The Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (OVPRIE), officially launched the 2nd Visit Research and Development Leadership (RD LEAD): Scientific Training Research Initiative for Development and Excellence on July 28, 2025, at the ZSCMST Audio-Visual Room. This two-week activity is scheduled from July 28 to August 7, 2025.

The program commenced with a welcome remarks from Dr. Roy L. Valesco, College President. He emphasized, “RD LEAD is more than just a program. It is a promise to nurture the next generation of Filipino scientists and researchers, a promise to tackle complex problems with evidence-based solutions, a promise to contribute meaningfully to the scientific advancement and sustainable development of our nation.” and expressed his wishes, “May this initiative be a beacon of innovation, a catalyst for collaboration, and a significant course for development and excellence in Philippine science.”

This was followed by a message of support from Dr. Rachel D. Lauriaga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and a message from Ms. Rizza Cañon, representative of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). On behalf of NRCP, she expressed their support for this engagement, hoping that it will lead to increased research productivity, with more publications and successfully approved proposals.

Dr. Maila V. Pan, OIC-Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, discussed the rationale of the event, and Ms. Aldette D. Navarro, Director for Research and Development, presented the RD LEAD project brief and engagement highlights.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wilfredo L. Campos, ZSCMST RD Leader. In his message, he stressed “The aim of the RD LEAD engagement is to enhance our capacities, to develop the skills, to renew and refresh those skills… and of course, on a higher level, to develop the innovative nature of research in universities.”

The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Jeanette M. Reyes, Head of the Research Utilization and Information Unit, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony that symbolized the official start of this transformative engagement.

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