Fostering global collaboration and advancing research productivity, the University of Bohol Research Center (UBRC) successfully co-hosted the 13th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research, held online via Zoom on December 1–3, 2025.
Spearheaded by the Philippine Association of Institutions for Research (PAIR), Inc., the conference gathered local and international scholars from leading universities and colleges worldwide, representing diverse fields such as education, health sciences, business, social sciences, and institutional research. Bannered under the theme “From Discovery to Application: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Innovation and Impact,” the forum emphasized moving beyond theoretical inquiry toward practical, actionable, and policy-relevant research outcomes.
The conference featured keynote speakers Prof. Jose G. Vargas-Hernandez of the Financial Literacy Research Center, Universidad Cristóbal Colón, Mexico; Daina Pauoe Henry, Past President of the Peninsula Master Naturalists and Sister Cities Newport News Board Member at the College of William and Mary, USA; and Dr. Charline Nixon, Vice President for Academics and Dean of EC-Council University, USA.
Participants also represented various international institutions, including Universidad Cristóbal Colón (Mexico), EC-Council University (USA), the College of William and Mary (USA), the Open University of Sri Lanka, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, as well as institutions from Germany and Pakistan.
Through this academic engagement, the University of Bohol further strengthened its research culture and sustained its academic reputation as one of the leading research institutions in Central Visayas.
The University of Bohol likewise garnered major and special recognitions during the conference. Dr. Leah Wilfreda Echavez-Pilongo was honored as an Asian Research Ethics Expert, while Dr. Adelfa C. Maranga received the Research Article Citation Award.
DR. LEAH WILFREDA A. PILONGO
Dean, Graduate School, and University Research Center
Ryan Christian A. Tirol, newly appointed Research Affiliate, emerged as a standout awardee, earning the Best Conference Paper, Best Paper, Best Abstract, and Best Oral Research Presenter awards. To date, Tirol is the second UB researcher to garner all the major awards in a single research conference, following Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo, who achieved the same distinction years ago.
RYAN CHRISTIAN A. TIROL
Research Affiliate, University Research Center
Additional Best Abstract Awards were conferred on Anne Belle J. Barrete, Marvin G. Bongato, Myra N. Sale, Thelson Tuareg M. Cabagnot, Rosemarie L. Handugan, Febell L. Mumar, Daise Jean L. Meomeo, and Carl Sumalpong.
Meanwhile, Best Oral Research Presenter Awards were also awarded to Josefina Sarmiento-Remoreras, Mila L. Tagubar, Marvin G. Bongato, Thelson Tuareg M. Cabagnot, and Myra N. Sale.
Session judges came from a wide range of academic institutions in the Philippines and abroad. These included Adamson University, Aklan State University, Basilan State College, Bicol University–Tabaco Campus, Bulacan State University, Capiz State University, Cebu Institute of Technology–University, and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture–Sipocot Campus.
Also represented were Central Philippines State University, Davao de Oro State College, Eastern Samar State University (Borongan City and Guiuan campuses), Faith Colleges, Far Eastern University, i-Link College of Science and Technology, Inc., the International Islamic University Islamabad (Pakistan), and the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology.
Judges also came from Isabela State University (Cabagan, Cauayan, and Santiago City Extension campuses), La Consolacion College, La Consolacion University Philippines, Lemery Colleges, Inc., Linabuan National High School, Lyceum of the Philippines University–Batangas, Mindanao State University–Marawi, Mindanao State University–Maguindanao, and the MSU–Iligan Institute of Technology.
Additional participating institutions included National University–Dasmariñas, Notre Dame of Midsayap College, North Eastern Mindanao State University–Bislig Campus, the Open University of Sri Lanka, Palompon Institute of Technology–Tabango, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Philippine Normal University–South Luzon, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines–Pulilan Campus, Rizal Technological University, the Schools Division Office of the City of San Jose del Monte, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, India, Saint Paul University Philippines, St. Peter’s College (Iligan City), the University of Mindanao, Trinity University of Asia, the University of Cebu, the University of Northeastern Philippines, the University of San Jose–Recoletos, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines–Panaon, the University of Southern Mindanao, the University of the Visayas–Dalaguete Campus, and Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
(Leo Armando Boncales)
