A new chapter in innovation and education has officially begun at Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) with the inauguration of the Center for Innovation and Robotics Initiative (CiRi)—a pioneering hub envisioned to advance research, robotics, and technology-driven learning across the region.

The launch of CiRi marks a milestone in HCCCI’s ongoing commitment to holistic, inclusive, and future-ready education. It is not merely the opening of a facility but the realization of a vision to empower learners and educators alike to harness technology as a tool for creativity, discovery, and social transformation.

The momentous occasion was graced by key representatives from both the government and education sectors, signifying a unified call to strengthen science and technology at the grassroots level. PD Giselle Eve O. Siladan, Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) South Cotabato Provincial Office, expressed her full support for HCCCI’s initiatives in bringing research and innovation closer to local communities. She emphasized how CiRi embodies DOST’s mission to cultivate scientific curiosity among youth and promote accessible, community-based innovation.

Representing the Department of Education (DepEd) Surallah Central District, Mr. Joseph Latoza, PIC-II, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in sparking interest in science, technology, and robotics among young learners. He noted that CiRi could serve as a catalyst for students to explore how technology can address real-world challenges and improve everyday life.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the event became even more meaningful with the presence of Ms. Vanessa Marie L. Antiquin, MMEM, Executive Vice President of HCCCI; Erwin M. Faller, PhD, Academic Director; Engr. Edicio M. Faller, Designate IT and Robotics Consultant; Mr. Lowel D. Pasinag, LPT, MMEM, Basic Education Principal; and PD Giselle Eve O. Siladan of DOST. Together, they led the ceremonial opening—symbolizing HCCCI’s continuing mission to build a future-ready learning environment where innovation and inclusion thrive side by side.

Representatives from various public and private schools across Surallah and nearby areas also witnessed this event, including Libertad National High School, Allah Valley Academy, Surallah National High School, Lamsugod National High School, Purok Sison Elementary School, Barangay Magan Elementary School, Colongulo Elementary School, Centrala Elementary School, and LBES–Lemluma Extension. Their participation underscored a collective vision to strengthen collaboration among schools and ensure that the benefits of technology and innovation reach every learner and educator within the community.

Through CiRi, HCCCI aims to cultivate a hands-on and inquiry-based learning environment where students can explore robotics, digital technology, engineering principles, and applied science. The center encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork — essential skills in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Beyond being a school-based facility, CiRi is designed as a community-centered initiative that will host training programs, workshops, and collaborative research projects inviting participation from local schools, teachers, and youth organizations. In doing so, HCCCI strengthens its role as a hub for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and sustainable community development.

The establishment of CiRi directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and equitable access to quality education that integrates science, technology, and innovation into learning. It also advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by encouraging technological advancement, digital literacy, and sustainable innovation within educational and community settings. Moreover, it fulfills SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering strong linkages among government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities toward shared development objectives.

As Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. continues to advance its mission of transformative education, the Center for Innovation and Robotics Initiative (CiRi) stands as a beacon of progress —igniting the spark of discovery among students, empowering teachers to innovate in their practice, and uniting communities under the shared pursuit of knowledge, technology, and nation-building. HCCCI’s CiRi reaffirms the institution’s belief that innovation is not confined to laboratories or cities — it can flourish anywhere where curiosity, collaboration, and compassion for learning come together.