The spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking innovation was on full display as West Visayas State University hosted the Fair on Innovation, Research, and Extension Services (FIRES) 2026 on January 28 at the 4th Floor of the Research and Extension Building.

Held as part of the university’s celebration of University Days 2026, the event brought together faculty, researchers, innovators, and students in a dynamic showcase of solutions designed to address real-world challenges through research, technology, and community-driven extension initiatives.

The afternoon program opened with welcome remarks from university officials, emphasizing the role of research and extension in nation-building and inclusive development. A keynote address delivered by the Regional Director of Department of Information and Communications Technology Region VI highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation and innovation in strengthening regional competitiveness.

Plenary sessions featured presentations across three major categories: Research, Extension, and Innovative Technology Pitching.

Among the notable research presentations was a Digital Maturity Assessment and Profiling System aimed at enhancing the capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises through targeted training recommendations. Another study explored the use of artificial intelligence-generated images to support spelling development in English, Filipino, and mother tongue-based learning.

In the extension category, initiatives underscored the university’s commitment to community empowerment. These included programs such as IT Acts: Information Technology Accessible Coastal Training for Sustainability, ARTeach: Action Research Training Series, and a project focused on strengthening transport cooperatives through innovative extension strategies.

Meanwhile, the Innovative Technology Pitching segment showcased creative solutions with strong cultural, environmental, and practical value. Highlights included Babaylan, a culture-based animated film, edible baking paper made from saba banana peel, and reinforced bio-composite board tiles produced from rice straw.

Student-led research was also featured, including a study examining the relationship between dormitory expectations and satisfaction, as well as a machine learning-based approach for non-invasive diabetic retinopathy risk assessment.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the FIRES 2026 Chair, reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing innovation ecosystems that link research outputs with community needs and industry applications.

FIRES 2026 once again demonstrated the vital role of higher education institutions in fostering ideas that not only push academic boundaries but also translate into meaningful societal impact.