Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal, University & Board secretary, and Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, director of the Strategic Innovation & Knowledge Laboratory (SIKLAB) and executive assistant to the President, formally concluded their participation in the Higher Education Leadership Mentoring (HELM) Fellowship Program at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The UPLB HELM Fellowship, a new initiative under the UPLB Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE), offers officials and administrators from UPLB's partner Higher Education Institutions—including Biliran Province State University—the opportunity to engage with UPLB leaders.

This program, which started this year, provides Fellows with exposure and immersive experiences at UPLB, designed to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to the development and advancement of their respective institutions.

EA Peñaranda and Dr. Arcenal, who were officially accepted as fellows on September 4 this year, participated in the program from November 25 to 29. During this five-day engagement, they personally interacted with various offices at UPLB, immersing themselves in its systems and operations.

Dr. Arcenal explained that the fellowship lasted only five days, as specified in their acceptance form. He further noted that the Fellows could have opted to participate in the program for a longer duration, such as one month.

Throughout the fellowship, BiPSU officials had the opportunity to observe UPLB's systems and operations across various units, depending on their chosen fellowship tracks.

EA Peñaranda, who selected the administrative track, visited UPLB's administration and planning and development units. Meanwhile, Dr. Arcenal, opting for the academic track, explored all units under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

EA Peñaranda highlighted that the program was structured as a mentorship, providing personalized guidance from UPLB key officials. This involved one-on-one interviews, shadowing sessions to observe their operations firsthand, and document reviews.

Moreover, during the exit conference on November 29, held via Zoom, Dr. Arcenal expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from UPLB officials, emphasizing his plans to apply the knowledge and insights gained to BiPSU.

“My five days under the HELM Fellowship were nothing short of WoW: Warm, Overwhelming, and Worthwhile,” he shared, referencing BiPSU’s WoW trademark. “I am forever grateful and will certainly bring all that I have learned back to my university.”

Meanwhile, EA Peñaranda said that the fellowship was also their chance to benchmark UPLB's best practices and expressed optimism that their immersion and exposure to UPLB’s operations would significantly benefit BiPSU.

“This experience has really provided us with insights and practices that we can adapt to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our own systems at BiPSU,” he said.

Both fellows from BiPSU are the last participants to conclude the UPLB HELM Fellowship, which officially ends on November 30.

The exit conference, held on November 28, was attended by key officials from both UPLB and BiPSU.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education]

MANILA, Philippines—To enhance the academic offerings in both institutions, particularly in engineering and its graduate programs, Adamson University (AdU) and Biliran Province State University (BIPSU) forged a partnership in collaborative teaching and faculty development, held at Adamson University, Manila, on November 29.  

The partnership was formalized through the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) spearheaded by Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilarion, president of Adamson University, and Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., president of Biliran Province State University. 

Witnessing the said MOA signing from BiPSU were the OIC-Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, Planning Officer I Engr. Ronn Lennard Napala, and University Media and Information Office Director Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, while attending from AdU were Dean Dr. Merlinda A. Palencia, and Engineering Program Chairpersons Engr. Jerome Jordan F. Famadico, Engr. Jerry G. Olay, Engr. Joan D. Sta. Ana, Engr. Adrian Raymund C. Fernandez, Engr. Noemi B. Fernandez, and Engr. Lester Alfred M. Olasiman. 

The  MOA outlines a commitment between the two universities to engage in joint teaching in undergraduate engineering programs at AdU. These programs include Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Under this partnership, BIPSU will provide qualified faculty members to collaborate with their counterparts at AdU in delivering professional courses. 

Adamson University will also offer graduate study opportunities to eligible faculty from BiPSU. These include master’s programs in engineering disciplines, such as Master of Engineering major in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as specialized programs like Master of Science in Construction Management and Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Major in Geotechnical Engineering.

The modes of delivery for delivering the programs include in-person classes at AdU, online or blended learning platforms, and collaborative research initiatives or joint projects, which may be conducted at AdU or BIPSU's research facilities. 

In his message delivered before the AdU officials, BiPSU President Cañezo expressed his hope that the partnership will not only improve the quality of instruction for students but will help the institution attain the COPC compliant for the engineering programs. 

“Indeed there is a spirit of cooperation and not competition  by sharing your (AdU) human resource  to help our engineering programs. We are happy to avail the services of AdU so not only we can improve the quality of instruction but this partnership will also contribute in realizing your vision and your mission to help those underprivileged.”  

AdU President, Fr. Pilarion revealed plans to expand the university’s program offerings in Mindanao. However, he highlighted that partnering with BiPSU presents an opportunity to extend their services first  in the Visayas. 

The president of AdU also noted that Biliran could become a central hub for universities in Eastern Visayas, particularly in offering  master’s programs in engineering. “We are grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “Sharing expertise is essential—the more it is shared, the greater the impact," he disclosed.

Key officials from the AdU Engineering Department, including President Pilarion, are scheduled to visit BiPSU at the start of the second semester in January 2025. The visit will include a face-to-face meeting with faculty and students from BiPSU's Engineering Department.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education]

Over 100 academic scholars from various schools of Biliran Province State University participated in the research mentorship workshop on writing thought papers publishable in Scopus Indexed Journals on November 28 held at the student center.

The training aimed to help the participants in finding the right journals that are indexed in Scopus for publishing research articles, given the advantages in terms of credibility and impact. On the same day, a writeshop and mentoring proper transpired.

In his message, Dr. Roland A. Niez, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, highlighted the opportunity that the research mentorship workshop will bring for students.

“This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and take your research to the next level,” Dr. Niez said.

He also emphasized that the scholar’s dedication not only supports solely to their professional and personal development but also contributes to the broader mission of the university.

“Your dedication to this endeavor reflects your commitment not only to personal and professional growth but also to contributing to the broader mission of Biliran Province State University,” he added.

Organized by the Research and Development Office (RDO) through its Director, Dr. Pearl Irish de paz, the workshop featured top 2% World Scientist and GHF-University Excellence founder Prof. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, and Mr. Jerico Ogaya, project manager of GHF-University Excellence.

The writeshop and mentorship program was designed to equip the university's academic scholars with the necessary skills and guidance to produce high-quality scholarly articles, write and publish thought papers in Scopus-indexed journals, and effectively learn about academic publishing. This initiative also aimed to create an active involvement in enhancing the university's research output and contributing to its continuous progress.

The training was first mentioned by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. during a meeting with all academic scholars on October 30 where he revealed about the university’s target to produce at least 1,000 thought papers by 2027.

“Our goal is ambitious yet achievable, to produce at least 1,000 thought papers that reflect the brilliance and dedication of our academic scholars,” the university president said. “This effort will not only elevate the university’s research standing but also contribute valuable knowledge to the global academic community.”

Moreover, key officials who attended the whole-day activity include Dr. Niez and Dr. De paz. 

[This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education.]

Biliran Province State University takes pride in hosting the 6th Regional Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICpEP) and CPE challenge, the biggest gathering of computer engineering students and professionals in the region, on November 25-27 held at the BiPSU Gymnasium.

A total of 99 computer engineering students, accompanied by 25 dedicated professionals and representatives from five State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the regions offering Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE) program, participated in the three-day event.

In her message, Engr. Maricris M. Ediza, president of ICpEP Region 8 and BSCpE faculty of Samar State University (SSU), emphasized the importance of holistic excellence and innovation. "This event is more than just brilliant minds and exceptional talents, it is a celebration of collective progress, collaboration and innovation in computer engineering," she said.

The participating SUCs include Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), represented by both its Salcedo and Main campuses, Samar State University (SSU), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), and Biliran Province State University (BiPSU).

Themed, "Innovating the future: The Role of Computer Engineers in the Digital World," this year’s convention centered on exploring the pivotal contributions of computer engineers in shaping the digital landscape.

Dr. Ryan S. Evangelista, President of the International Council of E-Professionals (ICpEP) Singapore and the inaugural speaker, delved deep into explaining this year’s convention theme. His session, titled "Smart Cities and IoT: Building a Connected Future," explored innovative solutions and offered valuable insights into how interconnected systems can transform urban living.

The convention featured a series of workshops and competitions focused on emerging technologies and innovation in computer engineering, including quiz bowl, logic breadboarding, programming, robothon, and mobile legends.

Meanwhile, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., BiPSU and PASUC-8 president, reminded the participants that true progress is achieved through steadfast commitment and collective efforts.

"This year's convention aims to seamlessly intertwine our diverse ideas, unique expertise, and shared ambitions, fostering a collaborative spirit that has the potential to lead us to even greater achievements in the future," he remarked.

Moreover, SSU emerged as the champion of the quiz bowl competition, while SLSU secured second place, and ESSU Main captured the third-place spot.

In the logic breadboarding competition, BiPSU showcased its prowess by clinching the championship title, followed closely by SLSU and SSU in second and third places, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the Java programming category, SLSU rose to the top, with SSU securing the runner-up position and BiPSU finishing in third.

SSU also dominated the C programming competition, emerging as the champion, with SLSU and BiPSU taking second and third places, respectively.

SLSU also excelled in the C++ category, winning first place, while ESSU – Salcedo Campus took second and BiPSU secured third.

In the Python programming category, SSU demonstrated its skill by winning the championship, followed by SLSU in second place and BiPSU in third.

Additionally, in the Mobile Legends competition, BiPSU clinched first place, dominating SSU and SLSU, which placed second and third, respectively.

In the anticipated robothon competition, SLSU emerged victorious, capturing the championship title with their impressive robotic design and performance. SSU finished in second place, while ESSU – Salcedo Campus earned third.

Meanwhile, SLSU was hailed as the overall champion of the event, with SSU securing second place and BiPSU finishing in third.

This year's edition marks the first time BiPSU has hosted the convention.

[This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure]

Making history as the first SUC in the Philippines to participate in the Performance Governance System (PGS), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) passed the initiated stage of the PGS and honored with Governance Trailblazer Award after its exceptional performance during the Public Governance Forum Revalida held at Luxent Hotel, Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, today, November 28. 

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. led the successful presentation at the forum, where he presented and defended the strategic governance documents under the WoW BiPSU 2.0 Development Plan for 2024-2027, highlighting the university’s transformation through the governance system. 

The 15-minute revalida presentation of Dr. Cañezo was followed by a 45-minute panel evaluation with key panelists, including ISA fellow Mary Jane C. Ortega, Atty. Paolo Raynor E. Salvosa, Atty. Alexander B. Cabrera, Dr. Nicomedes B. Alviar, Dr. Severina M. Villegas, and Engr. Feliciana P. Jacoba, president of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.

Attended by over 300 delegates from the 11 public institutions across the Philippines, the Public Governance Forum, organized by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), is an event that gathers national government agencies and local government units to showcase their performance and discuss their progress toward advancing in the stages of the good governance pathway.

In December 2022, BiPSU began its PGS journey when President Canezo, along with his team, initiated discussions with the ISA, which led to the establishment of strategic goals outlined on its Strategic Change Agenda. 

“I want to ensure that no student ever has to feel the way I did. I don’t want any student to feel that BiPSU is not a place to build their future. I want them to look at BiPSU and see all that we have transformed—our academic programs, our world-class faculty, our innovative research, and our state-of-the-art facilities—and know that this is the place where their dreams can be realized,” shared Dr. Cañezo, in his revalida speech.

The forum also featured a keynote address from Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual, former secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, who emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration in governance. 

Dr. Pascual noted, “The presentations today proved that we can build the dream for a better Philippines. Because each initiative and innovations presented show the transformative pillar of accountability—it demands that leaders  uphold the trust of the people and deliver impactful results.”

With the Governance Trailblazer Award, BiPSU affirms its commitment to sustainable development, quality education, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. It strongly defines the university’s efforts of creating a thriving institution that excels amidst change with the collective effort of its faculty, staff, students, partners and stakeholders from both  campuses.

In his closing remarks, ISA Chief Executive Evaristo S. Francisco, Jr. congratulated the 11 participating public institutions and  emphasized  the importance of transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance.

“The awards you received today  elevate not only your respective institutions but the lives of the many people in the communities you serve,” he closed. 

Joining Dr. Cañezo at the forum were Executive Assistant Joedel Peñaranda, University and Board Secretary Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal, Institutional Planning Office Director Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera, University Media and Information Office Director Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, Planning Officer I Engr. Ronn Lenard Napala, and UMIO Staff Ralph L. Javines.

Having successfully completed the initiation stage of the PGS, BiPSU now aims to progress through the next stages—the compliance stage, proficiency stage, and institutional stage. 

Congratulations, BiPSU!

#WoWBiPSU

With reinforced efforts in advancing international collaboration and environmental sustainability, Biliran Province State University formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT RRC.AP).

RRC.AP is a specialized center within the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), located in Pathumthani, Thailand. Established to address environmental and sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, RRC.AP serves as a knowledge hub and facilitator for regional cooperation on different environmental issues.

Held on November 28 at the BiPSU HAVC, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. and Dr. Guilberto Borongan, director of AIT RRC.AP, represented their respective organizations in formalizing the agreement, which establishes a five-year partnership aimed at promoting research, innovation, and capacity-building efforts in addressing pressing environmental challenges. 

In an interview, Dr. Cañezo said that the partnership is another step for BiPSU in its vision of becoming a world-renowned university responsive to the needs of both local and global communities. 

“We are so glad to have joined hands with AIT RRC.AP,” the university president said. “We aim to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge and solutions addressing climate change and sustainable resource management.”

The MOU outlines collaborative initiatives between the two institutions, particularly in the areas of research, waste and resource management, climate change adaptation, and pollution mitigation. 

WIth the understanding memorandum, both BiPSU and the RRC.AP agreed to promote joint research projects, knowledge-sharing through webinars and other activities, and the exchange of faculty and researchers. Additionally, the partnership includes initiatives to publish research outputs and explore innovative solutions for global environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, Dr. Borongan expressed gratitude for the partnership. “At the Asian Institute of Technology, we want to expand our reach,” the director said. “With our new president [of AIT] just being installed this year, we aim to strengthen partnerships with various institutions in different parts of the world."

Dr. Borongan also emphasized the potential for joint research initiatives between faculty members of both institutions, depending on the specific needs of both parties, particularly in advancing solid waste management strategies.

He also encouraged the university to send students for exchange programs and faculty members for graduate studies in Thailand. "The Asian Institute of Technology offers many scholarships that you can take advantage of," he stated.

The RRC.AP Director also mentioned that they offer self-paced online courses, which interested applicants can access through their e-learning platform at [elearning.rrcap.ait.ac.th](http://elearning.rrcap.ait.ac.th).

Key officials also attended the ceremonial signing including Dr. Susan S. Bentor, vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Roland Niez, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services;Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Matias Bentor, School of Graduate Studies dean; Dr. Analiza Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development; Dr. Conception Gayrama, director of the University Learning Resource Center; Dr. Alvin Ampong, director of Extension Services; and Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, legal officer III and director of the Internationalization Affairs Office.

This recent engagement, through the School of Graduate Studies, aligned on the university’s ongoing efforts to establish meaningful international linkages and contribute to global academic and research initiatives.

[This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

To emphasize the importance of having a sound mind for effective leadership in various units and offices in the university, Biliran Province State University held a seminar on mental health on November 27 at the BiPSU Hyflex and Audio-Visual Center.

The activity, titled “Enhancing Mental Health for Effective Leadership”, was attended by key officials including vice-presidents, deans, directors, and unit heads.

The seminar, organized by the Human Resource and Management Office, aimed to emphasize the importance of mental health in leadership by focusing on how prioritizing well-being can improve decision-making and stress management and foster a positive work environment.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Susan S. Bentor, vice president for academics, emphasized that the seminar's goal was to help leaders embrace their humanity and cultivate a supportive, resilient culture in both their professional and personal lives.

"Today's event is about reclaiming our humanity as leaders," she said. "It is about equipping ourselves to build a culture of compassion and resilience within our workplace, our communities, and, most importantly, within ourselves."

The seminar featured Dr. Jan Harry Cabungcal, a United Kingdom-based neuroscientist, professor, and mental health expert, who led a discussion on “How to Have Good Mental Health in This Crazy World.” 

In his talk, Dr. Cabungcal explained the importance of mental well-being in today’s high-stress environment. He provided useful tips for managing stress, building resilience, and maintaining mental health, emphasizing how leaders and individuals can overcome challenges while staying healthy.

Following the discussion, an open forum session was conducted where participants had the opportunity to reflect on the seminar's content and engage in meaningful discussions about mental health and leadership.

Meanwhile, Dr. Roland A. Niez, vice president for research, innovation, and extension services, encouraged attendees to apply the lessons learned during the seminar to help build a healthier, more compassionate community at BiPSU. 

"As we move forward, may the lessons we gain today serve as tools to create a healthier, more empathetic, and dynamic community here at BiPSU,” he said. “Let this seminar remind us that when we nurture our minds and spirits, we empower ourselves to live with clarity, compassion, and purpose.”

The conduct of the activity aligns with CSC Circular No. 4, S. 2020, and the CSC-DOH-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, S. 2020 which mandate all government agencies to establish a Mental Health Program.

#WOWBiPSU

(This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.)

In its move to empower change in the most basic political unit of the society, Biliran Province State University, through the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naval and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Biliran, formally unveiled the Barangay Development Plan: Quality Assessment Tool (DBP-QUAT).

The BDP-QUAT is a structured evaluation framework designed to assess the quality, comprehensiveness, and sustainability of Barangay Development Plans (BPDs) created by barangay councils. This tool ensures that plans align with local needs, adhere to government standards, and incorporate best practices for sustainable community development.

Meanwhile, BPDs are comprehensive planning instruments for local governance that guide barangays in identifying priority areas for service delivery, resource allocation, and achieving development goals.

Tripartite community project

The university officially entered into a partnership agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Biliran and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naval on November 20 last year.

The tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlined the implementation of the “Enhanced Barangay Development Plan Project: Building a Resilient, Safe, Self-Reliant, and Development Dominated Community.”

The groundbreaking project seeks to enhance the ability of local barangays to create comprehensive and sustainable development plans, and develop an assessment tool to measure the effectiveness and quality of BDPs.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. mentioned that forging linkages with other institutions to deliver quality extension programs is one of the university’s mandates. “We want to empower our barangay officials, because that’s our mission: to extend services for the empowerment and development of our people.

With the partnership, BiPSU faculty members from the SGS and SAS provided technical assistance to barangay officials, helping them craft three-year development plans that incorporated recommendations derived from the assessment tool.

A research-based project

The BDP-QUAT is a joint research-based extension project of BiPSU, LGU-Naval, and DILG-Biliran. The tool aimed to evaluate the BDPs of Naval's 26 barangays, identifying gaps and challenges in their formulation and implementation.

Initially, the team conducted environmental scanning and interviews with 96 personnel across the 26 barangays in Naval to identify existing practices and challenges in BDP formulation.

According to Dr. Annel Ruth Celis, project leader and chairperson of BA Economics and Master in Public Management (MPM), the research highlighted compliance with the standard 10-step BDP formulation process but also revealed issues such as incomplete documentation and weak evidence of compliance. 

“Challenges included limited manpower, unreliable databases, inadequate resources for data-driven planning, and the use of English in planning documents, which hindered effective participation,” she added.

Using the insights from this analysis, a draft version of the assessment tool was created, which included specific indicators for evaluating the quality, comprehensiveness, and sustainability of BDPs.

However, in an interview, Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin, chair of the SAS Department of Communication, explained that the tool will still undergo reliability and validity testing next semester before it can be officially used to assess BDPs in the province, and potentially in the region and across the country.

The tool will also be pilot-tested in 15 barangays, where it will be evaluated for its practical application and feasibility.

DILG Cluster Head Carolina Ampong also mentioned that the tool will be presented to the Local Government Academy (LGA) for the institutionalization and rollout of the tool to other LGUs.

Groundbreaking project: first in the country

The assessment tool was formally presented by the SAS and SGS faculty members to LGU-Naval and DILG-Biliran on November 25 at the LGU Hall.

The presentation was attended by Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie Espina, DILG Cluster Head Ampong, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Naval Dexter Narrido, SGS Dean Dr. Matias Bentor, Dr. Celis, Dr. Sabonsolin, and SGS and SAS faculty members and student-researchers.

Naval Mayor Espina believed that BiPSU’s BDP-QUAT is the first ever developed assessment tool to assess the quality of LBPs.

This was confirmed by DILG-Biliran Cluster Head Carolina Ampong. “In my long years in public service, I have not heard of a quality assessment tool to measure the BDPs,” she said.

The cluster head explained that, currently, the DILG has implemented various assessment tools in different areas, including the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA), Peace and Order Council (POC), and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC). However, there is no existing specific assessment tool for BDPs.

Meanwhile, Naval MLGOO Narrido mentioned that implementing the groundbreaking tool will be a revolutionary move in enhancing local governance and the services at the barangay level. “Once we implement this, we will be changing mindsets and empower LGUs,” he said.

Mayor Espina: ‘Government projects should be research-based’

Mayor Espina expressed her gratitude to the university for choosing the LGU-Naval to be the beneficiary of the extension program. 

She emphasized the importance of anchoring government projects and policies on research studies as it will ensure data-driven decision-making, enhance the relevance and effectiveness of initiatives, and address community needs more comprehensively.

“It is frustrating to have beautiful and ideal research studies na hindi naman nai-implement [that are not being implemented],” the Naval mayor said. “Why not we do: you do the research, and here in LGU, we implement it.”

Mayor Espina pledged to make sure that QUAT will be implemented in LGU-Naval once it gets a go signal for implementation. 

“It’s not an overnight implementation, it takes a lot of political will,” Mayor Espina said. “But here in LGU, we will do this because we need it here.”

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) continues its global strides as Joedel Peñaranda, Director of Strategic Innovation & Knowledge Laboratories (SIKLAB), represented the institution at the Dubai Future Forum (DFF) 2024. The event took place on November 18-20, 2024, at the iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Dubai Future Forum, recognized as the largest gathering of futurists globally, brought together 2,500 participants from over 100 countries. With more than 150 speakers and 70 workshops and sessions, the event served as a platform for fostering dialogue and innovative solutions on foresight and future studies.

This year’s theme, "Empowering Generations," aligned with the UN Summit of the Future's recommendations. Discussions explored optimistic futures for children worldwide, focusing on critical domains such as health, longevity, and environmental well-being under the subthemes: Optimizing Health, Transforming Humanity, and Futuring Nature. Key highlights included the launch of UNICEF's flagship report, "The State of the World’s Children 2024," and the recognition of groundbreaking innovations through the Dubai Future Solutions awards.

Mr. Peñaranda’s participation was further facilitated by a generous travel subsidy, emphasizing the importance of supporting thought leaders and innovators in engaging with critical global conversations. His attendance underscores BiPSU’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and integrating forward-thinking approaches into its educational and research initiatives.

As part of the Global Futures Society, 20 new international organizations joined during the forum, expanding its membership to 60 institutions worldwide. The event also celebrated advancements in foresight through the Dubai Foresight Awards, emphasizing change-making initiatives for individuals, communities, and the planet.

Peñaranda’s involvement in this prestigious gathering reflects BiPSU's dedication to contributing to international discussions shaping the future of education, innovation, and sustainability.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 13: Climate Action.]

To further support the university’s research endeavors, Biliran Province State University distributed 10 printers to research chairpersons from both the Naval and Biliran campuses. The turnover ceremony was held during the flag-raising event at the university gymnasium on November 25.

With a total value of P162,530, the printer provision aims to enhance the research capabilities of various schools within the university, eventually contributing to BiPSU’s goal of advancing research and innovation in the country.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. underscored that this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to empowering its research chairpersons. He emphasized that the printers represent an investment in their potential to conduct groundbreaking research, further solidifying BiPSU’s position as a leader in research.

“May they inspire innovation, strengthen collaboration, and bring us towards new heights of knowledge and discovery,” Dr. Cañezo said.

The recipients from the Naval Campus include Jean Paul Logronio, Fernando E. Quiroz, Shellomay Majait, Bonifacio Jumetico Jr., Crismar V. Hoylar, Kevin Lagat, and Karlotte Mae Paquiz.

Meanwhile, recipients from the Biliran Campus are Johnalisa Bulasito, Jofil Mati-om, and Maria Opelia Moreno.

This initiative highlights BiPSU’s dedication to enhancing research capabilities, promoting academic excellence, and providing practical support to its faculty members.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals No. 4: Quality Education.]