving as a flagship platform for researchers, innovators, industry partners, government agencies, and academe, the event brings stakeholders together to share research outputs, emerging technologies, and collaborative approaches addressing the regionโs evolving socio-economic, environmental, agricultural, health, industrial, and technological challenges through plenary sessions, research paper presentations, technology pitch competitions, exhibits, and networking activities.
The formal addition of LORMA Colleges and WCC ATC strengthens ICIEERDโs network, formalizing collaboration to advance integrated R&D programs, pool expertise and resources, encourage knowledge exchange, and accelerate technology utilization to boost industry competitiveness across Region 1. The strategic partnerships affirm ICIEERDโs commitment to building a dynamic regional innovation ecosystem where academic research, modern technology, and inter-institutional collaboration directly support inclusive and sustainable development.
Representing the signing for the ICIEERDโLORMA Colleges agreement were Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST Ilocos Region, Co-Chairperson of ICIEERD, Chairperson of RRDIC-1 and SILLAG Region 1; Decth-1180 P. Libunao, Consortium Director of ICIEERD and Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations of DOST Ilocos Region; Dr. Edwin C. Cancino, President of LORMA Colleges, Mr. Dean Neil Vincent D. Palteng, Dean of the College of Business of LORMA Colleges, and Ms. Eloisa Rombaoa alongside Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog of MMSU. Meanwhile, key representatives for the ICIEERDโWCC ATC alliance included Director Tabaog, Dr. Raymond Patrick V. Guico, President and CEO of WCC ATC, Consortium Director Libunao, Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, and Dr. Roger A. Martinez Jr.
Through these expanded partnerships, DOST Ilocos Region, through ICIEERD, continues to foster a well-connected and innovation-driven environment where scientific research is actively translated into practical technologies, viable enterprises, and sustainable solutions, underlining the vital role of academic institutions and local stakeholders in identifying community needs and driving long-term regional impact.