DOrSU’s SDG-Driven Research Infrastructure Featured in International Scientific Publication

Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) has been featured in the peer-reviewed journal Sustainability (MDPI) for its strategic investment in research infrastructure aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). The article, titled “Establishment of Natural Products Development Laboratory: A Future-Proofing Intervention and DOrSU’s Commitment to UN-SDGs,” presents a case study of institutional innovation in the context of sustainable development.

The publication was authored by Dr. Wilanfranco C. Tayone, Dr. Janeth C. Tayone, Dr. Roselyn V. Regino, Geralph Sam P. Villarubia, Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, Dr. Roy G. Ponce, and Hayma T. Usman. Their collaborative work documents the establishment of the Natural Products Development Laboratory within DOrSU’s newly constructed University Research Complex (UResCom). Funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the facility is the first of its kind in the region and is designed to support interdisciplinary research in bioactive compounds, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable innovation.

The study contributes to the academic discourse on the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in advancing the SDGs through infrastructure development, policy engagement, and community-based research. DOrSU’s model—anchored in national funding, regional relevance, and international frameworks—offers a replicable approach for emerging universities in the Global South seeking to enhance their scientific and societal impact.

Published in Sustainability 2025, Volume 17, Issue 20, the article includes visual documentation of the laboratory’s inauguration, featuring Dr. Roy G. Ponce, Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial of DOST-PCIEERD, and the iNatProd project team, whose work is expected to shape the future of natural products research in Mindanao and beyond.

The publication highlights DOrSU’s contribution to the Global Innovation Index (GII) and affirms its position as a regional leader in sustainability-oriented science. In light of intensifying global challenges related to climate, health, and biodiversity, the university’s investment in future-proofing research infrastructure reflects a broader shift toward inclusive, science-based development in Southeast Asia.