VSU named 2025 Tanglaw Awardee as Philippines’ Top Research Institution

Photo Courtesy of DOST-PCAARD Facebook Page

The Visayas State University (VSU) has once again proven its excellence in research and innovation as it received the 2025 Tanglaw Award from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) today, January 30, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, during the 53rd PCAARRD’s Anniversary Celebration.

The award recognizes VSU as the Most Outstanding Research Institution, highlighting its vital role in turning scientific knowledge into real solutions that benefit communities and the environment.

VSU made it to the top by achieving remarkable points  on technologies developed/utilized, significant information gathered and applied; generated financial resources for the past five years; capability building; and other accomplishments such as institutional publications, awards received, linkages forged, and projects implemented.

Along with a trophy, VSU also received a Php5-million  grant to support the university's research, development, extension, and innovation (RDEI)  infrastructure upgrading, capability building. 

A Century of Purpose, A Culture of Excellence

Over the years, VSU has been honored with four (4) Tanglaw Awards, a significant milestone to its enduring legacy in research excellence. The first was received in 1977 by the then ViSCA President Dr. Fernando A. Bernardo, conferred by President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The second followed in 2013 under the leadership of Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, while the third came in 2019 with Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin at the helm. In 2025, the university once again earned this prestigious recognition under Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, continuing its proud tradition of scientific leadership and innovation.

“Excellence is a lifestyle at VSU,” said  University President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, during the university’s presentation before the Tanglaw Award panel of evaluators. ”VSU is a community of scholars, innovators, and visionaries bound by a shared belief that research must create real and tangible impact,” she added.

At the heart of VSU’s success is a dynamic ecosystem of research, development, extension, and innovation (RDEI) programs. These initiatives addressed  pressing issues in food security, climate change resilience, environmental sustainability, and countryside development. 

Between 2020 and 2024, VSU became a hub of groundbreaking technologies and intellectual property rights. The university’s researchers generated 70 commercialized technologies and filed 112 research outputs for IP protection. Through the VSU Innovation Office, 71 intellectual property rights were granted, reflecting the university’s dedication to protecting and promoting homegrown innovations.

These efforts translated into real community impact to twenty-six local enterprises and incubatees. Among these adopters are the Five Shepherds, Fatima Multipurpose Cooperative, and Binaybayon Enterprises, which successfully ventured on  VSU-developed technologies, collectively generating ₱19.2 million in income.

VSU also stands as a model institution where research translates directly into policy action. On June 6, 2024, the university implemented the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Policy, backed by RDC VIII Resolution No. 59, series of 2024, making it a pioneer in science-based agricultural governance.

“This initiative bridges laboratory research and field application. It’s our way of ensuring that what we discover in science reaches the farmers who feed the nation,” Dr. Yepes revealed.

VSU’s RDEI initiatives have transformed not just laboratories but lives. Through hundreds of hands-on trainings and workshops, farmers, women’s groups, and young innovators gained new skills in modernized agriculture, advanced food processing, and sustainable livelihood development.

VSU forged 170 partnerships which include 65 international and 105 national linkages, fueling collaboration and resource mobilization. Over ₱770 million funded its RDEI ventures, while another ₱300 million was invested in infrastructure, including new facilities like the Livestock and Poultry Research Center, Biodiversity Research Center, and Biotechnology Research Center.

With its 2025 Tanglaw Award, “VSU’s light shines not for itself, but for the countless communities, farmers, and dreamers who believe that science can truly change lives”, Dr. Yepes disclosed.

In her response to the Tanglaw Award during the awarding ceremonies, Dr. Yepes affirmed, “This award reminds us that recognition is meaningful only when it keeps us attentive to those we serve. It asks us to remain thoughtful in how we ask questions, careful in how we apply knowledge, and honest in assessing the impact of our work.”

The Tanglaw Award, regarded as the highest institutional recognition for excellence in research, development, and innovation, honors institutions whose work has made a significant and lasting impact on communities, industries, and the environment.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 1: No Poverty; 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life Below Water; SDG 15: Life on Land, and; SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

• Next