CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) strengthened collaboration to align education, research, and innovation initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event, held on the second day of the Higher Education Summit 2026 in Clark, brought together leaders from government, academe, industry, and international institutions to promote coordinated efforts toward sustainable and innovation-driven development.
Discussions centered on aligning academic programs and research initiatives with national science and technology priorities while strengthening partnerships among universities, government agencies, and the private sector.
During the summit, CHED and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Technology Business Incubation Program, which aims to support the commercialization of research outputs.
The agencies also introduced the Philippine Technology Evaluation and Standards for Testing, an initiative designed to improve testing facilities and help make Filipino innovations more competitive globally.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted the country’s readiness to accelerate progress toward global development targets.
“The Philippines already has the institutions, the talent, and the knowledge base necessary to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. What we must do now is align them more deliberately and mobilize them strategically,” she said.
For his part, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing science-based solutions.
“The SDGs cannot be achieved by any nation alone. Science thrives on collaboration. Through partnerships with research institutions, universities, international organizations, local government units, and the private sector, the Philippines ensures that scientific discoveries become tools for national and global impact,” he said.
Participants also discussed policy coordination, research development, and workforce preparation through stronger industry–academe–government cooperation.
Representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization National Commission of the Philippines, Indonesia’s national SDG secretariat, and Malaysia’s Sunway University, shared international perspectives, highlighting the importance of global partnerships in addressing development challenges.
Through these initiatives, CHED and DOST aim to strengthen innovation systems and expand the use of research and technology in supporting national development and global sustainability goals.