The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), through the Research and Creative Work Innovation Committee (RCWIC), led an online, system-wide briefing on Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) last March 24, 2026. This briefing aims to strengthen the coordination of research and innovation initiatives across the University of the Philippines (UP). The briefing gathered representatives from UP constituent universities, including chancellors, vice chancellors, deans, directors, and other officials involved in university administration and research planning. The discussion focused on the PCB framework, processes, and requirements for developing new programs aligned with national priorities.

UP President Angelo Jimenez underscored the importance of aligning the university’s research agenda with national development goals. He said that UP continues to pursue a transformative agenda that strengthens its role not only as a producer of future leaders but also as a source of research and innovation that improves the lives of Filipinos. The briefing also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration within the UP system to ensure that research initiatives contribute to national innovation efforts.

During the technical presentations, Department of Budget and Management representative Jason Trabuco explained that PCB is primarily a mechanism for identifying priorities and coordinating programs rather than a guarantee of additional funding. He presented the status of PCB implementation and outlined the requirements for proposing new programs, including alignment with national development plans and submission timelines targeted for the second quarter of 2026. Director Diane Gail Maharjan from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development also discussed the PCB for Innovation initiative, which seeks to address fragmentation in innovation programs by identifying overlaps, improving coordination, and supporting the National Innovation Agenda.

The briefing concluded with discussions on proposal preparation, coordination among UP offices, and next steps for research planning and budget submissions. President Jimenez expressed appreciation for the participation of UP units and government partners and reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of PCB initiatives. The forum brought together 86 participants from across the UP system and partner agencies and forms part of OVPRI’s continuing efforts to strengthen research coordination and innovation planning across the university.