Western Philippines University (WPU) has been awarded the 2025 Gold Cluster Award during the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Presidents’ Summit and General Assembly 2026, recognizing its performance in advancing innovation, intellectual property management, and technology transfer beyond major urban centers.
WPU received the award during the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Presidents’ Summit and General Assembly 2026, held March 25–26 in Iloilo City, where top-performing Technology and Innovation Support Centers were honored for excellence in intellectual property management and innovation development.
According to ITSO, the recognition celebrates institutions that set benchmarks in advancing innovation systems nationwide.
“These institutions stood as benchmarks of dedication, performance, and leadership, proving that innovation thrives where commitment and vision meet,” the ITSO said.
The awarding coincided with the summit’s theme, “15 Years of Strengthening the Philippines TISCs: Innovation and Creativity Toward Sustainable Technology Transfer,” underscoring the growing importance of regional institutions like WPU in shaping a more inclusive and innovation-driven economy.
The recognition underscores the growing role of state universities like WPU in driving innovation beyond major urban centers, with the Palawan-based institution contributing to research commercialization, technology transfer, and sustainable development in the province.
