The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has formalized its role as the research arm for a landmark local governance reform initiative in Western Visayas, signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI on October 28.
The agreement, signed by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. and DILG-6 Regional Director Juan Jovien Enginiero, tasks the university with conducting two comprehensive research studies across Region 6 under the Decentralization and Local Governance Reform Advocacy Program (DLGRAP).
DLGRAP represents DILG’s flagship and pioneering research initiative in Western Visayas, specifically designed to strengthen the fiscal capabilities of local government units (LGUs) throughout the country. The program comes at a critical time as LGUs navigate the impacts of the landmark Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling and the implementation of the Full Devolution Transition Plan.
The two funded research projects will cover all provinces in Region 6—Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, examining how LGUs are managing increased fiscal resources and devolved functions from national government agencies.
Dr. Salistre emphasized the university’s commitment to producing actionable research. “ISAT U is honored to contribute to strengthening local governance in our region. Our research will provide LGUs with practical strategies and evidence to maximize the benefits of fiscal decentralization.”
Consortium Commitment Renewed
During the same ceremony, seven member institutions of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) renewed their commitments through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
The consortium members include UP Visayas, ISAT University, Carlos Hilado State University, Guimaras State University, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, and STI West Negros—representing a mix of state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private higher education institutions.
The WVLGRC serves as a collaborative platform pooling academic expertise to support DILG’s capacity-building initiatives for LGUs across Western Visayas. Member universities provide technical assistance, training programs, research support, and policy advisory services to local governments in the region.
ISAT U was designated last August as the Lead Convenor of WVLGRC for a three-year term, coordinating consortium activities and serving as the primary liaison with DILG-6.
“The renewal of this consortium demonstrates our collective commitment to evidence-based local governance reform,” Dr. Salistre noted. “By working together, our universities can provide more comprehensive and coordinated support to LGUs facing increasingly complex governance challenges.”
The partnership between DILG-6 and the academic consortium reflects a growing recognition that sustainable local governance reform requires rigorous research, technical expertise, and collaborative approaches between government and academic institutions.
Results from the DLGRAP research studies are to be disseminated to LGUs across Western Visayas to inform national decentralization policy.
Photo Credit: DILG VI Facebook Page
