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  • 4th SARITAAN gathers global research community, explores pathways to sustainable futures

    The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) convened researchers, educators, students, and academic leaders from various countries for the 4th SARITAAN: An International Multidisciplinary Research Conference, held virtually via Zoom on October 8–9, 2026. 

    Anchored on the theme, “Global Research, Innovation, and Transformation: Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Futures,” the two-day virtual conference led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE) under Vice President Jocelyn L. Absolor in collaboration with the Office of Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships, headed by Director Ranec Azarias, provided a platform for presenting research, exchanging perspectives, and discussing emerging issues in education, technology, sustainability, governance, health, culture, and community development. 

    In the opening program, ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero emphasized the importance of research in advancing knowledge, addressing societal challenges, and informing solutions that support inclusive and sustainable development. 

    Meanwhile, Dr. Absolor highlighted the role of research in examining pressing societal issues and generating evidence-based insights that can inform policies, improve existing practices, and address community needs. 

    “We want our research to answer real questions. We want our innovations to solve real problems. We want our technologies to reach those who need them. We want our policies to be informed by evidence. And above all, we want our research to matter,” she emphasized.

    The international conference brought together participants from the Philippines, Canada, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, reflecting the cross-border exchange of knowledge and research perspectives.

    A highlight of the opening program was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Pratik Rajan Mungjekar, scientist, distinguished professor, and president of the Mashelkar Swarup Space and Innovation Center in Pune, India. In his presentation, “Transforming Research into Impact: From Knowledge Creation to Sustainable Solutions,” he emphasized the importance of translating research outputs into practical solutions that respond to real-world challenges.

    Following the keynote address, research presentations proceeded simultaneously across seven thematic areas: AI, Digital, and Emerging Tech; Climate, Sustainability, and Environmental Innovation; Education, IZN, and Global Citizenship; Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Future-ready Workforce; Governance, Social, Culture, and Community Transformation; Health, Health Education, Well-being, and Social Development; and Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Systems.

    The breadth of topics underscored the multidisciplinary nature of the conference, with researchers from Philippine higher education institutions and international participants presenting studies that addressed diverse academic and societal concerns.

    The conference continued in its second day with a plenary session featuring Prof. Nada Ratkovi? of the Faculty of Economics, Business, and Tourism in Split, Croatia. She delivered a presentation titled “Global Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development,” followed by the final rounds of parallel research presentations.

    In closing, Dr. Geremy G. Sanchez, Director for Instruction, emphasized that the conference’s impact should extend beyond the presentations and discussions, urging participants to sustain research partnerships and translate shared knowledge into meaningful action.

    “The true measure of a successful research conference is not simply the number of papers presented or the discussions completed. It is the knowledge we carry forward, the partnerships we strengthen, and the actions we take to translate research into meaningful change,” he said.

    Now in its fourth year, SARITAAN is an annual research conference hosted by ISPSC. Through this initiative, the College provides a platform for researchers and academic institutions to share findings, foster international research collaboration, and explore how knowledge and innovation can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. (PAJ)

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