DOST-NRCP Launches RDLead FIRE Engagement at Notre Dame of Marbel University Through the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computing

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) continues to advance its commitment to research excellence as it welcomed the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) for the launch of the Enhanced Research and Development Leadership to Foster an Inclusive Research Ecosystem (RDLead FIRE) engagement through the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computing (CEAC) on July 17, 2026.

Administrators, coordinators, program heads, faculty members, researchers, and staff from Notre Dame of Marbel University and the Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) gather for a group photo during a research engagement activity.

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).

The engagement marks a significant milestone in NDMU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its research ecosystem, enhance institutional research leadership, and foster a culture of innovation and scholarly productivity among faculty members and researchers.

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Photo Courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).

The opening program was graced by Dr. Brian S. Bantugan, Executive Director of DOST-NRCP, who highlighted the importance of maximizing the opportunities provided by the RDLead FIRE Program. He encouraged participants to utilize the platform to strengthen research excellence, generate meaningful impact, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation.

Under the leadership of RD Leader Dr. Febus Redij G. Cruz, participants engaged in a series of capacity-building activities designed to enhance research competencies and institutional research capabilities. The program featured training sessions on scientific writing, peer review and publication, research proposal development, and research management, complemented by hands-on workshops aimed at translating knowledge into quality research outputs.

The RDLead FIRE engagement is implemented through the DOST-NRCP RDLead Program with support from the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering higher education institutions in developing sustainable and impactful research initiatives.

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Photo Courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).

For NDMU, the engagement serves as an opportunity to further strengthen its research agenda and equip faculty members with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address emerging societal challenges through research and innovation. It also supports the University's strategic goal of fostering a vibrant academic environment that promotes collaboration, discovery, and evidence-based solutions.

As a university committed to excellence in instruction, research, community engagement, and innovation, NDMU welcomes partnerships and initiatives that contribute to the growth of its research community. The RDLead FIRE engagement underscores the University's dedication to developing research leaders and producing scholarly work that creates meaningful impact for communities, industries, and society.

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Photo Courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).

Through this collaboration with DOST-NRCP, NDMU takes another important step toward strengthening its position as a center of research excellence and innovation in Region XII and beyond.