The 1st Research Conference on Scholarly Linkages for Universal and Sustainable Education, hosted by Saint Louis University, continued on 27 June 2026.
Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla, Associate Professor and Director of the Research Center for Language Teaching and Learning at Walailak University, Thailand, kicked off the second series of plenary sessions with his presentation on “Doing Research with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): From Global Agenda to Research Impact.”
His talk underscored the transformative role of research in advancing sustainable development, specifically how the SDGs increasingly shape funding priorities, research relevance, and community engagement, urging scholars to align their projects with pressing global challenges. He emphasized that research impact extends beyond publications to include educational reform, community empowerment, and policy influence. His plenary address inspired participants to reimagine research as a powerful tool for social transformation and inclusive progress toward the 2030 vision.
Following Dr. Ulla’s address on aligning research with global agendas, Dr. Jonathan R. Carreon, PhD, of Huahiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn, Thailand, then presented his key findings on partnership models for sustainable education through his discussion on “SDGs in Action Through Extension Programs.” He emphasized a tri‑pillar framework—Temple, School, and Community—with temples serving as cultural hubs.
Dr. Carreon highlighted initiatives such as promoting a “Market for Culture”, redefining value through the principle that “you can monetize aside from money”, and ensuring that “sustainability should be open to the public.” He concluded by stressing the importance of embedding strong foundations in every endeavor “in order not to collapse,” inspiring participants to rethink sustainability as both cultural and communal.
After the plenary sessions, the conference continued with a Campus Tour led by dedicated conference ushers. This segment allowed participants to explore the academic and cultural spaces of SLU, fostering a deeper appreciation of the institution’s commitment to sustainability and scholarly linkages. The tour provided opportunities for informal exchanges among faculty, students, and guests, complementing the formal discussions of the plenary sessions.
The afternoon session culminated with the plenary address of Local Government and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist for the UN Development Program Marjorie Balay‑as, PhD, who spoke on “Why the SDGs Matter.” Her presentation underscored the holistic vision of the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing that they put people at the center, recognize the interconnectedness of challenges, provide a shared language, promote resilience, and drive systems transformation.
Dr. Balay‑has asserted that “the SDGs matter because it puts the system on a holistic approach for confronting issues,” reminding participants that sustainability requires collective responsibility. She illustrated this by noting that “trash speaks so much about inequality” and stressed that sustainable development is not driven by individual institutions but by the quality of relationships they make. Her insights inspired the audience to embrace the SDGs as a framework for inclusive, resilient, and transformative action.
The Research Conference concluded its academic program with the Ceremonial Recognition of Best Presenters. This formal segment honored both Oral and Poster Presenters whose exemplary research contributions embodied clarity, innovation, and commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among the Oral Presentation Awardees were Christian Paul Agub (University of the East), Vince Errol Lucas (Saint Mary’s University), Jonah Gabrielle Mones (Saint Louis University), Clarenz Magsakay (Saint Louis University), Viktor Aloysius Fellizar (University of Santo Tomas), Mycah Geoanna Guingab (National University Nazareth School), and Filjhoy Hagnaya (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig). Each was recognized for outstanding delivery and scholarly impact.
For the Poster Presentation, Ethel Jovy Garcia‑Wacas (Kalinga State University) received a distinction for her work on collaborative online international learning.
This recognition underscored the conference’s vision of fostering inclusive, sustainable, and socially transformative scholarship.
The Pledge of Commitment, led by SLU RISE Center Research Capacitation and Services Officer Laarni B. Natividad, PhD, invited participants to affirm their dedication to advancing research aligned with the SDGs. This collective pledge symbolized the shared responsibility of scholars and institutions to foster inclusive, transformative, and socially relevant research.
Following this, the Closing Remarks were delivered by SLU RISE Center Director Richel L. Lamadrid, DAES, where she highlighted the importance of scholarly linkages in shaping sustainable futures and expressed gratitude to presenters, participants, and partner institutions. Her message reinforced the conference’s role as a platform for academic excellence, collaboration, and commitment to global and local impact.
True to the theme “Innovate. Integrate. Inspire: Driving Sustainable and Quality Education through the SDGs,” the conference strengthened its message that sustainable development begins with purposeful research, collaboration, and educational excellence. More importantly, it served as a platform for inspiring solutions that support long-term, inclusive progress. (Article by the SLU RISE Center | Photos by NEOLOUPHIS)
