Terms of Service
Last updated: August 16, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the HIRAYA platform at hiraya.mindset.ph, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use the platform.
2. Description of Service
HIRAYA is a regional knowledge management platform that connects academic institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and civic groups across Northern Mindanao (Region X). The platform provides tools for managing research projects, faculty profiles, intellectual property, extension programs, industry problem statements, startup incubation, and partnership coordination.
3. Eligibility and Account Registration
To use HIRAYA, you must: • Be affiliated with a recognized institution (SUC, HEI, government agency, industry, or NGO) operating in or relevant to Northern Mindanao. • Provide accurate and truthful information during registration. • Maintain only one account per person. • Be at least 18 years of age or have legal authority to enter into these terms. Accounts are created through Google Single Sign-On. Your email domain may be verified against known institutional domains. If your institution is not yet listed, you may request its addition through the platform.
4. User Responsibilities
You agree to: • Provide accurate, up-to-date information in your profile and submissions. • Use the platform for legitimate academic, research, innovation, and collaboration purposes. • Respect intellectual property rights of others when uploading or sharing content. • Not post false, misleading, defamatory, or unlawful content. • Not attempt to access data or features beyond your authorized role. • Not disrupt or compromise the security of the platform. • Not use the platform for commercial solicitation unrelated to its purpose.
5. User-Generated Content
You retain ownership of the content you submit to HIRAYA, including research project details, IP records, and startup information. By submitting content, you grant HIRAYA a non-exclusive license to display and use that content for the purpose of operating the platform, facilitating collaboration, and generating aggregated regional statistics. You are responsible for ensuring you have the right to share any content you post.
6. Intellectual Property
The HIRAYA platform, its design, branding, and software are the property of the MindSET Consortium and its partners. Content submitted by users remains the property of the respective creators and their institutions. Intellectual property records published on the platform (patents, utility models, copyrights) are referenced for discovery purposes; the underlying rights belong to their respective owners and institutions.
7. Startup Applications and Incubation
HIRAYA facilitates startup application and incubation workflows through the DOST i-hub program. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Evaluation decisions are made by authorized evaluators and administrators. Applicants consent to their submitted information being reviewed by authorized personnel for evaluation purposes.
8. Partnership Requests and Industry Problems
The platform facilitates connections between industry partners and academic researchers. Posting an industry problem or submitting a partnership request does not create a binding obligation. All collaborations are subject to separate agreements between the involved parties. HIRAYA serves as a matching and coordination tool.
9. Privacy
Your use of HIRAYA is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your information. By using the platform, you consent to the data practices described in our Privacy Policy.
10. Disclaimers
HIRAYA is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that the platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or that all information submitted by users is accurate or complete. We are not liable for the content posted by users or for outcomes of collaborations initiated through the platform.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the MindSET Consortium, DICT, DOST, and their partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of or inability to use the HIRAYA platform.
12. Account Suspension and Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in misuse, or provide false information. You may request account closure at any time. Upon termination, certain records may be retained per institutional and legal requirements.
13. Modifications to Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes through the platform. Continued use of HIRAYA after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. Any disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts or through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within the Philippines.
15. Contact Us
For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact the HIRAYA project team through the MindSET Consortium at the DICT Northern Mindanao office.