Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully hosted the 2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR) from September 16 to 19, bringing together leading researchers, academics, and institutional leaders from across the Philippines and abroad. 

Themed, “Innovative Pathways: Advancing the SDGs through Transformative Research Methods,” the four-day hybrid conference spotlighted the crucial role of evidence-based research in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The international gathering opened on September 16 with its virtual leg, featuring 197 online paper presentations via Zoom, showcasing the expanse of research pursuits.

Meanwhile, the in-person conference commenced on September 17 at the university gymnasium, beginning with the traditional arrival of honors for distinguished guests, including Naval Mayor Hon. Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, keynote speaker Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III of Global Health Focus, plenary speakers Dr. Ehatasam Ul Hoque Eiten and Ms. Tahsina Yasmin of Daffodil International University (DIU), and consortium leaders led by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, president of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and chair of the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publication, Inc. (VMCJPI).

In his welcome address, BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. issued a bold call to action, urging researchers to move beyond rhetoric and instead build “tools that tell leaders what works.” 

He further emphasized three key deliverables for the research community: better designs through robust methodologies such as quasi-experimental and mixed-method approaches; better measures aligned with SDG targets and disaggregated by demographics to ensure inclusivity; and better routes to action through practical outputs such as policy briefs and implementation guides for schools, hospitals, and local governments.

“This is why ICMAR matters; there is a working session on method, evidence, and use,” Prof. Cañezo said. “It is the kind of ecosystem we strive to build—one where strong methods lead to real impact.”

Mayor Espina, in her message of support, praised BiPSU’s leadership in hosting the international event. To honor participants, the mayor hosted a BiPSU Night at the Naval People’s Park—a cultural celebration coinciding with the town’s Pueblo Day festivities.

The intellectual core of ICMAR was defined by keynote and plenary lectures, wherein Dr. Prisno delivered an inspiring address on the critical role of global health research.

Additionally, Dr. Eiten presented “From Ideas to Impact: How Research Drives the Sustainable Development Goals,” highlighting how innovative methodologies transform concepts into strategies for SDG achievement. Complementing his talk, Ms. Yasmin delivered “Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Transformation in Higher Education Institutions,” emphasizing the role of universities in reimagining systems and practices to address sustainability challenges worldwide. 

Parallel sessions held on September 17 and 18 sustained the momentum of scholarly exchange, with more than 200 papers presented across fields such as education, health sciences, business, technology, and community development. The sessions culminated in the awarding of Best Papers and Best Presenters, recognizing outstanding contributions from among the participants.

ICMAR 2025’s success was attributed to the collaborative effort of the VMCJPI Technical Working Group, composed of vice presidents and research officials from 18 state universities and colleges nationwide, which include Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), BiPSU, Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Bohol Island State University (BISU), Cebu Normal University (CNU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Negros Oriental State University (NOrSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST), Samar State University (SSU), Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR). 

During the closing program on September 18, the consortium recognized the Best Paper awardees across four strands, to wit: in Social Sustainability, the award went to Jonecis A. Dayap of the USJR for “Mathematical Model of Dengue Transmission Dynamics with Adaptive Human Behavior;” for Inclusive Development, Mark John M. Martinez of ASSCAT was awarded for “Mapping the Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of ASEAN Countries’ Special Education Research;” in Sustainable Economic Development, Rhea Joy D. Flora of GSU won for “Soil Fertility Assessment of Guimaras’ Mango Plantations;” and in Environmental Sustainability, Mary Jane Madario of the UEP earned recognition for her study on the antibacterial properties of sea moss.

Winners of the Best Paper Presentation were also announced, to wit in the Virtual Category, recognition went to Jelyn M. Magno of BiPSU, Katherine B. Akut of BukSU, and Velinda T. Gorduiz of SLSU for their research on social media and literature, faculty development trends, and machine learning applications, respectively. In the Onsite Category, awards were given to Jonecis A. Dayap of USJR, Steve I. Embang of  NMSCST, Alberto E. Lastimado Jr. of NEMSU, and Cyril A. Cabello of Cebu Technological University–Moalboal Campus for their works spanning dengue modeling, teacher education, turbine optimization, and water quality assessment.

This year’s international conference concluded on September 19 with a cultural immersion and post-conference meeting, offering participants a deeper connection to Biliran’s heritage while strengthening professional and institutional collaborations.

In just four days, ICMAR 2025 proved to be more than an academic gathering but a platform where research met reality, collaboration turned into solutions, and BiPSU affirmed its role as a university weaving the Philippines into the global fabric of transformative research.

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