URS 2024 IMREACH held

International Multidisciplinary Research and Extension Advocacy Conference: A Beacon for Global Champions of Change

By: Ms. Janelle Faulve

The University of Rizal System (URS) hosted the 2024 URS International Multidisciplinary Research and Extension Advocacy Conference for Champions of Change (IMREACH), held virtually via Zoom online from October 10-11, 2024. The event, themed “Traversing the Digital Age with Scaled Up Initiatives on the Internationalization of Research and Extension Services,” gathered international leaders and advocates to discuss how research and extension can contribute to positive societal changes in the digital era. 187 participants from 22 universities participated, and 137 presented their completed research and extension projects.

The conference was conducted in collaboration with collaborators including the Commission on Higher Education-Region IV-A (CHED-IV-A), Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), Philippine Educational Measurement and Evaluation Association (PEMEA), Philippine Extension and Advisory Services Network, Inc. (PhilEASNet), Francisco & Enriqueta Angeles Science Memorial Fund (FEASMF), Department of Science and Technology-Region IV-A (DOST-IV-A), the Department of Education-Rizal (DepEd-Rizal), and the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers-Rizal. These organizations contributed their expertise and resources to make the conference a platform for advancing knowledge and empowering communities.

The opening program on October 10 began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Marites Rio, Vice President for Research Development Extension and Production (RDEP)  of URS. She emphasized the significance of international collaboration in promoting impactful research and extension efforts.

Following her address, key figures in the academic and scientific community delivered messages of support and inspiration. Dr. Gladys Cherisse Completo, President of PAASE; Dr. Violeta Valladolid, Chairperson and President of PEMEA; and Dr. Rowena Baconguis, President of PhilEASNet, shared their thoughts on the importance of research in education and community engagement. Director Emelita Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST-IV-A, and Dr. Freddie Bulauan, OIC Regional Director of CHED IV-A, along with Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares, Governor of Rizal Province, also graced the occasion with messages that resonated with the conference’s vision.

Dr. Fe Esperanza Mateo, Director for Extension Services at URS, then presented the event’s purpose and introduced the participants. The audience was treated to a special performance by the Olivas Sisters, setting an uplifting tone for the conference.

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Ralph Turingan, a professor of Biological Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology, USA. His talk explored how the digital age has transformed the way research is conducted and shared globally, offering insights into how researchers and advocates can harness digital tools to advance societal development.

A stunning cultural performance by the Hiyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe followed, infusing the event with Filipino heritage and artistry.

The first day featured three significant plenary sessions, starting with Dr. Rommel Sergio, Associate Dean and Professor at the Canadian University of Dubai. His talk on “Fusing Research Output with Social Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Business Models in Promoting Economic Empowerment” shed light on the potential of merging academic findings with practical business strategies. Dr. Nicle Tiratira, Director of the URS Morong Campus, moderated the session’s open forum.

The second plenary session, presented by Dr. Marvin Cinense, Director of the Philippine Sino-Center for Agricultural Technology at Central Luzon State University, focused on “Researching Sustainable Urban Development Practices.” This session was moderated by Dr. Julieta Fulgado, Dean of the College of Education at URS Pililla Campus.

The day’s third and final plenary session was delivered by Dr. Genaro Japos, a Social Science Research Specialist and Founder/President of the International Association of Multidisciplinary Research and the Philippine Association of Institutions for Research, Inc. His topic, “Sustainable and Enabling Mechanisms for Research and Community Development,” highlighted key frameworks for driving research that supports community development. Dr. Analyn Inarda, a faculty member at URS Rodriguez Campus, moderated the open forum.

Day two commenced with Dr. Jocelyn Gagalang, Director of the Information Unit, delivering the opening remarks. This was followed by a synthesis of the previous day’s discussions by Prof. Ferdinand Gimeno, RDE Head of URS Rodriguez Campus.

Two prominent figures in education, Dr. Mariano Sto. Domingo, representative of FEASMF and Dr. Doris Estalilla, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Rizal, offered words of encouragement to the participants.

The fourth plenary session was led by Dr. Yong-Chao Su, Assistant Professor at Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan. He discussed “Translating Scholarly Outputs into Innovative Extension Strategies for the Marginalized Sectors,” a topic that resonated with many attendees seeking to create more inclusive research practices for the benefit of the community. An open forum moderated by Prof. Ruff Jon Florendo, Jr., Faculty of URS Tanay Campus, allowed further exploration of this important theme.

Following the plenary, participants were divided into parallel sessions, focusing on five key themes: Quality Education, Gender Equality / Good Health and Well-being / Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Cities, Industry and Innovation, and Extension Services. These breakout sessions offered deeper discussions and opportunities for collaboration among the attendees.

The event also featured a special performance by Ms. Danica Robles and Mr. Christian Russel Rones from the RDEP Division, adding a creative flair to the proceedings.

The closing program included the awarding of plaques to collaborating organizations and certificates to individuals who excelled in the conference. Awards were given for Best Paper, Best Presenter, and Best e-Poster, celebrating the outstanding contributions of participants.

Dr. Florante Mercado, Director of URS Rodriguez Campus, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all those who participated and contributed to the event’s success.

The 2024 URS IMREACH was a monumental event that accentuated the vital role research and extension services play in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. By leveraging the power of digital tools and international collaboration, the conference provided a platform for scholars, advocates, and leaders to exchange ideas and scale up initiatives that benefit marginalized communities and promote economic empowerment.

The event reinforced URS’s commitment to Nurturing Tomorrow’s Noblest, ensuring that research and extension work contribute to real-world solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.

With the successful conclusion of IMREACH 2024, the University of Rizal System has set a high standard for future conferences, promoting the internationalization of research and continuing to support Champions of Change in their endeavors to make a lasting impact.