On September 27, 2024, the 1st National Research Conference was successfully held virtually via Zoom, uniting academic institutions across the country to address global challenges through research collaboration. The event, themed โSynergizing Research for a Sustainable Future: Collaborative Solutions for Global Challenges,โ provided a platform for intellectual discourse and innovation.
The conference was formally opened by Dr. Marie Joy Q. Elomina, while Mr. Elijah Jeremiah C. Abad took the floor for the welcome speech as master of ceremonies. Different academic institutions, including Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba, Laguna State Polytechnic University, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and Laguna University, were also represented in the students’ participation.
Dr. Rosemarie D. Sabado delivered a speech highlighting the significance of research in addressing global challenges. Meanwhile, Dr. Monette O. Bato underscored the value of research collaboration and innovation. Ms. Leah E. Perez summarized the conference’s objectives, emphasizing its goal to support research initiatives and promote collaboration among academic institutions.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ruel V. Maningas, delivered an insightful presentation on โLeveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Transformation: A Roadmap to Achieving the SDGs in Higher Education.โ He focused on the role of digital literacy, blockchain technology, and digital tools in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within higher education.
Simultaneous sessions enabled the conference to have specific areas for research that its participants could delve more profoundly into. The research topics were guided by Dr. Rita C. Ramos, Dr. Evangeline T. Pasion, Dr. Julius G. Garcia, and Ms. Maritess T. Hicban, which brought fruitful conversations and sharing of thoughts.
In Room 3 Session 3, Technological Innovation for Sustainability category, Mr. Felix L. Huerte from AMA University presented his research titled โData-Driven Barangay Services Recommendation System using Recurrent Neural Network Algorithm,” while Engr. Joseph M. Cabiente, from LSPU-SCC, focused on โThe Current Waste Oil Disposal System in the Province of Laguna: A Preliminary Study.” Other notable presentations included research on โAutomatic De-Husked Coconut Sorting Machine Using Audio Frequency,” โEngine and Emission Performance of Mahogany Biodiesel Blended with Petro Diesel,” โWaste Oil Management and Recycling Potential in Laguna Province: A Comprehensive Investigation (Study 2),โ and โDesign and Acceptability of Tomato Juice Extractor for Tomato Paste Processing.โ.
As the event drew to a close, all participants received a certificate of attendance as well as the awards for the best research works and presenters. The winners received recognition for their outstanding contribution to the field of research.
Closing the conference made it crystal clear that multilateral cross-institutional collaboration and sharing of ideas among the scholars laid a firm foundation for collaborations in future research work. The 1st National Research Conference fostered creative ideas and contributed to the development of a better tomorrow.
By: Geram Sam Perez & Riyelle Sanchez / EUN
