Dr. Carlos Primo C. David, executive director of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), challenged the Eastern Visayas academia as he administered the oath taking ceremonies of the new Eastern Visayas Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development (EVCIERD) officers.

EVCIERD is a consortium of universities in Eastern Visayas doing various research and development projects to further the development of the region through science and technology. The new officers is led by Eastern Visayas State University President Dominador Aguirre.  

Dr. David, at the ceremonies held during the National Science and Technology Week, said that he is looking forward to more R&D project collaborations in Region 8. “Before that, I was also a researcher, doing research project for the PCIEERD, PCAARRD, and DOST, and I know the importance of research in the university,” said Dr. David.

Dr. David is among the project leaders of Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH, heads a program which deals with disaster science research and development through the use of cutting edge technologies to enhance the government’s disaster prevention and management efforts.

 “Region 8 is close to our hearts… I know that many of you lost immediate family and friends in 2013 (during the typhoon Yolanda),” said David.

He told the audience, who were mostly from Region 8, that in 2014, when typhoon hit the region anew, Project NOAH made sure that an estimated 3,000 households in Daram, Samar will be spared from a looming storm surge.  

Moreover, Dr. David said that DOST-PCIEERD looks forward to a more fruitful collaboration with EVCIERD as he suggested that universities under the consortium should make research projects based on their strengths. According to David, due to limited resources for R&D, DOST is focusing on some significant R&D areas.

He also disclosed that his agency is encouraging more research collaborations with other research consortiums from other regions. “This is more of a challenge to you rather than an inspirational message as we will encourage more research consortiums outside Metro Manila to come up with significant R&D outputs,” states David.   (By Joy M. Lazcano, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Carlos Primo C. David (second from left) accepts a plaque from outgoing EVCIERD President Mar P. De Asis of the University of Eastern Philippines and DOST 8 Asst. Regional Director Ernesto M. Granada during the oath taking ceremonies at the Gerry’s Grill, SM MOA, Pasay City. From L-R: Incoming EVCIERD president Dominador Aguirre of the Eastern Visayas State University; Dr. David; Outgoing EVCIERD president Atty Mar P. De Asis of the University of Eastern Philippines; and Engr. Ernesto m. Granada, DOST 8 asst. regional director. (Photo courtesy of DOST Region 8)