Rizal Technological University (RTU), through its Research, Development, and Innovation Office (RDIO), successfully conducted an exploratory meeting with the University of the Philippines – Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS) on February 23, 2026 at UP Diliman.

The RTU delegation was led by Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (VPRIES), and included Engr. Fortunato T. de la Peña, former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Assoc. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado, Director of the Research, Development, and Innovation Office (RDIO); Asst. Prof. Nida V. Alcantara, Deputy Director of RDIO; and Instr. Joel Mark Rodriguez of the Sen. Neptali Gonzales Research Center for Development Studies.

The RTU team was welcomed by Dr. Dosalie A. Hall, Executive Director of UP-CIDS, together with members of the Center’s research clusters. The meeting focused on exploring strategic areas of collaboration anchored on a research-to-policy framework, ensuring that academic outputs are translated into actionable policy recommendations and development programs.

Discussions highlighted potential joint initiatives such as collaborative policy studies, co-hosted research forums, policy briefs and technical papers, and mechanisms that will connect university researchers with legislative and governance institutions. The engagement emphasized the importance of strengthening the interface between higher education institutions and national development planning.

UP-CIDS, recognized for its interdisciplinary and policy-oriented research, serves as a platform for evidence-based studies addressing governance, socio-economic development, innovation, and sustainability. Through this exploratory dialogue, RTU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research utilization—moving beyond knowledge production toward measurable societal and policy impact.

The meeting marks an important step in positioning RTU as an active contributor to national discourse through strategic partnerships that bridge research, governance, and development. Further discussions are expected to pave the way for formal collaborative programs between RTU and UP-CIDS in the near future.