Faculty researchers from Rizal Technological University (RTU) participated in the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference and the 93rd General Membership Assembly of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), held on March 13, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the conference gathered scholars and researchers from across the country under the theme “Transdisciplinary Capacity Building and Ethical Research Towards a Progressive, Unified, and SDG-Driven Nation.”

The program featured a welcome message from NRCP President Dr. Ma. Louise Antoinette N. De Las Peñas, followed by an opening message from Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology. The conference emphasized the role of transdisciplinary research, collaboration, and ethical scholarship in advancing sustainable development and national innovation.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Prof. Fortunato T. de la Peña, former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and currently a Research Consultant at RTU. In his keynote titled “Harnessing Transdisciplinarity for Sustainable National Transformation: A Call for Unite Knowledge, Innovation, and Action for an SDG-Driven Future,” he underscored the importance of integrating knowledge, innovation, and collaborative action across disciplines to address complex societal challenges and drive sustainable national progress.

RTU was represented by a strong group of delegation of faculty researchers and NRCP members, including Dr. Faith Micah A. Balbin, Dr. Rose Ann B. Bautista, Dr. Ruby Ann B. Dela Cruz, Assoc. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado, Dr. Rizaldy E. Garcia, Dr. Ryan Manuel D. Guido, Dr. Irene G. Ambida, Instr. Jason B. Kalaw, Asst. Prof. Lyka D. Lamoste, Dr. Julius L. Meneses, Dr. Agnes F. Montalbo, Dr. Melvin O. Mortera, Dr. Lea C. Nisperos, Instr. Joel Mark P. Rodriguez, Instr. Princess B. Tucio, and Dr. Vanessa D. Umali, along with Dr. Jaevier Villanueva and Assoc. Prof. Liberty Gay Manalo.

During the assembly, Assoc. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado and Dr. Faith Micah A. Balbin formally took their oath as new members of the National Research Council of the Philippines, marking an important milestone in their professional engagement with the country’s scientific research community.

The participation of RTU researchers in the national gathering reflects the university’s growing contribution to the country’s research landscape and its commitment to promoting collaborative, ethical, and transdisciplinary scholarship aligned with national development goals.