Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Isabela State University (ISU) continues to translate institutional linkages into meaningful collaborations and impactful academic initiatives as it joined distinguished higher education institutions as a co-host of the 1st Research Conference on Scholarly Linkages for Universal and Sustainable Education, held at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus, Baguio City, on June 26-27, 2026. Anchored on the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Inspire: Driving Sustainable and Quality Education through the SDGs,” the conference convened scholars, researchers, educators, administrators, professionals, and students from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand to strengthen scholarly networks and advance research-driven solutions for sustainable development.
 
The conference was jointly organized through the collaborative efforts of SLU, ISU, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP), Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), Saint Louis College – San Fernando City, La Union (SLC-SFLU), University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT), Saint Mary’s University (SMU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Kalinga State University (KSU), Baguio Central University (BCU), Aklan Catholic College (ACC), WCC Aeronautical and Technological College (WCC-ATC), and Saint Louis College of Bulanao (SLCB). The successful conduct of this conference exemplifies how institutional partnerships are realized through joint academic undertakings, collaborative research initiatives, and shared commitments, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of all participating institutions.

During the conference, numerous technical experts from ISU, led by the Executive Officer of ISU Ilagan Campus, Dr. Alfonso R. Simon, actively contributed to the scholarly discourse by serving as sub-plenary speaker, moderators/reactors, and members of the Scientific Committee across the conference’s five thematic tracks: Engineering and Technology for Sustainability; Health Sciences and Well-being; Natural and Environmental Sciences; Business, Management, and Economics for Sustainable Growth; and Social Sciences and Education for Equity and Justice. Through their expertise, they provided valuable insights, constructive evaluations, and academic guidance that enriched the quality of research presentations and interdisciplinary discussions. Likewise, ISU faculty researchers showcased their scholarly works and evidence-based solutions, demonstrating the University’s continuing commitment to producing research that advances inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.

Highlighting this milestone, the Ceremonial Conferment of the Certificate of Appreciation to ISU as a co-host institution was received by Dr. Jennelyn L. Raymundo, University Director for Knowledge and Technology Management, who served as the designated focal person in spearheading the University’s coordination and joint organization of the conference. More than a ceremonial recognition, the conferment, led by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, SLU President, with the assistance of Dr. Felina P. Espique, SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Stephenie O. Busbus, Director of the Office of Global Relations, Alumni Affairs, and Scholarship Programs (OGRAASP), solidifies the shared commitment and partnership of ISU and SLU in fostering sustainability in higher education and encouraging scholarly dialogue, networking, mentorship, and research dissemination at local and international levels.
 
This remarkable collaboration stemmed from the strong institutional synergy established between ISU and SLU during the successful conduct of the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Development on Education, Technology, Agriculture, and Gender and Development, spearheaded by ISU on March 26–27, 2026. The continued partnership reflects the mutual trust, shared vision, and collective dedication of both universities in advancing academic excellence, research innovation, and internationalization through sustained collaborative engagements.