The Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE) conducted the three-day activity “2025 RDE Milestones and 2026 Pathways: Strengthening Capacities for Excellence” on December 15–17, 2025, at the FIC Amphitheatre, BU-East Campus, Legazpi City. The activity focused on presenting and assessing RDE accomplishments for 2025 and aligning priorities for 2026.

The activity opened with an overview of the 2025 RDE accomplishments, presented by Prof. Elmer A. Lorenzana, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE), in behalf of VP Dr. Lany L. Maceda. Prof. Lorenzana expressed satisfaction with the growing number of research and extension engagements across the University. He recognized the active participation of all RDE divisions and units and encouraged everyone to sustain the momentum and strive for even greater achievements in the coming year.

The presentation of accomplishments was delivered by the heads and representatives of RDE divisions and centers. Prof. Elmer A. Lorenzana presented the accomplishments of the Research, Development, and Management Division (RDMD) and the Center for Policy Studies and Development (CPSD), while Director Marcia Corazon P. Rico presented for the Extension Management Division (EMD). Prof. Erwin E. Torres delivered the report for the Publication and Knowledge Management Division (PKMD) and Ms. Zaira Bataller, Technical Staff, presented on behalf of Intellectual Property Management Division (IPMD) Director Nicanor B. Balbin.

Also presenting were Ma. Crestia C. Banares, Technical Staff of the Center for Technology Commercialization and Enterprise Development (CTCED), on behalf of Director Arnulfo P. Malinis; Director Ma. Janesa A. Reyes of the Bicol Regional Food Innovation and Commercialization Center (BRFICC); Director Magnolia Vida A. Cano of Regional Center for Science and Mathematics Education Development (RCSMED); and Director Maria Crispina P. Baltazar of the Regional Center for Food Safety and Quality Assurance (BRCFSQA).

An orientation on the University’s Administrative Order No. 185, series of 2020, which provides guidelines for the Compensation and Loading Scheme for Research and Development Undertakings, was conducted the following day. The session explained the University’s policies on faculty loading, the allocation of Work Equivalent Credits (WEC), research-related compensation, and the proper preparation and evaluation of faculty Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR).

The session was attended by directors and technical staff with faculty plantilla. Engr. Pee Jay N. Gealone, Technical Staff for Academic Planning, Management, and Compliance Oversight under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), served as the resource speaker where he provided clarifications on the implementation of the policy and its relevance to research and development work.

On the third day, a capsule session on Records Management was conducted for RDE personnel, facilitated by Prof. Amabella A. De Luna. The session was focused on the importance of proper document handling, organized record-keeping, and compliance with documentation standards in research and extension operations. Participants were guided on practical ways to manage records efficiently and ensure accuracy and accountability in official documentation.

The three-day activity showed the OVPRDE’s commitment to improve internal systems, strengthen coordination among RDE units, and uphold quality standards in research and extension. It also served as a step toward the implementation of the office’s plans and priorities for 2026.

SDG9, #SDG4, #SDG16, #SDG17