University of Luzon Faculty Participate in DOST–Ilocos Region TECHGROW Program

The University of Luzon continues to solidify its standing as a hub for regional innovation and research excellence through the active participation of its academic leadership in high-level developmental initiatives. On January 30, 2026, a distinguished delegation of faculty members from across the university’s diverse colleges convened in Dagupan City for the DOST–Ilocos Region TECHGROW Ladderized Training and Mentorship Program. This year’s iteration, centered on the pivotal theme of “Ideation and Design Thinking,” sought to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, market-ready innovation. Representing the University were Dean Amalia Dela Cruz, Dr. Sherryl Delos Santos, Prof. Ma. Theresa Bianzon, and Prof. Alvin Carillo of the College of Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management (CBAHTM); Prof. Rina V. Cabansag of the College of Computer Studies; and Ms. Sophia Grace Q. Zarasate of the College of Engineering and Architecture. Their presence underscored a multidisciplinary approach to institutional growth, recognizing that the challenges of the modern digital and economic landscape require collaborative solutions across the fields of business, technology, and design.

The full-day engagement was characterized by a rigorous curriculum of expert-led discussions and intensive training workshops designed to elevate the participants’ competencies in innovation development. By focusing on design thinking—a human-centered approach to problem-solving—the program provided the faculty with advanced tools to identify unmet needs and engineer strategic interventions that are both technically feasible and socially impactful. The mentorship sessions allowed these academic leaders to interface with industry experts, refining their ideation processes and gaining insights into the regional development goals championed by the Department of Science and Technology. For the university, such involvement is not merely a professional development milestone for the faculty involved but a strategic investment in the quality of education provided to the student body. As these educators integrate the principles of design thinking and innovative research into their respective curricula, Luzonians are poised to benefit from a learning environment that prioritizes creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial resilience. This participation reinforces the University of Luzon’s mandate to remain at the forefront of technological and pedagogical evolution in the Ilocos Region.

The university’s engagement with the TECHGROW program directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 4: Quality Education, by ensuring that faculty are equipped with contemporary methodologies to pass on to the next generation of professionals. Furthermore, the focus on innovation and design thinking aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as it fosters the development of local expertise capable of driving technological advancement. Finally, by collaborating with regional government bodies to address societal needs through creative ideation, the university advances SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating the power of academic and public-sector cooperation in achieving sustainable regional progress.