Tacloban City, Philippines – The 3rd day of the 7th International Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mathematics Plus (iSTEAM+) Research Congress 2024 was held on July 24 at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) main campus. At the event were participants from various universities in the Philippines and abroad and key EVSU officials, namely, Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, University President, Dr. Analyn C. Españo, VP for Research & Development and Extension Services, Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, VP for Internationalization and External Affairs, Dr. Lydia M. Morante, VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Benedicto T. Militante, Jr., VP for Administration and Finance. Also present were renowned plenary speakers who expertly delivered lectures on technology, innovation, and the role of higher education in the innovation ecosystem.
At the program’s inception, Vice President Militante, Jr., introduced Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, Regional Director CHED Region VIII as the initial speaker to discuss his thoughts on Higher Education’s role in innovation. Dr. Aljibe mentioned that during the recently concluded SONA 2024, the president of the Philippines together with the secretaries regarded the progress and innovation of the state universities in the country. Further, he highlighted the importance of research and development. “Strategic foresight is the very model of research,” Aljibe said. Lastly, he emphasized on knowledge transfer through research and innovation, and collaboration as best practices in this world of technological revolution.
Prof. Bernard Niño Q. Membrebe, Associate Professor and College Dean of COT, delved into the subject of “Technology Transfer and Commercialization Practices and Outputs.” In his discussion, he cited the significance and benefits of Republic Act No. 10055, which provides the framework and support system for the ownership, management, use, and commercialization of intellectual property generated from research and development funded by the government and other purposes. In addition, he conveyed the impact of an Entrepreneurial University on our aim to sustain and achieve progress in an innovative educational system.
On the 12th plenary lecture, Mr. Tashfeen Ahmad, Planning Officer of the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, shared a compelling talk on the importance of the marriage of passion and innovation. According to Mr. Ahmad, innovation is prevalent in so many countries he has visited. In Hong Kong, he dined in a restaurant that no longer used human interaction and service. Despite the prevalence of AI and other technologies, he stressed that it is vital to incorporate some form of technology without the total loss of human interaction. “If you don’t have that passion inside you then forget about innovation,” he expressed.
Another event highlight was the presentation of the certificates of appreciation and awarding ceremonies. Among the awardees were Adamson University and the University of Eastern Philippines garnering the “Most Participative and Committed University Award” for bringing seven participants from each institution. The “Overall Best Paper Award” was given to Dr. Ronald L. Orale, Vice President of Samar State University. Prof. Orale revealed that he experienced a setback in his career this year. Participating in the iSTEAM Summit fueled him to be more productive and efficient even as a full-time professor. “Look beyond the licensure exam, beyond as graduating students, change the way we deliver our lessons, our universities.” he rallied. He ended his sharing by thanking EVSU and the rest of the organizing bodies of the event for accepting his paper albeit being one of the participants who submitted late. Emphasizing EVSU’s achievement in sustaining the International STEAM+ Research Congress for seven fruitful years.
In her closing address, Dr. Analyn C. Españo, VP of Research & Development and Extension Services, mentioned that she was filled with a sense of hope and renewed purpose. “Over the past few days, we have witnessed the power of collaborative thinking and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complex challenges of sustainability,” stated Dr. Españo. On top of that, she signified how innovation can bridge theory and tangible, practical application. Similarly, she emphasized on the importance of extension as the vital link for research to reach and benefit society. She then urged the participants, stakeholders, university officials, and everyone present in the successful research congress to be the vessels of collaboration and integration that have been the focus of the discussions of the summit. At the end of her speech was the unveiling of the 8th International STEAM+ 2025 Research Congress: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Responsible Innovations for a Transformative Future.” The said event will happen on August 26-28, of the following year.
EVSU through the capable leadership of Dr. Españo and the R&D team in collaboration with PAASE will continue to facilitate and organize the International STEAM+ Research Congress for years to come. As established in the recent summit, research and innovation are valuable tools in knowledge transfer and development which are core objectives of EVSU and all learning institutions worldwide. As a university aiming for transcendence in technological education and sustainable development, it is important to ride the wave of artificial intelligence and technology. As stated by Mr. Ahmad, “The difference between advanced and ambient countries in terms of innovation is increasing. We must act now so as not to miss the boat of technological advancement.”
Written by: MSP|UMDC
Photos by: JVM|UMDC
