In a significant step toward strengthening its research culture and expanding its contributions to society, Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod inaugurates the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Engagement (OVPRIE), reaffirming its commitment to knowledge generation, innovation, collaboration, and community transformation.
The new facility brings together six key institutional units under one administrative structure: the Research and Publication Office (RPO), External Relations, Internationalization and Linkages Office (ERIL), Community Engagement Program Office (CEPO), Innovation and Technology Transfer Office (ITTO), Creative Works Office (CWO), and the Office of the Research Ethics Committee.
A major feature of the OVPRIE facility is the provision of dedicated spaces for five research institutes, each named after an Augustinian figure and focused on specialized areas of inquiry aligned with CSAB’s academic priorities and commitment to social development. These are the Manuel Blanco, OSA Institute for Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences; the Andres De Urdaneta, OSA Institute for Business Innovation, Sustainability and Economic Development; the Diego De Herrera, OSA Institute for Renewable Energy, Smart Systems, and Infrastructure Resilience; the Martin De Rada, OSA Institute for Education, Gender, Peace and Global Citizenship; and the Luis De Leon, OSA Institute for Indigenous and Creative Industries.
Collectively, these institutes provide a framework for advancing interdisciplinary research and developing innovative solutions to challenges in health and well-being, economic development, environmental sustainability, technological advancement, inclusive education, and cultural preservation.
The integration of these offices and institutes underscores CSAB’s commitment to extending the impact of academic inquiry beyond the classroom and scholarly publications. Through partnerships with industry, government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and international collaborators, the institution seeks to promote research utilization, technology transfer, and sustainable community development.
The establishment of the OVPRIE facility represents a strategic investment in the people, ideas, and partnerships that will shape CSAB’s academic future. Envisioned as a dynamic hub for research and innovation, it welcomes faculty members, students, researchers, institutional partners, and community stakeholders to collaborate in developing meaningful and sustainable responses to the evolving needs of local and global communities.
Viva, San Agustin!
