CPU RESONATE 2026 brings research beyond campus

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Central Philippine University formally opened RESONATE 2026: Research and Innovation Week on April 14 under the theme, “Echoing Research Outputs, Upholding Ethics, and Amplifying Innovation Impact.”

The April 14–17 event is designed to bring research outputs beyond the campus and into communities, industries and policymaking spaces.

The Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, or OVPRDE, spearheaded the initiative under Acting Vice President Aries Roda D. Romallosa, bringing together faculty members, students, startups and industry partners for exhibits, symposiums, competitions and innovation pitches.

Anchored on the 23rd Faculty Research Symposium and the 20th Student Research Symposium, the event features completed and ongoing studies, including projects funded by the University Research Center and external partners.

In his message, CPU President Ernest Howard Dagohoy underscored the role of research in sustaining academic excellence and addressing real-world challenges.

He said universities must go beyond instruction because research drives innovation, strengthens critical thinking and produces evidence-based insights for decision-makers.

“At CPU, we believe that research is a key component of an outstanding academic institution. The ninth statement of the university’s Decalogue reads: ‘I believe in the necessity of research in the atmosphere of freedom, because a university is not truly a university unless it carries on research’,” he said.

Support from the Department of Science and Technology, or DOST, reinforced the broader relevance of the event.

DOST Western Visayas Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga said RESONATE 2026 reflects CPU’s role in harnessing science and innovation to respond to complex issues such as climate change, public health, food security and digital transformation.

He emphasized that research must “echo beyond the university,” reaching communities and influencing policy and development directions.

Romallosa, in presenting the program overview, described RESONATE as “more than a showcase,” highlighting its function as a bridge between knowledge creation and real-world application.

This year’s edition features 11 faculty presenters, three externally funded projects and more than 100 student research papers involving more than 400 student researchers.

Across the campus, 39 research posters, 57 innovations and several research and development projects are on display alongside 13 startup initiatives.

The event also features technopreneurship activities, including Demo Day and the CRACK IT hackathon and pitching sessions, aimed at connecting innovators with potential users and investors.

Activities are aligned with CPU’s five research agenda pillars covering food and environmental resources, applied technologies, institutional management and business, social sciences and theology, and health sciences.

Romallosa also announced the launch of OVPRDE’s digital platform, which is integrated into the university website and intended to expand access to research outputs and strengthen collaboration networks.

CPU has described OVPRDE as the university’s central coordinating body for research, development and extension initiatives, underscoring the institution’s push to expand collaboration and public access to research.

RESONATE 2026 will culminate on April 17 with the final pitching round, awarding ceremonies and a closing program at the Educational Media Center.