The University of the Cordilleras (UC), represented by faculty from the College of Information Technology and Computer Science (CITCS), participated in the inaugural National IP Management Program for Academic Institutions Commercializing Technologies (IMPACT) Conference, branded as SALIKSYNC. Held from November 5–6, 2025, in Bacolod City, the landmark event was organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEETRD). Under the theme “From IMPACT to NXT Horizons: Surging the Next Wave of Knowledge and Technology Transfer,” the conference gathered innovators, educators, and policymakers to advance the country’s innovation landscape
Representing the CITCS faculty were Lovely Jenn Reformado, who serves as the InTTO Startup Development Lead, and Zyra Yell A. Fagyan. They were joined by Dr. Thelma D. Palaoag, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Institutional Planning (VPRIIP), to align the university’s research efforts with national commercialization goals.
Bridging the Gap: From Research to Real-World Impact
The first National IMPACT Conference, branded as SALIKSYNC, centered on professionalizing technology transfer and moving research beyond academic publications to create tangible benefits for communities and industries. A key highlight of the event was the message from DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., who underscored that research is a public investment that must lead to the public good, emphasizing that breakthroughs are only truly valuable when they “break through” into real-world solutions.
To support this mission, the field is being professionalized through structured approaches for university spin-offs and startups, with insights shared by international bodies such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Association of University Technology Managers of ASEAN. Ultimately, the conference marked a strategic transition to IMPACT NXT, an initiative aimed at building stronger Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to elevate Filipino innovations into world-class solutions through the collaborative spirit of “Bayanihan”.
A Historic Commitment to IMPACT NXT
A significant milestone of the conference was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding involving university presidents and research institute directors. While thirty-four (34) IMPACT grantee institutions formalized their partnership during this event, the University of the Cordilleras participated in this historic surge toward the next phase of technology transfer. Representing the university in this vital step was Dr. Thelma D. Palaoag, who reaffirmed UC’s dedication to professionalizing the commercialization process.
This partnership is central to the IMPACT NXT project, which aims to build stronger technology transfer offices to ensure that academic research generates a meaningful and tangible impact for local communities. By formalizing this commitment, UC ensures that its scientific and technological breakthroughs serve the public good, driving progress and sustainability across the region.
CITCS and the Innovation Ecosystem
The conference provided a vital platform to strengthen its Innovation and Technology Transfer Office (InTTO). By engaging with global models of technology transfer, the faculty participants gained insights into aligning people, policies, and purpose to foster a culture of innovation.
SDG Alignment
UC’s active engagement in SALIKSYNC reflects its firm commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Ensuring research-driven learning leads to societal impact.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Enhancing technology transfer programs and supporting the commercialization of emerging technologies.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Fostering teamwork across regions through collaboration with government and industry partners.
