The Research, Extension, and Innovation Office (REI) of VSU Isabel conducted a Roundtable Discussion on Freedom of Information (FOI) and Green Industrial Policy on August 11, 2025.

The event brought together representatives from various agencies within the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE), including Engr. Marcelito C. Flores from Philphos; Mr. Michael Paul Muñoz (General Manager), Mr. Melvin Martinez (Head of the HR Office), and Mr. Amos Calda (Former General Manager) from the LIDE Management Corporation; Engr. Rodrigo M. Patricio from PASAR Corporation; and Hon. Danilo Centino representing the Local Government Unit of Isabel (LGU-Isabel). Their participation underscored the importance of fostering collaboration among the academe, industry, and government in advancing transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

The following distinguished resource speakers enriched the discussion with their expertise: Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan (AER Industrial Policy Team), Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez (Coordinator, AER Industrial Policy Team), Dr. Buenaventura Dargantes (Retired VSU Professor, ELAC Visayas), and Dr. Jannet Bencure (VSU LEIZ Team Lead and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering). Their insights provided participants with a deeper understanding of the interconnections between the right to information, environmental governance, and the promotion of green industrial policies.

The roundtable served as an open space where participants raised concerns and sought clarifications on pressing issues. Questions and points of discussion from the different agencies were thoughtfully addressed by the resource speakers, resulting in a meaningful dialogue that emphasized cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and forward-looking strategies.

This initiative highlights VSU Isabel’s continuing commitment to engage with local industries and government institutions in promoting transparency, sustainability, and innovation as integral parts of its research and extension mandate.