The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension Services (OVPRDES), held the first session of Usapang Sustainability Series 2026, a four-part discussion forum aimed at assessing the University’s current research and innovation landscape, May 12.

Research Director Dr. Rosenda Bronce and Research Management Services Director Dr. Bryan John Magoling discussed during the first session the University’s research culture and productivity.  

Dr. Rosenda A. Bronce presented the University’s research project funding and utilization statistics during the session. She reported that as of March 2026, BatStateU has completed 269 research projects from 2015 to the present.

She noted that 29.8 percent of the completed projects were aligned with United Nations SDG 9 and SDG 12.  Dr. Bronce also reported that 72 research projects are currently ongoing, reflecting the University’s continuing research initiatives and efforts to support sustainable development through knowledge generation and innovation.

In terms of productivity, Dr. Magoling reported that 108 research projects were published in 2025 Scopus indexed journals.  From the completed research projects, 74 percent is utilized by the communities and industries.  

After the session, an open forum was conducted with reactors from the Institutional Planning and Development Office, Budget Office, and Office of the Curriculum and Instruction.  

Inquiries on the training offered by the Research Office, as well as suggestions on creating a Research and Extension Agenda were some of the matters raised during the open forum.  It was also agreed during the discussions that there should be a strong link between academics, research and extension. It was also highlighted that a research niche should also be integrated in the University research culture.

The forum, conducted in hybrid format allowed both on-site and online participation. On-site attendees convened at the Gymnasium, 5th Floor, Jose Rizal Building, Pablo Borbon Campus, while virtual participants joined via Google Meet.  

The session gathered the following; Heads of Sustainable Development Offices, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services / Director, STEER Hub, Directors and Assistant Directors of the Research Office, Directors and Assistant Directors of Research Management Services, Directors and Assistant Directors of Extension Services, Heads of Research Centers, Director, Curriculum and Instruction, Director, Institutional Planning and Development Office, Assistant Director, Budget Office, Vice Chancellors for Research, Development and Extension Services, Vice Chancellors for Academic Affairs, Heads of Research and Heads of Extension Services.  

The second session of Usapang Sustainability 2026 will proceed on May 26, 2026, and will focus on the University’s Research Impact.