The long‑anticipated inaugural Synergia International Research Conference—anchored in the advancement of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)— officially commenced on 6 to 8 May 2026 at Saint Louis College (SLC), San Fernando, La Union. The event was hosted by SLU, co‑hosted by Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City, and facilitated by the SLU‑Research Innovation and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center, which marked the formal participation of SLU. The conference began with the registration of presenters and attendees from various national and international institutions.
The opening ceremonies featured the entrance of colors, followed by opening remarks from Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD and an inspiring message delivered by Cherrie Melanie Ancheta‑Diego, PhD, CESO III.
The morning session enlightened minds through a keynote address by Yeo Sook Fern, PhD from Multimedia University, Malaysia. This was followed by Plenary Lecture 1, delivered by Mr. Viet Tuan Le Hoang (Peter), and Plenary Lecture 2 by Jose J. Panganay, PhD. Afterward, participants engaged in a Q&A session with the speakers, underscoring the vital relevance of research within the academe.
The afternoon session was dedicated to research presentations, where two Louisians successfully presented their papers during the Parallel Paper Presentations:
Sem. Geryl John S. Gallardo, a third-year BA Philosophy student, presented his paper titled “Journeying Towards Aesthetic Learning through the Integration of the Japanese Philosophy of Wabi-Sabi in the Academic Formation of Seminarians” under the thematic track TED1A: Pedagogical Innovation, Curriculum Design, and Faith-Inflected Learning.
Nicole Louise Z. Dyquiangco, a second-year BA Philosophy student, presented her paper titled “The Hyperreal Closet: Identity Formation and Commodification in the Philippines’ Alter X Spaces” under the thematic track PSS 2B: Identity, Family, Gender, and Psychological Vulnerability.
As for Day 2 of the novel event, the Fr. Burgos Gymnasium was graced with soulful enthusiasm as SLC students conducted the preliminaries. Soon following was a lecture on Sustainable and Inclusive Higher Education Practices led by Pramila Parajuli, PhD from St. Xavier College of Nepal.
In line with the pursuit of innovation and pragmatism, Mr. Neil T. Awit of the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business shared his insights on the significance of data-driven decision-making in the digital economy. For the final plenary talk, Amado L. Magsino, PhD urged attendees to reflect on strategic innovation and organizational learning in Higher Education Institutions.
Day 2 of the event mirrored the previous day, with the afternoon sessions hosting the research conference across different venues. The two Louisian professors conducted their paper presentations:
Sir Elvis P. Ballacay Jr., Faculty of Philosophy, presented his paper titled, “Love in the Nothingness of Being: Musings on Ferdinand Ulrich’s Transnihilation of Being in Homo Abyssus” under the thematic track PSS 3C: Community, Culture, Media, and Lived Resilience.
Isagani L. Bandoc, PhD Faculty of Religion, presented his paper titled “Bridging Physical Education with Philosophy and Spirituality: Pathways to Holistic Self Care” under the thematic track TED 1C: Educational Leadership, Guidance, and Professional Education.
The University’s participation was made possible by the collaboration of SLU RISE Center; and SLU-School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) Dean’s Office, Department of Philosophy, and New Louisian Philosophical Society (NEOLOUPHIS), together with its project, the Quality, Undergraduate, Engaged, and Exploratory Research (QUEER) Project, for the assistance that made these presentations possible.
The Synergia International Research Conference strengthens the academe, research, and society by weaving ideas, celebrating cultures, and shaping the future. We congratulate our selected Louisians who courageously and successfully shared their philosophical insights on pressing societal issues.
Indeed, the pursuit of wisdom continues—it will never fade! 🦉 (Article by Geryl John S. Gallardo, Nicole Louise Z. Dyquiangco | Photos by: Elvis P. Ballacay Jr./SLC-LU Facebook page)
