Isabela State University (ISU) convened researchers, innovation practitioners, community engagement implementers, and evaluators for the 2026 Cauayan Cluster Pre-Agency In-House Review, an institutional undertaking that scrutinized research outputs and community-based initiatives and identified opportunities to strengthen their quality, relevance, and impact, October 14.

The review engaged participants from ISU–Cauayan, ISU–San Mateo, and ISU–Roxas to present their respective studies, innovations, and community engagement projects before evaluators. The sessions examined the merits of these outputs, surfaced areas for improvement, and generated recommendations to sharpen their contributions to academic advancement and community development.

The joint review encompassed two major areas: Research and Innovation, featuring the Higher Education, Social, Technical, and Technological categories; and Community Engagement, covering internally and externally funded projects. Through structured presentations and critical evaluation, the activity provided a venue for assessing project strengths, addressing gaps, and refining outputs in preparation for the university-level review.

In the Research and Innovation Category, ISU–Cauayan faculty members captured several distinctions. Assoc. Prof. Paul Angelo A. Tamayo, PhD, clinched first place in higher education. Prof. Gabriel L. Luna, PhD, and Dr. Elizabeth Mangoba secured second place in Social, while Asst. Prof. Mark Jhon R. Prestoza, PhD, claimed third place in the same category. Ms. Kristin Bernadette Callang topped the Technical Category, with Ms. Ruby Elumbra taking third place. In the Technological Category, Assoc. Prof. Marvee Cheska Natividad, DIT, and Ms. Jessa Fabriga earned second place.

ISU–Cauayan’s community engagement implementers likewise garnered recognition for their project presentations. Among internally funded projects, Asst. Prof. Isaias Dela Peña, PhD, captured first place, followed by Asst. Prof. Ronald Isidro in second. For externally funded projects, Asst. Prof. Marvin Cabantac secured second place, while Asst. Prof. Annaluz A. Allangan placed third.

Beyond recognizing exemplary outputs, the review highlighted the role of rigorous evaluation in strengthening research design, refining implementation strategies, and aligning university initiatives with the needs of intended beneficiaries. Evaluators’ feedback will guide participants in addressing identified gaps and further developing their work for subsequent assessment.

The awardees will advance to the university-level review, where they will represent the campus and present their outputs for further evaluation.

ISU–Cauayan congratulates its recognized faculty researchers and community engagement implementers on their achievements in the cluster review.

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Get to know more about Isabela State University–Cauayan Campus by visiting our official website: https://isucauayan.edu.ph/