VSU advances research standing with NRCP inductions

The Visayas State University (VSU) continues to rise in the national research landscape after several of its faculty researchers were inducted into the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), reflecting the university’s robust research ecosystem following the Scopus indexing of Annals of Tropical Research (ATR) last year.

The induction, held during the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference and 93rd General Membership Assembly on March 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), signals a level of recognition for VSU faculty researchers beyond publication and into national scientific leadership.

Among those inducted as regular members were Dr. Ana Marquiza Quilicot, Dr. Cyrill John Godinez, and Dr. Janet Alexis De Los Santos, who was recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Elsevier-Stanford University in 2024. Their sustained contributions have strengthened VSU’s research profile in agriculture, science, and development-oriented innovation.

They were joined by a new generation of associate members: Dr. Manuel Jr. Gacutan, Dr. Ea Kristine Clarisse Tulin-Escueta, Dr. Marjorie Cortes, Ms. Serica Joy Dadios, Engr. Ronard Paña, and Engr. Ma. Grace C. Sumaria. Their inclusion signals a widening pipeline of VSU researchers poised to contribute to national priorities in science, technology, and evidence-based policymaking.

VSU President Prose Ivy G. Yepes emphasized the importance of the milestone, describing the induction as both recognition of the new members’ research excellence and a great responsibility towards national development.

“This achievement reflects not only the individual excellence of our researchers but also the collective strength of VSU as a research-driven institution. Our membership in the NRCP strengthens our commitment to produce knowledge that directly contributes to national transformation,” President Yepes said.

The presence of senior VSU scientists Dr. Victor B. Asio, Dr. Renezita Come, and Dr. Luz Asio further highlighted the university’s strong culture of mentorship. Their participation at the assembly reflected an academic culture where seasoned researchers actively guide younger scholars, ensuring continuity and sustained excellence in scientific endeavors.

For the newly inducted members, the recognition marks both a personal milestone and a broader commitment to public service through research. 

Dr. Cyrill John Godinez, a faculty member of the Department of Animal Science, pointed out the deeper meaning of his induction.

“Becoming part of the NRCP is both an honor and a challenge. It reminds me that research should never remain in laboratories alone, it must reach communities, inform decisions, and create real impact,” he said.

Membership in the NRCP is widely regarded as a mark of distinction in the Philippine research community. Scientists are not simply nominated. They undergo a rigorous evaluation process that considers the depth, impact, and consistency of their scholarly contributions. 

Candidates must demonstrate a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, significant citations, and meaningful engagement in advancing science and policy. 

Endorsements from existing members and alignment with the Council’s disciplinary clusters further form part of the selection process, making induction both highly competitive and highly selective.

Against this backdrop, the inclusion of VSU faculty researchers reflects the growing caliber of its academic workforce and affirms the expanding role of the university as a regional and national hub for collaborative innovation. 

This year’s induction also highlighted the growing emphasis on transdisciplinary capacity building, an approach that encourages researchers to go beyond traditional academic silos in addressing complex societal challenges.

Equally emphasized was the principle of ethical research, which calls on scientists to uphold integrity, inclusivity, and social responsibility in their work. VSU’s new members are expected to carry this forward, ensuring that their research outputs remain not only scientifically sound but also socially relevant and environmentally responsible.

More than a ceremonial milestone, the induction of VSU faculty researchers into the NRCP affirms VSU’s growing role in shaping the country’s science and technology agenda, anchored on research excellence and globally recognized platforms like Annals of Tropical Research.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

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