CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) held its first National Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIEX) Emerging Technologies Summit from October 22 to 24, 2025.
This three-day event featured a series of keynote and plenary presentations, panel discussions, workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the emerging technologies landscape both locally and globally.
The summit focused on various fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), animation, blockchain, robotics, cybersecurity, smart cities, and quantum computing.
NEUST President Rhodora Jugo explained that the summit aimed to address the fast-paced nature of technology and the importance of staying updated, especially for academic institutions.
“I think this will be really the best gathering for our government agencies, higher education institutions, state universities and colleges, and industry partners. At kung maiaapply ng tama ang mga makabagong teknolohiya na ito, mas magiging episyente ang mga services ng gobyerno, magiging produktibo ang mga paaralan, gayundin, mas magiging madali ang negosyo (And if these modern technologies are properly applied, government services will become more efficient, schools more productive, and businesses easier to manage),” she stated.
According to NEUST’s registration data, the event attracted around 200 participants from state universities and colleges, higher education institutions, government agencies, and industry partners.
The university president expressed her belief that the participants would partner in building more progressive and productive communities, contributing to a better and renewed country.
Jugo also acknowledged the support of partner agencies in organizing the summit, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the city government of Cabanatuan, as well as private sector partners.
She emphasized the significance of collaboration as key to delivering efficient services and creating future-ready communities.
Furthermore, Jugo pointed out that the summit—particularly initiated through NEUST’s Research, Extension, and Training Department along with its Management Information System—represents an ongoing advocacy of the university rather than a one-time event.
She revealed plans for annual summits in collaboration with partners, primarily DICT, DOST, and CHED.
“We’re contemplating that yearly, we’re going to have this kind of summit. As I said, we need to stay well-updated when it comes to technology. So, expect that we’re going to have this again next year. And in between, we also have regional activities that are in alignment with the technology,” she shared.
The first National RIEX Emerging Technologies Summit 2025 aligns closely with the university’s institutional goals, collectively termed NEUST Global.
Jugo highlighted that the event strengthens the university’s focus on research, innovation, and extension, which are central to its objectives.
“This is also our one way of showing that we are into being a smart, globally collaborative, and future-ready institution when it comes to the digital future,” she added.
Carrying the theme “Empowering Futures: Advancing Research, Extension, and Innovation through Emerging Technologies,” the event also featured the unveiling of the country’s first quantum computer, alongside an oath-taking ceremony and the launch of the National CIO Council for the Education Sector. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
