BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) marked another major stride in its research and innovation agenda as it joined the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for IMPACT Next Grantees during the 1st National IMPACT SalikSYNC, held on November 6, 2025, in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
SSU was represented by Dr. Vivian Moya, Director for Intellectual Property and Technology Business Development Office (IPTBDO), Engr. Raven C. Tabiongan, Director for Samar Island GIS and Data Analytics Center (SIGISDAC), and IPTBDO personnel Engr. Reggie Mendoza, who participated in the ceremonial signing alongside officials and representatives from partner universities, research institutions, and innovation agencies nationwide.
SSU joined the second batch of IMPACT Grantees under the IMPACT Program with a total of ₱40.2 million in funding support from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
The IMPACT Program, which has an overall ₱109 million in total funding and 34 institution-grantees aims to strengthen technology transfer, research commercialization, and innovation capacity from agencies and higher education institutions to local communities. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. graced the gathering and spoke of the national mission to make science and technology work for every Filipino.
“Science must serve society. Our technologies must reach the industries who need better tools, the MSMEs who need smarter solutions, the communities who need resilient systems and this can only happen if we build strong bridges between research and enterprise,” Sec. Solidum echoed.
SSU’s inclusion in this initiative further builds upon its existing innovation system, having 336 total IPs filed from 2018 to 2024—a testament to the University’s strong track record in commercializing intellectual property assets that drive innovation in the region. The IMPACT Program empowers SSU to transform university-generated technologies into sustainable, real-world solutions that uplift communities and industries.