2026 News and Updates

๐‘จ๐‘บ๐‘ผ ๐‘ฑ๐’๐’Š๐’๐’” ๐‘ท๐’‰๐’Š๐’๐‘ญ๐‘ฐ๐‘ซ๐‘จ-๐‘ณ๐’†๐’… ๐‘ด๐‘ท๐‘จ๐‘ณ๐‘บ ๐‘ป๐’“๐’‚๐’Š๐’๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐’Š๐’ ๐‘ฉ๐’‚๐’๐’†๐’•๐’†, ๐‘จ๐’Œ๐’๐’‚๐’

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 โ€œDevelopment 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 PIร‘A MANTRA) Association, Inc., as well as local piรฑa fiber scrapers and processors.
The engagement highlights ASUโ€™s strong commitment to research, innovation, and community partnership in advancing Aklanโ€™s piรฑa industry. Through collaborative research and technology transfer, ASU continues to empower farmers, processors, and industry stakeholders toward improved productivity and sustainable development.

Aklan State University, through the Research and Development Services (RDS) in partnership with the Training Services, successfully kicked off โ€œGRANT-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, OICโ€“CTU Office of the President and Vice President for Research and Development; Dr. Julius C. Medellin, Director of the CTUโ€“Center for Studies in Biotechnology; and Prof. Valerie U. Pascual, Program Chair for CTUโ€“Development Communication.
Through expert lectures, mentoring, and proposal critiquing, participants are refining their project concepts and reinforcing ASUโ€™s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and grant competitiveness aligned with national development priorities.

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 Technologyโ€“Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

The activity, dubbed the KNowmad Mobile Learning Lab โ€“ Western Visayas Leg, was held on January 19โ€“21, 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 Universityโ€™s 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.

The Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CCDR) initiative, implemented in partnership with Alinea Philippines and Global Affairs Canada, convened stakeholders on February 10โ€“12, 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 Universityโ€™s engagement underscores its commitment to supporting climate science, policy development, and resilience-building efforts in the province.

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 DOSTโ€“Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI). The Municipality of Balete has been identified as the projectโ€™s 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

35๐’•๐’‰ ๐‘น๐’†๐’ˆ๐’Š๐’๐’๐’‚๐’ ๐‘บ๐’š๐’Ž๐’‘๐’๐’”๐’Š๐’–๐’Ž ๐’๐’ ๐‘น๐’†๐’”๐’†๐’‚๐’“๐’„๐’‰ & ๐‘ซ๐’†๐’—๐’†๐’๐’๐’‘๐’Ž๐’†๐’๐’• ๐‘ฏ๐’Š๐’ˆ๐’‰๐’๐’Š๐’ˆ๐’‰๐’•๐’” (๐‘น๐‘บ๐‘น๐‘ซ๐‘ฏ)

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 universityโ€™s research culture through their expertise and mentorship.

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.

Aklan State University, through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension (OVP-RITE), is currently conducting its โ€œEmpowering 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 ASUโ€™s commitment to equipping its personnel with emerging technological tools to foster excellence in research, instruction, training, and extension.

Aklan State University (ASU) takes part in this yearโ€™s Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2025, showcasing innovations under the Blue and Green Economy Cluster Exhibit from September 10โ€“12, 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.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) hosted the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Fest on August 11โ€“13, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, with the theme โ€œCoding 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 โ€œPaadto 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.

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 appโ€™s potential in enhancing quality control, innovation, and market readiness for local loomweaving enterprisesโ€”further solidifying ASUโ€™s commitment to research-driven solutions for cultural and economic development.

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 universityโ€™s 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.

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 ASUโ€™s continued commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and scholarly productivity.

Held on July 7โ€“8, 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.

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 WVCIEERDโ€“DOST 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.

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 Aklanโ€™s 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 ASUโ€™s commitment to sustainable, technology-driven textile development.

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.

2024 News and Update

๐‘ป๐’‰๐’† ๐‘น๐’†๐’”๐’†๐’‚๐’“๐’„๐’‰ ๐’‚๐’๐’… ๐‘ซ๐’†๐’—๐’†๐’๐’๐’‘๐’Ž๐’†๐’๐’• ๐‘บ๐’†๐’“๐’—๐’Š๐’„๐’†๐’” ๐‘ผ๐’๐’Š๐’• ๐’„๐’๐’๐’…๐’–๐’„๐’•๐’†๐’… ๐’•๐’‰๐’† ๐‘ซ๐’Š๐’“๐’†๐’„๐’•๐’๐’“๐’”๐’‰๐’Š๐’‘ ๐‘ป๐’–๐’“๐’๐’๐’—๐’†๐’“ ๐‘ช๐’†๐’“๐’†๐’Ž๐’๐’๐’š ๐’‡๐’๐’“ ๐’•๐’‰๐’† ๐‘จ๐‘บ๐‘ผ ๐‘น๐‘ซ๐‘บ ๐‘ซ๐’Š๐’“๐’†๐’„๐’•๐’๐’“๐’”๐’‰๐’Š๐’‘ ๐’๐’ ๐‘ฑ๐’‚๐’๐’–๐’‚๐’“๐’š 8, 2024

The Research and Development Services Unit conducted the Directorship Turnover Ceremony for the ASU RDS Directorship on January 8, 2024. The turnover of the responsibilities of the newly designated Acting Director, Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido was held at ASU Lanai, Banga, Aklan. The turnover ceremony was attended by the SUC President, Dr. Emily M. Arangote, together with the Banga Campus Director, Dr. Michael T. Ibisate, Acting IPMO Director, Dr. Jolitte Villaruz, R&D Chairperson and RDS Unit Staff.

The ASU Research and Development Services conducts it workshop on Paper Preparation/Packaging for Publication to College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) faculty researchers at the RDS Function Room today, January 9, 2024. Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido, Acting RDS Director, served as the resource speaker.

Proposal workshop proper of the Grant Writing 101: Crafting Proposals for External Funding today, January 30, 2024, at ASU CIT Cafeteria, Kalibo, Aklan.

Day 2 of the Grant Writing 101: Crafting Proposals for External Funding today, January 31, 2024, at ASU CIT Cafeteria, Kalibo, Aklan.
This event is spearheaded by the Research and Development Services in partnership with the Training Services Unit.
The Research and Development Services conducts its R&D Information Caravan at ASU College of Industrial Technology today, February 1, 2024, at ASU CIT, Cafeteria, Kalibo, Aklan.
This event aims to disseminate the R&D targets for CY 2024 and to give updates on the current R&D initiatives of the University
R&D Information Drive – College of Teacher Education
The Research and Development Services conducts its R&D Information Drive to the College of Teacher Education (CTE) today, February 5, 2024, at ASU Conference Hall, Banga, Aklan.
The Research and Development Services conducted its R&D Information Drive to the College of Arts and Sciences last February 2, 2024, at ASU Audio Visual Room, Banga, Aklan.
This activity aimed to acquaint the faculty researchers with the current R&D initiatives and to disseminate R&D targets for 2024.
ASU – RDS goes to the College of Hospitality and Rural Resource Management, Ibajay, Aklan to conduct its R&D Information Drive today, February 6, 2024, at ASU CHARRM, Function Hall, Ibajay, Aklan.
This activity paved the way to address the R&D concerns per School/College. The R&D Initiatives and target setting for CY 2024 were also discussed.

The Research and Development Services conducted its R&D Information Drive to the ASU College of Nursing faculty researchers last February 8, 2024, at the Nursing Arts Laboratory Room, Banga, Aklan.

Committee meeting for the final preparations of ASU Charter Day Celebration held today, March 4, 2024 at ASU RDS Function Room, Banga, Aklan.

The SEAWAVES project team, headed by Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido, presented their completed research “Design and Development of a Low-Cost Mobile Data Acquisition System for Small Crafts” or referred to as SEAWAVES (Sea-condition Emergency Alert and Warning Apparatus for Vessel Safety) project to the Coast Guard – Western Visayas last March 21, 2024 at Coast Guard District, Iloilo City.
This project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), DOST VI, and Aklan State University. The SEAWAVES research project aimed to design and develop a mobile data acquisition system for small crafts that can contribute to marine transport disaster resiliency and safety.
The said meeting was also part of the preliminaries for technology deployment and an opportunity to gather expert comments and suggestions for the improvement of the project.
Material Transfer Agreement between ASU and GSU for the SEAWAVES Project
The Aklan State University has completed its project entitled โ€œDesign and Development of a Low-Cost Mobile Data Acquisition System for Small Craftsโ€ funded under DOST VI Grants-in-Aid program and DOST PCIEERD RRI Program. The project was able to register the copyright of the SEAWAVES mobile application, one of the products of the project. Moreover, part of the project goals is to foster partnerships with stakeholders for the utilization of the mobile application.
In line with this, the Aklan State University and Guimaras State University conducted a Material Transfer Agreement on the use solely for non-commercial or non-profit purposes of the SEAWAVES mobile application last April 19, 2024, 1:00 PM at Iloilo Science and Technology University, Board Room, Burgos St. La Paz, Iloilo City.
In photo: Present, Dr. Lilian Diana Parreno (GSU president), Dr. Emily Arangote (ASU President), Dr. Gabriel Salistre Jr. (ISATU president), Dr. Carmelo Ambut (WVCIEERD Executive Director, VPRE-ISATU), Dr. Julius Vergara (VPRE GSU), Dr. Adrian Alumbro (Research Director-GSU), Prof. Julie Ann Salido, Dr. Nenia Bohulano, Engr. Abraham Porcal (Head S&T Section Div-DOST VI & Project member)and 2 project members, Prof. Mary Ann Martirez & Dr. Amzi Martirez
The ASU Virtual AgriEco-Tourism Team conducted its workshop and data gathering last April 15, 2024 at Isla Kapispisan, New Washington, Aklan.
This project is part of the Agri-ecotourism Circuit Enhancement and Promotion Program funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

R&D Monitoring for Trimaran Project 2 today, April 23, 2024, at New Washington, Aklan. This is a DOST Funded project in partnership with Metallica Shipyard that uses green and alternative renewable energy from ocean waves.

The Aklan State University – Research and Development Services conducted its Mid-Year R&D In-house Review, today, June 27, 2024, at ASU Function Hall, Kalibo, Aklan. A total of 16 research proposals were evaluated during the said event.
The Aklan State University joins the celebration of DOST’s 2024 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week in Western Visayas, with the theme: Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan, at the University of Antique, Sibalom, Antique on August 22-24, 2024.
The RSTW exhibit features technologies and innovations in the blue and green economy, and smart solutions that is geared towards a more resilient and prosperous future.
The University presents its various science and technology innovations for the SEAWAVES project and Pinya Fiber Products at the S & T Exhibit at Paghi-UsA Hall, University of Antique, Sibalom, Antique.

The Research and Development Services Unit conducts its Year-End R&D In-house Review on November 12-13, 2024 at ASU Conference Hall, Banga, Aklan.

Today, November 14, 2024, ASU – Research and Development Services hosts its 15th Research and Development Symposium at the ASU Conference Hall in Banga, Aklan.
With a total of 13 completed papers from the Natural/Biological Science Research Category and 26 completed papers from the Social Science Research Category, this event brings together brilliant minds to share and showcase research outputs that will contribute to scientific advancements and societal progress.
A panel of esteemed experts will evaluate the papers, and the best research papers from each category will be selected for recognition.
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