14/09/2026
Spotlight: Role of Academe in Strengthening Defense R&D
At the DTRID FAMCON 2026 held last September 11 at the Honor Hall, National Defense College of the Philippines, Dr. Lorena C. Ilagan — Executive Director of the ALTA-Innovation Hub and Dean of the College of Engineering, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Las Piñas delivered an insightful talk on the "Role of Academe and Stakeholders in Strengthening Defense Research and Development."
Dr. Ilagan highlighted how academic institutions can serve as vital partners to the DND and AFP in advancing the country's defense R&D agenda from building a strong talent pipeline of young researchers and engineers, to integrating research initiatives that align directly with national development goals, particularly in priority sectors like semiconductors, healthcare, energy, and agriculture.
Her presentation underscored the value of academe-government collaboration in achieving a more self-reliant Philippine defense posture, bridging innovation, education, and national security.
The whole-day event brought together the DND, AFP, Service R&D Centers (RDC PA, RDC PAF, RTDC PN), SEMO, and academic and industry partners to strengthen collaboration and chart the way forward for Philippine defense research and development.
🎤 Highlights of the day included:
- Opening remarks by ASec. Augusto V. Gaite (ASDTRID)
- R&D initiative updates from the Army, Air Force, and Navy R&D Centers
- A panel discussion on gaps, challenges, and opportunities in defense R&D
- Talks on Intellectual Property Management (IPOPHL), lessons from the U.S. defense industrial base (Dr. Joseph Felter), and the role of academe in defense R&D (Dr. Lorena Ilagan, UPHSD Las Piñas)
- Closing remarks by Usec. Rene S. Diaz, Undersecretary of the Defense Technology Research and Industry Development (DTRID)
