03/10/2026
CAPSU, Brgy. Binuntucan Shine as Regional Winners at 2026 RSTW PAGKILAEA SETUP and CEST Forum and Awards
KALIBO, AKLAN — October 3, 2026. Capiz State University (CAPSU) brought another milestone to Capiz as it was recognized as the 2026 Best CEST Community Regional Winner as the Lead Implementing Agency, while Barangay Binuntucan, Pontevedra, Capiz was named the 2026 Best CEST Community Regional Winner during the 2026 RSTW Western Visayas PAGKILAEA: SETUP and CEST Forum and Awards held today at the ABL Sports Complex, Kalibo, Aklan.
The recognition celebrates the University and its community partner's continuing efforts to harness science, technology, and innovation in addressing community needs and creating opportunities for sustainable development.
Representing CAPSU, on behalf of the University President Dr. Efren L. Linan, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, received the award together with CAPSU Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) Director Prof. French A. Dampog and CAPSU Livestock Research and Development Center (LRDC) Director Dr. Emely J. Escala.
Their presence at the awarding ceremony reflected the University's institutional commitment to strengthening research, development, extension, technology transfer, and community engagement initiatives that bring the University's expertise and innovations closer to communities.
The awards were presented as part of the PAGKILAEA: SETUP and CEST Forum and Awards, one of the highlights of the 2026 RSTW celebration in Western Visayas. The program brought together DOST officials, partner institutions, local government representatives, community beneficiaries, and stakeholders involved in advancing science and technology-based development in the region.
The morning program featured a keynote address by Engr. Maria Teresa B. De Guzman, DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development, followed by presentations highlighting stories of transformation through science and technology. Among these were “Rising Together: How Technology Turned a Small Business into a Growing Enterprise” and “From Loom to Livelihood: A Community’s Journey with Science and Technology.”
These stories highlighted how science and technology interventions can help communities improve livelihoods, strengthen local enterprises, and develop solutions responsive to their unique needs.
For CAPSU, the recognition as Lead Implementing Agency affirms the University's role in translating its research, innovation, and technical expertise into meaningful interventions for communities. Through its RDE initiatives, the University continues to foster partnerships that connect academic knowledge with actual community needs.
Meanwhile, the recognition of Barangay Binuntucan, Pontevedra, Capiz as the 2026 Best CEST Community Regional Winner serves as a testament to the community's participation and engagement in implementing science and technology-based initiatives.
The awarding segment was introduced by Ms. Jhoanna N. Bolencis, PFT, Head of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Section, followed by the recognition of outstanding MSMEs in SETUP implementation and outstanding communities and implementing agencies in CEST implementation.
The achievement further highlights the importance of collaboration among CAPSU, DOST, local government units, and community partners in making science, technology, and innovation more accessible and responsive to the people.
For CAPSU, the recognition is another meaningful milestone in its continuing journey of bringing research, innovation, and extension beyond the University and into communities where these can make a difference.
From the halls of the University to the heart of the community, CAPSU continues to demonstrate that research and innovation become most meaningful when they reach people, respond to real needs, and create opportunities for a better future.