by Ma. Brejette Jan Cometa
With a strong call to bridge disciplines and foster a culture of innovation, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) officially opened Research Week 2025 earlier today, April 21 at the University Gymnasium.
Carrying the theme “Synergizing Innovation and Interdisciplinary: Pathways to a Sustainable Future,” the event marked the beginning of a week-long celebration of research productivity, innovation, and institutional collaboration.
The program began with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, a symbolic gesture marking not just the formal opening of the event but also the gateway to the institution’s commitment to future-facing research and collaboration. Attendees then registered and settled in as the program unfolded with the preliminaries.
In his opening message, Prof. Ephrime B. Metillo, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, described the week as an opportunity to learn outside the usual classroom setup. “This week serves as an alternative learning week,” he said, highlighting the importance of providing a dedicated space for knowledge production and exchange.
Two keynote speakers took center stage to explore the intersections of innovation and sustainability. The first keynote speaker was represented by Assistant Regional Director Virgilio M. Fuertes of DOST Region 10. Fuertes emphasized the cultural role of innovation in shaping the nation’s development. “Innovation means creating positive change,” he remarked. “Innovation is becoming part of our culture.”
The second keynote, introduced by Dr. Arnel D. Zamayla, Director of FABLAB Mindanao, was delivered by DTI Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Jane Marie L. Tabucan. She presented the Tatak Pinoy initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which supports Filipino competitiveness in the global market. Tabucan also highlighted how DTI Region 10 fosters local innovation through skill-building programs and sustainable projects. Her address connected policy, industry, and grassroots-level development—emphasizing that innovation is both an economic and societal force.
Breaking the intellectual flow with cultural grace, an intermission by the Kalimulan Dance Troupe offered a moment of reflection on identity and heritage in the midst of forward-looking discussions.
The program resumed with the formal message of declaration of the opening of Research Week, delivered by the University Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, JD, LLM. He underscored the institution’s unique commitment to research.
“Research Week is what separates IIT from the others—it is not just an ordinary week,” he said. He praised the dedication of the university in giving research the time and platform it deserves: “To allow MSU-IIT to dedicate an entire week to research reflects the importance we place on giving much-needed time to showcase research productivity and activities.”
He also expressed pride in innovations developed by MSU-IIT undergraduate students and encouraged the commercialization of research not only as a means for progress but also as a vehicle for societal transformation. “In commercializing innovation, it has societal benefits. It’s about creating jobs, fostering industries, and influencing the future,” he stressed.
The program concluded with an overview of house rules from Prof. Primitivo C. Ragandang III, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Research Dissemination, setting the tone for a well-organized and engaging week ahead.
Throughout the week, colleges and departments are expected to host parallel events, including colloquia, consultations, exhibits, and innovation expos—activities that show not just output, but purposes.
As the university dives into the week’s events, one thing is clear: the call for synergy isn’t just rhetorical. It’s a call to action. Research Week 2025 invites us not just to specialize, but to collaborate—across fields, between ideas, and toward futures we can sustain.
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