By Mikee Natinga Norico
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting of research and innovation exhibits during the opening of RESONATE 2026 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park led by Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa.
From April 14 to 17, ĢƵ (CPU) marked a milestone with the launch of RESONATE 2026, its first-ever Research and Innovation Week, bringing together faculty researchers, students, industry partners, and innovation communities in a comprehensive celebration of research excellence, ethics, and technopreneurship.
Organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE), led by Acting Vice President Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, RESONATE 2026 highlights the universityĢƵs commitment to fostering a culture of research, creativity, and innovation anchored in the theme, ĢƵEchoing Research Outputs, Upholding Ethics, and Amplifying Innovation Impact.ĢƵ The event features a series of academic and innovation-driven activities across multiple venues on campus, including the 23rd Faculty Research Symposium, the 20th Student Research Symposium, innovation exhibits, ethics integrity sessions, and a reverse pitching hackathon.
University officials, faculty researchers, and industry partners gather at the Educational Media Center for the formal opening program of RESONATE 2026, marking the launch of CPUĢƵs first Research and Innovation Week.
The opening program on April 14 commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of research and innovation exhibits at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park, followed by formal ceremonies at the Educational Media Center. University President Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy led the opening alongside Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, and other university officials.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Romallosa emphasized the transformative role of research engagement in communities. ĢƵAnother way to talk about transformation is when we start fully immersing ourselves in the community that we serveĢƵ that is when it gradually resonates within us,ĢƵ she said. She added that this deep engagement enables researchers to develop solutions that are impactful and responsive to the needs of society.
Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI also expressed support for the initiative. Engr. Edward Paul H. Apigo, Senior Science Research Specialist and ReSEED Program Manager of DOST-PCIEERD, delivered the keynote address titled ĢƵInnovation that Resonates: Activating Research for Economic and Social Impacts,ĢƵ emphasizing the role of research in driving national development. Meanwhile, the plenary speaker, Dr. Julie Ann A. Salido, Professor III and Vice President for Research and Extension of Aklan State University in Banga, Aklan, and ITSO Technical Expert and SEAWARES Project Leader, shared insights on advancing research and extension initiatives.
On April 15, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, together with representatives from Iloilo Mission Hospital and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regions VI and VII, formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Research Ethics Integrity Day of RESONATE 2026 at the Educational Media Center Conference Room.
The afternoon session marked the opening of the 23rd Faculty Research Symposium, which showcased a wide range of studies under key research clusters such as CPU EXCELLERATE, CPU RISE, and CPU NURTURE. Presentations highlighted externally funded projects, climate and agricultural studies, renewable energy innovations, and community-based research, followed by interactive discussions among presenters and participants.
On April 15, the Technopreneurship Demo Day brought together engineering students at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park and CPUGAD TBI Co-Working Space for a full-day showcase of entrepreneurial and technical outputs. Students from Technopreneurship courses presented business pitches and product demonstrations, with winners to be announced during the closing program.
The same day also featured the Research Ethics Integrity Day, in connection with the 10th anniversary of the CPU Research Ethics Review Board (RERB), emphasizing ethical standards and governance in research. Keynote speaker Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, Chair of the Regional Ethics Monitoring Board (REMB) Region VI and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines Visayas, highlighted the importance of ethical compliance in ensuring impactful research. Meanwhile, plenary speaker Prof. Lerma D. Paris, Chair of the Committee on Information Dissemination, Training, and Advocacy (CIDTA) of the Regional Ethics Monitoring Board (REMB) Region VI, further discussed research ethics principles and practices. The event also included a memorandum of understanding signing among partner institutions, including Iloilo Mission Hospital and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region VI and VII.
On April 16, during RESONATE 2026: CPU Research and Innovation Week, panelists, moderators, and student researchers gather for a photo during the opening program of the 20th Student Research Symposium before proceeding to their respective venues for research presentations.
Simultaneously, the 21st Introduction to Engineering Design Exhibit showcased student innovation through design projects and pitching competitions, demonstrating practical applications of engineering concepts.
On April 16, the 20th Student Research Symposium formally opened at the Educational Media Center, featuring student-led research presentations across various disciplines such as health sciences, advanced technologies, business, environment, and institutional management.
A key highlight of the third day was the institutionalization of CRACK IT: Reverse Pitching and Hackathon as a regular segment of RESONATE. Spearheaded by CPUGAD TBI, the program serves as a platform for collaborative problem-solving, bringing together students, faculty, and stakeholders to address real-world challenges through innovation and mentorship.
The week-long celebration culminates on April 17 with the CRACK IT final pitching in the morning, followed by the awarding and closing program in the afternoon.
Through RESONATE 2026, ĢƵ aims to strengthen its research culture, increase research visibility, and promote innovation-driven solutions that contribute to societal and economic development, while inspiring the next generation of Centralian researchers and innovators.