With the theme, “Innovation and Research Collaboration Toward a Sustainable Future,” the three-day hybrid International Conference on Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development officially opened on 26 June 2025.
Co-hosted by seven higher education institutions (HEIs), the conference brings together researchers, innovators, educators, and industry experts from around the world to exchange ideas and foster partnerships aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Philippine institutions co-hosting the event include Apayao State College (ASC), Holy Trinity University–Palawan (HTU), Saint Louis University–Baguio City (SLU), Saint Mary’s University–Bayombong (SMU), and University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USL). International partners include Guizhou Vocational College of Foodstuff Engineering-Guizhou, China; Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College-Shanghai, China; and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences–Shinas, Oman.
Held onsite at the USL Main Campus, Tuguegarao City, and accessible virtually via Zoom, the event runs from 26-28 June 2025 with several key objectives including facilitating knowledge sharing across diverse disciplines such as science, technology, education, health, social sciences, and environmental studies. The conference also aims to highlight innovative projects that tackle sustainability issues, provide researchers a global stage to present their work, and encourage networking among academic institutions, industries, and government agencies to foster joint initiatives.
Plenaries and the SDG Summit
The conference commenced with a warm welcome from the USL Senior Director of the University Research and Innovation Office, Darin Jan C. Tindowen, PhD, followed by an introduction of participants and the conference’s purpose by the Head of the Center for Social Innovation and Education Research at USL, Jennifer C. Bangi.
This year there are 36 participating schools. Among these are SLU, USL, SMU, HTU, ASC, Adamson University (AdU), Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk Catholic School Network (AVTCSN), Bohol Island State University (BISU), Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC), De La Salle University (DLSU)-Manila, DLSU-Dasmariñas, Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), National University (NU), Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU), Partido State University (PSU)-Camarines Sur, Philippine Normal University (PNU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas (UST)-Manila, St. Dominic College of Asia (SDCA)-Cavite, Saint Paul University-Tuguegarao City (SPUP), Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), Tarlac State University (TSU), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), University of Rizal System (URS), University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum College-Tagum City, and University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
Foreign universities participating are Comilla University-Bangladesh, Noakhali Science and Technology University- Bangladesh, Universitas Airlangga-Surabaya, Indonesia; Yunnan Open University-China.
USL University President Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, PhD, represented by Vice President for Academics at USL, Luisa B. Aquino, EdD, delivered the opening message underscoring the university’s commitment to sustainable development. “Knowledge thrives when it is not confined, but when it is extended, questions, and disseminated. This conference is more than a celebration of scholarly work. It is also a celebration of international innovation and collaboration, ” she said.
Apayao State College President, John Cabansag, PhD, gave a message of encouragement and said, “The conference provides us with a timeless canvas upon which we chart the course towards the Sustainable Development Framework. Not only does your presence enhance the conversation, but it also propels the vision to shared advancement.”
As an annual event that champions knowledge-sharing, the conference serves as a platform to share ideas, learn from one another and be reminded of why education and innovation matters.
Opening the series of insightful talks, Assistant Professor of the Department of Forest Biological Sciences of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Mr. Ethan O. Hernandez, gave the first plenary session with his discussion on, “Content Creation for Sustainable Development and Environmental Advocacy.”
The SDG Summit then commenced with a series of presentations showcasing impactful initiatives aligned with the SDGs.
Ifugao State University (IFSU) President Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, PhD shared IFSU’s journey toward recognition in sustainability through her presentation, “From Highlands to Global Heights: Ifugao State University’s SDG Journey and the Path to THE Impact Rankings.” IFSU anchored their eight-year strategic plan on the SDGs to remain sustainable and globally relevant. Their value proposition is founded on the principle that indigenous knowledge is inherently a sustainable concept.
SLU, represented by Executive Assistant to the SLU President, Dr. Joselito Gutierrez, presented the university’s SDG journey, highlighting the CICM Louisians’ INAYAN (Invigorating Network and Alliance for Sustainability Achievement and Ecological Preservation) Program. Recognized by the Vatican as a Laudato Si’ university, INAYAN serves as a flagship initiative within the SLU SDG Binnadang program. It integrates sustainable and ecological programs into the university’s curriculum and activities. This approach involves the collaborative efforts of all SLU faculty, staff, and students.
Other participating institutions, including, HTU, ASC, SMU, USL, and Yunnan Open University-China also shared their SDG initiatives, fostering a spirit of collective progress.
Innovation, Research Productivity, and Indigenous Heritage
The next two days will present an engaging mix of keynote sessions, parallel research presentations, and plenary sessions featuring distinguished speakers.
The visionary tone was set by keynote speaker Dr. Khayala Mammadova, Vice Rector for International Relations of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation, who spoke about “Green Innovation and Global Partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prof. Guo Hongtao, PhD, Vice President of Yunnan Open University, then drove the conversation forward with insights on green energy and environmental catalysis.
On Day 2, Engr. Gerhard P. Tan, MSE, Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations of Globe Telecom, will discuss “Technology Innovation: Key to National and Sustainable Development.” Following this will be a presentation on “Enhancing Research Productivity in the Academe” by Dr. Leonilo B. Capulso, the Publisher, CEO, and President of Beyond Books Publication.
Day 3 of the conference will delve into sustainable futures and the heritage of indigenous peoples. Prof. Leah E. Abayao, PhD, Professor of History at the University of the Philippines-Baguio, will discuss “Sustainable Futures and Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage,” highlighting the vital role of indigenous knowledge and culture in shaping resilient and inclusive development. Complementing this, Dr. Joefrelin Collado Ines, Head of the Department of Business Administration at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Shinas, Sultanate of Oman, will focus on the need to drive meaningful progress toward the SDGs through the topic, “Purpose-Driven Innovation and Collaborative Research for Transformational Impact in Achieving the SDGs.”
The conference will then conclude with awards recognizing outstanding presenters and papers, followed by a message of thanks from Darin Jan Tindowen, PhD, the Conference Chair and Senior Director of University Research and Innovation at USL.
The International Conference on Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development fosters cooperation and bridges the academia and industry to address pressing sustainability challenges aligned with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
