Biliran Province State University, in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Biliran Provincial Office unveiled the Hiraya Futures Strategic Innovations and Knowledge Laboratory (SIKLAB) last March 22 at the BiPSU Gymnasium.

Hiraya Futures SIKLAB is PhilFutures' pioneering project that enables institutions, communities, and organizations to strengthen their capacities for anticipatory-driven strategic innovations and knowledge creation.

According to the University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. in his message during the ceremonial unveiling, the establishment of SIKLAB is an achievement and opportunity for the university, especially for research.

"SIKLAB would serve as another Research Center for the university, which is one of the prerequisites for a state university leveling. The challenges of course including funding, research, productivity, staffing needs and the list goes on," he said.

Dr. Cañezo, who also chairs the Pangandoy sa Hiraya: The Futures-Thinking Consortium of HEIs in Eastern Visayas, also mentioned that SIKLAB would serve as a fertile group for a pool of experts from DAP, PhilFutures, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), DILG, and other sectors toward achieving the end of a more educated and informed citizenry.

"This is a manifestation of 'knowledge co-creation', a safe space for collaboration where information is shared and valued," Dr. Cañezo added.

Also present during the project's unveiling are representatives of PhilFutures led by President Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina, DILG Regional Office VIII represented by Ms. Rudith Roca, DILG-Provincial Director Mr. Jesus P. Naquila, the eight Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) in Biliran, members of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council, and the University Key Officials, deans and directors.

Moreover, BiPSU also inked Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PhilFutures and DILG-Biliran to jointly pool knowledge and expertise on various facets of local governance and social development.

With the said MoU, three parties will be partners in different social development projects.

DILG-Provincial Director Naquila, in his message, is confident that the convergence of the three institutions will help every Biliranons "to move forward to their preferred futures".

"With the synergy of local governance resource center program, the Philippine Futures-Thinking Society and Hiraya Futures SIKLAB, we are confident that we can create more opportunities for the strengthening of the capabilities of communities and institutions in the province of Biliran," PD Naquila added.

The SIKLAB is currently located at newly constructed BiPSU Academic and Wellness Center.