Iloilo City, Philippines – July 30, 2025 – The University of San Agustin (USA) is a consistent research tourism destination in Western Visayas. A powerhouse in scientific innovation, academic collaboration, and R&D excellence. Reaffirming its role in the research ecosystem, USA recently welcomed the BS Biology students and faculty from Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) – College of Arts and Sciences as part of the University’s Biology Educational Exposure Tour (BEET). The thirty-eight (38) students and faculty members, headed by Mr. Mark Calabdan, Chair of the Biology Department, and Mr. Joselito Tumulak Jr., CAS Quality Assurance Officer, engaged in an immersive tour of USA’s cutting-edge research centers.
BS Biology students and faculty from Cebu Doctors’ University
During the tour, the visitors explored USA’s premier research facilities, including the Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2), the Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3), the Kasanggang NICER in Functional Food Excellence (KNIF2E), and the Magnetic Resonance Facility that houses the USA DOST-PCHRD Tuklas Lunas NMR Laboratory in Visayas. These centers represent the University’s core strengths in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in drug discovery, functional food innovation, natural products, and advanced instrumentation.
Cebu Doctors’ University students and faculty at USA Magnetic Resonance Facility
Cebu Doctors’ University students and faculty at Kasanggang NICER in Functional Food Excellence (KNIF2E)
Cebu Doctors’ University students and faculty at the Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) and the Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3)
Beyond its laboratories, the group also visited the USA Archives and Museum, which highlights the University’s rich cultural heritage and enduring commitment to education and service. This unique blend of scientific advancement and historical preservation gave the visitors a deeper appreciation of USA’s holistic vision for knowledge generation.
Cebu Doctors’ University students and faculty at USA Archives and Museum
The tour was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Global Relations, which is currently led by OIC VP Mr. John Paul Petrola. It highlighted the University’s leading-edge initiatives in natural products research, health innovation, and functional food development. These research efforts reflect the University’s drive to create an environment of academic rigor, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This initiative further underscores USA’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful research culture. By opening its doors to academic partners across the Philippines, the University is helping to transform Iloilo City into a regional hub for research-based learning and scientific exploration.
As the University of San Agustin continues to lead the charge in integrating education with real-world innovation, it strengthens its role as a national trailblazer in research tourism, creating pathways that inspire the next generation of Filipino scientists, educators, and changemakers.