A SMART SUC for Regenerative Futures: President Ponce reframes the Smart Campus at 3rd SUCs Executive Forum

Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) President Dr. Roy G. Ponce presented the University’s Smart Campus initiatives at the 3rd State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Executive Forum on September 2, 2026, at the University of Rizal System–Morong Campus in Rizal.

DOrSU was one of three institutions featured in the SMART SUCs Excellence Showcase, together with Bukidnon State University and the University of Antique. The three universities are among the 22 SUCs under the supervision of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III.

In his presentation, “DOrSU: A SMART SUC for Regenerative Futures,” Dr. Ponce discussed how the University is developing its Smart Campus initiatives within the broader direction of becoming a pioneering regenerative futures university in the Asia-Pacific.

The presentation highlighted DOrSU’s investments in research facilities, scientific capability, institutional systems, partnerships, and impact-oriented programs, with emphasis on how these resources are being used to address environmental and community concerns.

Among the initiatives featured was the University Research Complex (UResCom), which houses specialized laboratories and facilities supporting work in natural products, soil and water analysis, biodiversity, microbiology, genomics, materials science, and other research areas. UResCom serves as a shared research environment for faculty, students, and partners and supports the University’s work from scientific investigation to innovation and community application.

Dr. Ponce also featured the University’s Artificial Clay Reef Production Facility, established as part of DOrSU’s collaboration with Switzerland-based environmental solutions organization rrreefs. The facility uses digital design and 3D-printing technology to produce eco-engineered clay reef structures for marine ecosystem restoration.

Another key part of the presentation was DOrSU’s “regenerative refugia,”or impact units across the University where its regenerative futures ethos is translated into programs, research, services, and community-based initiatives.

These include centers and units working in areas such as marine science and coastal resource management, futures thinking, agriculture, gender and development, culture and the arts, cooperative development, disaster resilience, data science, lifelong learning, intellectual property, technology transfer, and innovation, among others. They serve as spaces where ideas can be tested and applied to strengthen livelihoods, care for people, preserve knowledge and culture, protect ecosystems, and help communities.

Through these initiatives, Dr. Ponce highlighted DOrSU’s view of a Smart Campus as more than a technology-driven undertaking. The University’s approach links scientific infrastructure and digital capability with people, research, partnerships, and programs that support its regenerative futures vision.

The 3rd SUCs Executive Forum, held from September 1 to 3, carries the theme “HIUSA 2026: Building Smart SUCs Through Collaborative Leadership, Digital Innovation, and Institutional Excellence.” The gathering brings together officials from the 22 SUCs under Commissioner Apag for discussions on governance, accreditation, SUC leveling, digital transformation, institutional practices, and areas for collaboration.

A major part of this year’s Forum is the launch of the SMART SUCs 2030 Framework, which provides a common direction for participating SUCs while allowing institutions to build on their respective priorities, strengths, and contexts. The Forum also seeks to establish the SMART SUCs Collaborative Network for continuing knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, executive engagement, and institutional mentoring.

Joining Dr. Ponce at the Forum were Dr. Roy M. Padilla, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Evangeline R. Rivera, Director for Student Affairs and Services; Atty. John Rey R. Codilla, Executive Assistant; and Mr. Philip Yncierto, Board Secretary.