2026 News and Updates
๐จ๐บ๐ผ ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐ซ๐จ-๐ณ๐๐
๐ด๐ท๐จ๐ณ๐บ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐จ๐๐๐๐
Aklan State University (ASU) researchers were invited by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Region VI to participate in the training on the proper operation, maintenance, and safe use of the Mechanical Pineapple Leaf Scraper (MPALS II) for piรฑa fiber production. The activity was held last February 17, 2026, at the Piรฑa Processing Center in Brgy. Fulgencio, Balete, Aklan.
The training forms part of the project โDevelopment and Design of Mechanical Pineapple Leaf Scraper (MPALS) for Piรฑa Fiber Production,โ aimed at preparing beneficiaries for field testing and improving the operability and performance of the enhanced machine units recently delivered to local associations.
Representing ASU were Dr. Melba L. Raga-as, Director of RDS; Dr. Eva R. Orlina, Dean of CAFES; and Dr. Evelyn P. Vedasto, Project Leader for RSP Production. The activity was also participated in by the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Aklan, the Aklan Piรฑa and Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers & Traders (AKLAN PIรA MANTRA) Association, Inc., as well as local piรฑa fiber scrapers and processors.
The engagement highlights ASUโs strong commitment to research, innovation, and community partnership in advancing Aklanโs piรฑa industry. Through collaborative research and technology transfer, ASU continues to empower farmers, processors, and industry stakeholders toward improved productivity and sustainable development.
๐๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ
Aklan State University, through the Research and Development Services (RDS) in partnership with the Training Services, successfully kicked off โGRANT-READYโ at the ASU Conference Hall in Banga, Aklan.
The two-day workshop gathers selected faculty researchers and R&D Center Heads to strengthen their competencies in crafting competitive, compliant, and fundable project proposals for external grants.
Leading the sessions are resource speakers from Cebu Technological University (CTU): Dr. Pet Roey L. Pascual, OICโCTU Office of the President and Vice President for Research and Development; Dr. Julius C. Medellin, Director of the CTUโCenter for Studies in Biotechnology; and Prof. Valerie U. Pascual, Program Chair for CTUโDevelopment Communication.
Through expert lectures, mentoring, and proposal critiquing, participants are refining their project concepts and reinforcing ASUโs commitment to research excellence, innovation, and grant competitiveness aligned with national development priorities.
๐ฒ๐ต๐๐๐๐๐
๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐ โ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐
Researchers from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region participated in a three-day writeshop on product commercialization organized by the Department of Science and TechnologyโTechnology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).
The activity, dubbed the KNowmad Mobile Learning Lab โ Western Visayas Leg, was held on January 19โ21, 2026, at Seda Hotel, Iloilo City. The workshop provided hands-on guidance to innovators, including intellectual property review and innovation design support, to strengthen proposals for market readiness. Its primary objective was to prepare participating teams for the 2026 Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) Funding Cycle, a program that supports the transition of research outputs into viable commercial products.
Among the 13 participating teams, Aklan State University (ASU) fielded three entries featuring its Acai Juice, HiblaTek, and SEAWAVeS technologies. Their participation reflects the Universityโs continued efforts to advance research outputs toward commercialization and industry adoption.
The successful conduct of the writeshop highlights the growing readiness of SUCs and HEIs in the region to translate research into innovation-driven enterprises. Through the collaborative efforts of DOST Western Visayas, DOST-TAPI, and UMWAD Western Visayas, the TECHNiCOM Program continues to strengthen pathways for regional growth and technology-based development.
๐จ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CCDR) initiative, implemented in partnership with Alinea Philippines and Global Affairs Canada, convened stakeholders on February 10โ12, 2026, at Paradise Garden, Boracay, Malay, Aklan for a workshop focused on strengthening climate resilience in the province. The activity centered on assessing climate risks affecting sediment dynamics within the Aklan River ecosystem, providing a science-based foundation for sustainable environmental management and disaster risk reduction.
The workshop gathered representatives from local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), national and provincial agencies, and partner institutions to undertake consequence scoring, risk ranking, and identification of adaptation options. These collaborative efforts advanced forward-looking, evidence-based strategies to protect communities and natural resources.
Aklan State University (ASU) actively participated in the initiative, represented by Dr. Melba L. Raga-as, Director of the Research and Development Services (RDS). The Universityโs engagement underscores its commitment to supporting climate science, policy development, and resilience-building efforts in the province.
๐จ๐บ๐ผ, ๐ซ๐ถ๐บ๐ป, ๐๐๐
๐ณ๐ฎ๐ผ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐
Aklan State University (ASU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Western Visayas and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balete, strengthened collaboration for the implementation of a community-based sericulture project under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program for CY 2026.
A coordination meeting led by Dr. Michael T. Ibisate of ASU, together with representatives from DOST Western Visayas and Balete Mayor Hon. Prescilla Gale S. Calizo, focused on aligning institutional efforts to support the proposed establishment of a Silk Innovation Center in partnership with the DOSTโPhilippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI). The Municipality of Balete has been identified as the projectโs target community.
The initiative aims to develop sericulture as a sustainable livelihood opportunity, fostering inclusive economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability. The collaboration underscores the shared commitment of ASU, DOST, and LGU Balete to empower local communities through science, technology, and innovation, and to strengthen the emerging silk industry in Aklan.
2025 News and Updates
35๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ & ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐น๐บ๐น๐ซ๐ฏ)
๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐บ๐ผ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! 
ASU proudly participated in the 35th Regional Symposium on Research & Development Highlights (RSRDH) held on November 13โ14, 2025 at WVSUโLa Paz, Iloilo City, with the theme โ35 Years of Impact: Empowering Communities through Science and Innovation.โ The event gathered researchers across the region to showcase impactful studies that drive innovation, sustainability, and community development.
๐จ๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
:
Natural/Biological Science Research Category
๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ โ Paper Presentation & Poster:
Genetic Identification of Abaca (Musa textilis Nรฉe) Cultivars from Aklan using SSR Genotyping and DNA Barcoding
๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ โ Poster:
Fiber Yield and Tensile Strength Assessment of Abaca Cultivars from Aklan, Philippines
๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ โ Poster:
Ethnobotanical Study of Indigenous Floral Species Utilized by the Local People in Madalag, Aklan Development/Technological Research Category
๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ โ Paper Presentation:
HiblaTek: A Mobile Image Processing System for Automated Warp and Weft Density Analysis
๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ โ Paper Presentation:
Occupational Health Problems, Health Safety Practices, and Management among Piรฑa Fiber Handloom Weavers in Aklan
๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ช๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ค๐ง๐ฎ ๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ง-๐๐ฃ๐ ๐&๐ฟ ๐๐ฃ-๐๐ค๐ช๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฃ๐ 17๐ฉ๐ ๐&๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ค๐จ๐๐ช๐ข
BANGA, AKLAN โ Aklan State University continued its commitment to advancing relevant and impactful research as it concluded the Social Science Research category of the Year-End R&D Inhouse Review and 17th R&D Symposium on November 26, 2025, held at the ASU Conference Hall, Banga, Aklan.
This two-day review gathered ASU faculty researchers alongside a distinguished panel of external evaluators from West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U). The evaluators offered insightful critiques and guidance, helping strengthen the rigor, methodology, and societal relevance of the presented studies.
The session closed with a message from Dr. Melba L. Raga-as, Director for Research and Development Services, who commended the dedication of the researchers and expressed deep appreciation to the panelists for enriching the universityโs research culture through their expertise and mentorship.
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ซ-๐๐ง๐ ๐&๐ ๐๐ง๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐ง๐ 17๐ญ๐ก ๐&๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ/๐๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ/๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
BANGA, AKLAN โ Innovation took center stage at Aklan State University as the Natural/Biological and Development/Technological Research category of the 17th R&D Symposium wrapped up on November 26, 2025 at ASU RDS Function Room, Banga, Aklan.
The two-day review brought together ASU faculty researchers and panel of external experts from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and the University of the Philippines (UP). The evaluators provided assessments and mentorship, ensuring the presented studies meet high standards of academic excellence.
The symposium concluded with a message from Dr. Melba L. Raga-as, Director for Research and Development Services. In her message, Dr. Raga-as commended the unwavering commitment of the faculty researchers and expressed gratitude to the external evaluators for their contribution to the university’s research culture.
๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐ฐ๐ป๐ฌ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Aklan State University, through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension (OVP-RITE), is currently conducting its โEmpowering RITE Staff through Emerging Technologiesโ training today, September 16, 2025 at ASU Conference Hall, Banga, Aklan.
This one-day training aims to enhance staff competencies by introducing AI-powered applications for data management, content creation, and task automation; promoting academic integrity through the effective use of Turnitin; and strengthening research capacity with Scopus for literature search and citation analysis.
This initiative underscores ASUโs commitment to equipping its personnel with emerging technological tools to foster excellence in research, instruction, training, and extension.
๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐
๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐ (๐น๐บ๐ป๐พ) 2025
Aklan State University (ASU) takes part in this yearโs Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2025, showcasing innovations under the Blue and Green Economy Cluster Exhibit from September 10โ12, 2025, at Robinsons Roxas, Roxas City, Capiz.
As part of its commitment, ASU presented the following exhibits:
SEAWAVES โ A mobile tracking system for small crafts that monitors vessel activity and sea conditions, equipped with advanced sensors, GPS, and a multi-level alert system to ensure safer and more efficient maritime transport.
HiblaTek โ An Android application that analyzes natural woven fabrics by measuring warp and weft fibers per square inch, providing accurate data on fabric quality to strengthen sustainable textile industries.
Through these initiatives, ASU reaffirms its commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation for resilient and sustainable communities.
2025 ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐จ๐ฐ) ๐ญ๐๐๐
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) hosted the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Fest on August 11โ13, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, with the theme โCoding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities,โ. The three-day event featured the SineAI film showcase, AI Hackathon, AI Exhibits, and a technical conference highlighting AI-related research and innovations.
Faculty members and students from Aklan State University actively participated in the event. For the AI Technical Conference, Dr. Melba L. Raga-as, Center Head of NFTRC and Director of Research and Development Services, presented HIBLATEK: AI-Driven Warp and Weft Density Counting for Natural Fiber Fabric, while Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido, in collaboration with Prof. Conrado Ruiz Jr. of DLSU, presented Semantic Segmentation of Skin Lesions Using Deep CNNs with Artifact Removal and Multiclass Detection.
In the SineAI competition, the BSEMC students from ASU Kalibo secured a place among the Top 10 entries nationwide with their AI-assisted short film โPaadto Ka Pa Eang, Pabalik Eon Ako,โ merging regional storytelling with emerging AI technologies.
Aklan State University reaffirms its commitment to fostering research, innovation, and the responsible application of emerging technologies in both academic and creative fields.
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ป๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Aklan State University, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 and DTI – Aklan, conducted an orientation on HiblaTek, an Android-based mobile application designed to support natural fiber analysis in the loomweaving industry.
Held on August 1, 2025, at the ATI Conference Hall in Banga, Aklan, the activity brought together 18 MSMEs under the Wearables and Homestyles (WHIC) program, alongside ASU researchers and DTI representatives.
The orientation aimed to showcase the appโs potential in enhancing quality control, innovation, and market readiness for local loomweaving enterprisesโfurther solidifying ASUโs commitment to research-driven solutions for cultural and economic development.
๐ช๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐
๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐, ๐จ๐๐๐๐
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Office and DA Regional Field Office VI met with key stakeholders on July 23, 2025, at the ASU-AVR in Banga, Aklan, to advance the implementation of the Zero Kilometer Food Project (0KM) in Malay, Aklan.
The meeting gathered representatives from DA CO, DA RFO VI, Aklan State University (ASU), the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the Municipal Government of Malay to align local initiatives with national priorities on food security and market access.
ASU President Dr. Jeffrey A. Clarin welcomed the participants and reaffirmed the universityโs support for agricultural innovation and food resiliency. An overview of the 0KM Project was presented by DA Assistant Secretary Atty. Joycel R. Panlilio, highlighting its goal of reducing food transport distances and strengthening direct farm-to-market linkages, particularly for Boracay and Malay.
The discussion allowed stakeholders to identify opportunities and address challenges in localizing the project. DA RFO VI Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia closed the meeting by encouraging sustained collaboration among partner institutions.
The initiative marks a significant step toward building a more localized, inclusive, and sustainable food system in Western Visayas.
๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: "๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐"
Aklan State University โ Research and Development Services (ASU-RDS) is currently hosting the two-day Publication Workshop: “Accelerating Research for Publication Using Mendeley and Smart Tools”, from today until July 17, 2025, at ASU Lanai, Banga, Aklan. This initiative is designed to enhance the publication capacity of ASU faculty researchers by equipping them with smart tools and digital solutions that streamline manuscript preparation for submission to reputable academic journals.
The workshop features hands-on sessions on reference management using Mendeley, integration of AI-powered tools for improving grammar and structure, and guided strategies in selecting appropriate Scopus and Web of Science journals. Participants actively engage in practical exercises and consultations, guided by expert resource speakers including Dr. Jolitte A. Villaruz, Prof. Miquel Von Oquendo, and Ms. Zyrel Gay Oquendo, with technical support from Mr. John Rey Palmiano.
This activity reflects ASUโs continued commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and scholarly productivity.
๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ต๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐
Held on July 7โ8, 2025, at the ASU RDS Function Room, Banga, Aklan, this workshop was spearheaded by the Extension and Community Services Unit in collaboration with the Research and Development Services.
The activity aimed to strengthen the dissemination of research on natural fibers by enhancing content for popularization and developing digital and printed materials. This initiative supports the broader goal of translating scientific outputs into accessible formats for community use and policy advocacy.
๐พ๐ฝ๐ช๐ฐ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐น๐ซโ๐ซ๐ถ๐บ๐ป ๐ฝ๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐
๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Aklan State University, represented by Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Production, and Extension, and Dr. Melba L. Raga-as, Director for Research and Development Services, took part in the WVCIEERDโDOST VI International Study Mission and Research Colloquium held in Jeju, South Korea from June 16 to 21, 2025.
This initiative convened key representatives from academic institutions and government agencies across Western Visayas to gain insights into international best practices and foster partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence, smart technologies, ICT systems, and sustainable energy.
Alongside ASU were delegates from Capiz State University, Central Philippine University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, West Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Visayas, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, and other SUCs, private HEIs, and partner agencies, including DOST VI.
The study mission featured institutional visits to specialized research and innovation hubs in Jeju, including laboratories and facilities focused on AI, data science, smart energy systems, and advanced materials. Participants also explored the Jeju green hydrogen production plant, offering a first-hand look at cutting-edge approaches to clean energy.
These engagements aimed to deepen participantsโ understanding of global RDI trends, enrich their research perspectives, and explore models that can be adapted to enhance Western Visayasโ local innovation ecosystems in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals.
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ป๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐
Aklan State University (ASU), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), launched HIBLATEK, a natural fiber analysis counter system supporting the sustainability and innovation of Aklanโs natural fiber industry, particularly UNESCO-recognized Piรฑa handloom weaving. The launch and ceremonial signing of the Material Transfer Agreement highlighted strong collaboration through technology briefings, technical presentations, and discussions on digitalization and textile innovation. The event concluded with the unveiling of the HiblaTEK Application logo, symbolizing strengthened partnerships and ASUโs commitment to sustainable, technology-driven textile development.
๐ด๐ถ๐ผ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ต๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ป๐พ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ต ๐จ๐บ๐ผ ๐จ๐ต๐ซ ๐จ๐ญ๐น๐น๐ฌ๐ซ๐ต ๐พ๐ฌ๐บ๐ป๐ฌ๐น๐ต ๐ฝ๐ฐ๐บ๐จ๐๐จ๐บ
On February 25, 2025, the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network (AFRREDN), formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aklan State University. This event signifies a collaborative commitment to advancing research, development, and extension (R4DE) efforts in the agricultural and fisheries sectors.
The initiative aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, enhance research capacities, and facilitate the effective transfer of innovative technologies to benefit crop, livestock, and fisheries industries. The event was also attended by representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute – RTC VI, reflecting broad institutional support for regional agricultural development.
This partnership underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering technological innovation for regional growth.