Isabela State University (ISU) officially launched the Research, Innovation, Sustainability, and Empowerment Center (RISE-C) located in its Santiago Extension Campus on May 24, 2025. The said event was attended by University and campus officials headed by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President), visitors from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) headed by Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (DOST Secretary), along with representatives from the local government unit (LGU) of Santiago City and the 4th District of Isabela.
Inaugurated in March 2025, the RISE-C was made possible through the partnership between ISU, LGU Santiago City, the 4th Congressional District of Isabela, and DOST. Desired to be a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary research, technology, and innovation, the RISE-C aims to empower faculty, students, and partner agencies to address real-world challenges in areas such as smart agriculture, climate action, public health, education, and disaster resilience.
RISE-C is also connected with the direction of both LGU Santiago City and the Cagayan Valley Region to become a sustainable, innovative, and smart community, hoping to translate research into practical and accessible community solutions.
“The RISE Center embodies ISU’s mission to learn through innovation and empower through knowledge with its people first, [and] technology-enabled approach as the beacon of sustainable progress not only for Santiago City and Region 2, but for the entire nation,” Dr. Melito D. Mayormente (Campus Coordinator, ISU Santiago Extension Campus) expressed this while presenting the overview of the RISE-C Project.
In his message, Dr. Batang said that the launching of the RISE Center marks the start of a transformative journey that brings together bright minds, bold ideas, and shared commitment to building a sustainable future to innovation.
“The RISE Center is founded on the belief that sustainable progress is possible when research is purpose-driven, inclusive, and focused on real-world impact. Through interdisciplinary collaboration with a strong collaboration with DOST, we can aim to empower individuals to co-create solutions for today’s most pressing environmental and societal problems,” Dr. Batang added as he hoped for the launch to be a catalyst for partnership and lasting change.
Dr. Solidum also shared his message with the attendees of the launching and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnership between DOST, LGU, and the academe. He further stressed the importance of the role of Universities in research and innovation.
“Ang kailangan nating magawa ay mag-develop ng sustainable cities and towns all over the Philippines, because inevitably that is the finish line that all local governments should cross because we need to make sure that we innovate so that we could influence to better the economic development the local governments where we are situated,” Dr. Solidum explained while sharing DOST’s goals for the regions.
Moreover, according to Dr. Solidum, the RISE embodies the principles of making sure that people and communities are empowered, the environment is protected, and systems are resilient despite the fact that the country will encounter natural, economic, medical, and other potential risks.
“RISE focuses on sustainability and empowerment, two pillars that are essential for the long-term prosperity of the people of Santiago City, Isabela province, and the entire region. There can be many challenges, ang importante, ay di kayo susuko. If there are failures, modify. Because it is only through R&D that we can be successful and R&D is the only environment where failure is accepted,” Dr. Solidum shared as he ended his message.
