CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) warmly welcomed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. during his visit to the SSU Main Campus yesterday, June 15, 2025, at the SSU Main Campus, Catbalogan City. He was joined by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Region VIII Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocana, Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administration Dr. Rufino E. Mengote, and DOST officials and staff.
SSU, led by University President Dr. Redentor Palencia, presented key research initiatives supported by DOST that reflect the university’s growing role in advancing science-driven development in Samar, including the Science and Technology Community-Based Farm (STCBF) on Sweet Potato Production in Basey, Samar, which has significantly increased agricultural productivity and improved farmers’ income; the Samar Lagundi Project, which taps the medicinal potential of Lagundi to promote sustainable livelihoods and local economic opportunities; the Project GEOMAP, designed to deliver critical geospatial data that supports efficient agricultural planning across Samar Island; and the NICER (Niche Center in the Regions for R&D) program, which capacitates higher education institutions to elevate the quality and impact of regional research.
“Change the mindset of the people. Resiliency should not only be perceived as merely surviving but also economically thriving,” Dr. Solidum remarked during the discussion with the SSU delegation yesterday. The dialogue between the two institutions reaffirmed a shared commitment to fostering regional development through research and innovation.
The SSU community extended its full honors to the DOST delegation during the morning flag raising ceremony held today, June 16, where the guests were welcomed with a standing parade. This marks the first time that the DOST Secretary, as well as various DOST key officials, joined the university’s flag raising ceremony. Following the ceremony, the DOST delegation proceeded to the DOST Samar Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) located at the SSU Compound, Catbalogan City, for the blessing of the newly renovated facility. Also in attendance were the Catbalogan City Mayor Hon. Dexter Uy, 2nd District of Samar Congressman Hon. Reynolds Michael Tan, DOST Samar PSTC Director Dr. Evelyn Bacarra-Tablante, and SSU key officials.
Together with Dr. Solidum and the rest of the DOST officials, President Palencia and Engr. Raven Tabiongan, Director of SSU’s Samar Island GIS and Data Analytics Center (SIGISDAC) and lead proponent of Project TANAW, participated in the 2025 Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (RSCENE) held at Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City, for the official launch of SSU’s Project TANAW.