Demonstrating how innovation can serve as a unifying force across institutions, sectors, and regions, the HERMOSA Consortium formally strengthened its commitment to advancing a dynamic, inclusive innovation ecosystem through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony, held in celebration of Innovation Month 2026.
The gathering, themed “Strengthening Regional Synergies for a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem,” highlighted the growing importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing shared development challenges across the Zamboanga Peninsula and Western BARMM.
The HERMOSA Consortium is a regional initiative, composed of six partner agencies, namely the Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office IX (DOST IX), Department of Trade and Industry Region IX (DTI IX), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regional Office IX and BASULTA, Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), and is implemented by Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) through the support of Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). HERMOSA Consortium aims to strengthen collaboration in advancing science, technology, and innovation by supporting regional startup growth and driving inclusive economic development.
In his opening remarks, AdZU President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal, SJ, emphasized that the consortium represents more than a partnership among institutions; it is a deliberate effort to create a unified regional innovation movement.
“This is what HERMOSA is trying to be–a deliberate framework for moving together, a deliberate framework for government, universities, and innovation enablers across the Zamboanga Peninsula and BASULTA, so that we can actually work together… so that startups have a clearer path, research moves toward application, and the next person with a vision does not have to leave this beautiful region to realize that dream,” Fr. Ernald shared.
Delivering the keynote message, DOST IX Regional Director Dir. Rosemarie S. Salazar underscored the deeper value of sustained collaboration in building a resilient and future-ready innovation ecosystem.
“Let us remember that collaboration is not just about working together. It is about trusting one another, sharing responsibilities, and sustaining a culture of openness and innovation. It is about recognizing that each institution, each sector, and each individual has a unique role to play in building a resilient and future-ready ecosystem,” she stated.
The ceremony also emphasized the importance of translating innovation into meaningful economic and social impact for communities and enterprises across the region. Representing Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso, LEDIPO Executive Assistant Mr. Rosendo N. Castillo III, stressed the urgency of collectively growing the regional innovation industry. He shared:
“We need the opportunity, and we have to act. It is our responsibility—and the responsibility of the signatories here—to grow this industry so that we can move to another level of how it adds value to everything we do every day, from small businesses, to medium, to nano businesses, to big corporations.”
Reaffirming the role of strategic partnerships in economic development, DTI IX Regional Director Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae highlighted how collaboration creates broader opportunities for enterprises and industries.
“By strengthening partnerships among the government, the academe, and the industry, we are building a more dynamic and inclusive innovation ecosystem—one that empowers enterprises, promotes technology adoption, and opens greater opportunities for investment and market opportunities across industries,” Engr. Lipae said.
Similarly, DICT IX BASULTA Regional Director Dir. Cheryl C. Ortega, represented by Engr. Jacob E. Mohammad, emphasized the importance of convergence among institutions in ensuring that innovation efforts remain coordinated and impactful.
“Partnerships like the HERMOSA Consortium are essential, because no single agency can do this alone. We need the academe to develop future-ready talent, the industry to create and scale opportunities, and the government to enable, connect, and support. Through this consortium, we now have a platform to align all our efforts—to ensure that innovation is not fragmented, but strategic, collaborative, and impactful.” Engr. Mohammad said.
Representing WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, Director of the Research Development and Evaluation Center Dr. Reynante E. Autida, further underscored the collective strength that emerges through institutional unity.
“Through the convergence of ideas, expertise, and shared commitment, we are reminded that when institutions unite under a common purpose, individual strength is amplified into collective impact, creating outcomes that no single entity could accomplish alone.” Dir. Autida stated.
The ceremony culminated in the formal Renewal of Commitment, symbolizing the consortium’s shared responsibility to strengthen institutional linkages, support innovation-driven initiatives, and foster sustainable regional development through collective action.
Witnessed by Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Zamboanga City, Councilor Kim Villaflores, the ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Project Leader Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, represented by Executive Assistant to the President Atty. Armee Jay Cresmundo, emphasizing the significance of the partnership beyond the ceremonial signing, noted that: “The signing of this MOU marks the beginning of a three-year journey of cooperation, from the strengthening of innovation hubs in our provinces to the tracking of digital jobs and startup growth. Our work starts now.”
As the region continues to navigate evolving economic, technological, and social challenges, the HERMOSA Consortium stands as a compelling example of how innovation can serve as a platform for regional unity—bringing together institutions, expertise, and shared aspirations to champion stronger partnerships and transformative solutions for the Zamboanga Peninsula, Western BARMM, and beyond. Through sustained collaboration, the consortium continues to help shape a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready Mindanao where innovation is driven not by individual institutions alone, but by a shared commitment to regional progress.
