In its continuing drive to strengthen institutional innovation and research capability, Davao de Oro State College, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI, inaugurated the DdOSC Innovation Hub today, May 21, 2026, at the DdOSC Main Campus.

The facility, also known as the iHub, is envisioned as a dedicated space for collaboration, ideation, technology-driven initiatives, and research-based solutions among DdOSC students, faculty, researchers, and personnel.

Leading the ceremonial ribbon cutting were DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, PFT, CESO III; Dr. Nathan Ray M. Alim, Assistant Regional Director for Research and Development for Development and Innovation Division of DOST Regional Office XI; Davao de Oro Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Laarnie D. Albacite; DdOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay; DdOSC Research and Development Director Jupite Mark U. Banayag; and Dr. Elizer M. Rebucas, Head of the DdOSC Innovation Unit.

The program opened with the blessing of the iHub, followed by a quick tour of the newly established facility. During the tour, the DOST XI team visited the hub and observed its available spaces and resources intended to support innovation-related activities of the College.

In her welcome message, Dr. Matunhay emphasized that the iHub will serve as a space where ideas may be transformed into meaningful initiatives that benefit both the academic community and the wider public.

“This Innovation Hub is more than a facility. It is a platform for collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, where our students, faculty, researchers, and personnel can work together in developing ideas that respond to the needs of our communities,” Dr. Matunhay said.

For his part, Dr. Sales underscored DOST XI’s commitment to strengthening innovation networks in the region, noting the role of the DdOSC iHub in expanding opportunities for research, development, and technology-based solutions.

“We are very pleased to include the DdOSC iHub in our innovation ecosystem. Through this partnership, we hope to further connect ideas, technologies, and people toward creating solutions that can contribute to regional development,” Dr. Sales said.

Following the messages, Dr. Alim led the orientation on the iHub manual of operations, providing participants with an overview of the facility’s functions, management guidelines, and operational procedures.

Dr. Rebucas also discussed the DdOSC entry and exit policy protocol, which outlined the procedures and institutional guidelines for the proper use, access, and management of the Innovation Hub.

The orientation concluded with an open forum, giving participants the opportunity to raise questions and clarify concerns on the policies, operational requirements, and intended utilization of the facility.

Through the iHub, DdOSC aims to further advance innovation-driven research, strengthen linkages with science and technology partners, and create more opportunities for the academic community to turn ideas into practical solutions that address local and regional development needs.