Tuguegarao City, Philippines — The University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) successfully hosted the International Conference on Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development (ICRISD) 2025 from June 26 to 28, 2025, uniting over a hundred researchers, educators, innovators, and sustainability advocates from across the globe in a virtual platform.
Day 1: ICRISD 2025 Officially Opens with Global Participation
The conference opened on June 26 via Zoom with a formal ceremony led by Dr. Darin Jan C. Tindowen, Conference Chair and Senior Director of the University Research and Innovation Office of USLT. He officially opened the event, highlighting the importance of collaborative research efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Messages of support were delivered by Dr. Luisa B. Aquino, Vice President for Academics of USLT, and Dr. John Cabansag, President of Apayao State College, both affirming the critical role of research and education in shaping a sustainable future.
This year’s conference was co-hosted by academic institutions from three countries. From the Philippines: Saint Louis University (Baguio), Holy Trinity University (Palawan), Saint Mary’s University (Nueva Vizcaya), and Apayao State College. International co-hosts included Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College and Guizhou Vocational College of Foodstuff Engineering from China, and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) – Shinas from Oman.
The first plenary session featured Mr. Ethan Hernandez of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, who discussed the role of content creation and media in promoting sustainability. This was followed by Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, President of Ifugao State University, who shared IFSU’s sustainability journey and its international recognitions.
A major highlight of Day 1 was the SDG Summit, where HEIs shared their institutional best practices on sustainability. Presenters included Dr. Joselito Gutierrez (SLU Baguio), Dr. Loreta Homo (HTU Palawan), Dr. Esteban Patting (ASC), and Mr. Alvic Torres (USLT). Saint Mary’s University showcased its initiatives via an audio-visual presentation.
Day 2: ICRISD Spotlights Research and Innovation for Global Impact
Day 2 began with parallel presentations grouped under three thematic tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Digital Innovation; Health, Medicine, and Well-Being; and Environmental Science and Sustainable Development. These sessions showcased pioneering studies aimed at solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge solutions.
The plenary sessions featured prominent speakers. Engr. Gerhard Tan delivered an inspiring talk on “Technology Innovation: Key to National and Sustainable Development,” emphasizing the role of innovation in achieving progress. This was followed by Dr. Khayala Mammadova, Vice-Rector for International Relations, Academy of Labor and Social Relations of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation, who spoke about “Green Innovation and Global Partnerships.” She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in scaling eco-innovative solutions and fostering stronger environmental sustainability efforts.
Later, Dr. Leonilo Capulso shared key strategies on enhancing research productivity in higher education institutions, drawing from his own leadership experience to encourage participants to foster a strong research culture.
The afternoon sessions included a second set of parallel research presentations under new themes: Social Sciences, Psychology, and Human Development; Education, Learning, and Pedagogy; Indigenous Studies and Governance; and Business, Management, and Economics. These underscored the interdisciplinary nature of the conference and its alignment with inclusive and sustainable development.
Day 3: Embracing Culture, Data, and Global Research Synergy
The final day opened with more research presentations and culminated in two powerful plenary talks. Dr. Leah Abayao of the University of the Philippines Baguio delivered a compelling keynote on Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development, emphasizing the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into sustainability frameworks.
In the afternoon, Dr. Joefrelin Ines from UTAS – Shinas, Oman, tackled the theme of Data-Driven Innovation and Sustainable Development, highlighting how evidence-based practices can shape impactful policies and solutions.
The final round of parallel research presentations wrapped up the academic sessions.
Closing and Awards
The conference closed with an awarding ceremony recognizing the contributions of research presenters, session facilitators, judges, reviewers, and co-host institutions. Best Paper and Best Presenter awards were given to outstanding participants, celebrating excellence in research and communication.
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