Western Philippines University (WPU) has officially established the Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension (RIDE) Office, marking another milestone in its commitment to advancing knowledge creation, innovation, and inclusive community development. The creation of the RIDE Office underscores WPU’s vision of becoming a leading university in research-driven education that directly benefits the people of Palawan and beyond.
The RIDE Office serves as the university’s central hub for coordinating and integrating research, innovation, development, and extension activities across all colleges and campuses. Its mandate focuses on strengthening WPU’s institutional research capacity, promoting innovation and technology transfer, and expanding community-based programs that address local and regional challenges. Each college under WPU has its own set of RIDE initiatives designed to respond to the specific needs of their partner communities—ranging from sustainable agriculture and aquaculture to social development, education, and environmental conservation.
As part of its inclusive approach, RIDE ensures that all its programs and services are accessible to the public, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status, or gender. True to WPU’s role as a people-centered university, its RIDE initiatives are grounded in the principle of equitable participation, recognizing that research and innovation must serve diverse communities and promote opportunities for all. Many of its extension projects are directly implemented in partnership with Indigenous Peoples’ groups, local farmers, fisherfolk, women’s organizations, and youth associations—reflecting the university’s strong commitment to inclusive growth and social transformation.
A new set of experts and faculty leaders have also been appointed to head the various RIDE units, bringing renewed energy and direction to the university’s research and community engagement programs. Their expertise across disciplines ensures that WPU continues to deliver relevant, high-impact initiatives that address real-world problems and contribute to sustainable development in the province.
With the establishment of the RIDE Office, WPU reinforces its position as a vital partner for innovation and community progress. By uniting research, innovation, development, and extension under one framework, the university is better equipped to transform ideas into solutions that create lasting change—anchored on inclusivity, sustainability, and public service.
[This article is in line with the SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17]