Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President) presented to the Regional Development Council (RDC) on behalf of the Regional Research and Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) on September 25, 2024. Dr. Aquino shared two (2) concerns related to Isabela State University (ISU) that were deliberated and endorsed by the RRDIC to the RDC for consideration.

The points of the presentation included sharing proposed initiatives to advance the Cagayan Valley Region’s Bamboo and Textile Industries in support of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) located at ISU Ilagan and, supporting the act to establish a National Water Resources Center (NWRC) at ISU.

Among the proposed initiatives on textile production include: for all provincial, cities, and municipal LGUs to enjoin the planting of Kawayang Tinik bamboo in the barangays; for DENR to use Kawayang Tinik bamboo species as planting material for the National Greening Program; for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to use Kawayang Tinik bamboo in tree-planting activities; and for Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Center (BIDC) to assist in the establishment of bamboo textile fiber production centers.

Moreover, Dr. Aquino lobbied support and endorsement for ISU in its goal to establish a NWRC through emphasizing the efforts that the University has made in the past to prioritize and complete research, educational programs, and projects that address issues on water resources management, water scarcity, equitable access to water resources, climate change, and environmental pollution.

He further added that the University leads the Smart Water Infrastructure and Management (SWIM) R&D Center and has led the creation of a regional network of local universities to upscale the conduct of R&D on integrated water resources management and water security.