The top scientists and members of the Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering graced the annual International STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agri-Fisheries, and Mathematics) Research Congress of Eastern Visayas State University with the theme “Digital Transformation and Innovation: Creating a more resilient environment” during the first day of the event on August 30, 9:00 o’clock in the morning, Oriental Hotel, Palo, Leyte.

“The university has always stood at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements towards bringing science closer to the people to uplift the quality of life,” said Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, as he welcomed the delegates.

Meanwhile, Hon. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, the Governor of the Province of Leyte, gave his keynote address that centered on the digital world and how it made our lives comfortable amidst the pandemic.

The hybrid research congress’ plenary sessions centered on innovation, digitalization, and the creation of a resilient environment.

Dr. Joel L. Cuello, Professor of Biosystems Engineering and Vice Chair, Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) of the University of Arizona, USA and the Balik Scientist of Eastern Visayas State University tackled the topic “A More Resilient Environment Through Digital Transformation and Innovation for Earth and Space.”

He highlighted in his talk how vertical farming can help sustain the Philippine economy and how it could help in addressing significant health crisis.

Meanwhile, the talk of Dr. Mariano R. Sto. Domingo, Associate Research Scientist of the University of Maryland, USA, centered on establishing Science identity among the Filipino people.

On the other hand, Dr. Alvin B. Culaba, academician and distinguished professor of De La Salle University, emphasized in his talk that innovation cannot take place alone. “We need to continue to improve and add value to what is already there,” he added. “Science is a business for the people.” Hence, there must be a return on investment. He further elucidated that small businesses and start-ups are breeding grounds for innovation.

In addition, Dr. Tim Eing Ming Yu, Chair Professor of Shu-Te University, Taiwan, talked about “New STEM Partnership Towards UNSDG’s Goal 17: 90 Minute Miracle of Philippine-Taiwan Bayanihan Advantages.” He put emphasis on the potential of Filipino people to excel in all aspects of life if given an enabling environment to hone their skills and talents.

Furthermore, the conference put a premium on the prime movers of the educational wheel and catalysts of scientific breakthroughs to become more relevant and responsive to the changing landscape of society brought about by the natural world.

Dr. Grace T. Cruz, Director, UP Population Institute, University of the Philippines, discussed “Imagining healthy and active ageing in the Philippines: The Role of Technology and Innovation.” She stressed in her talk how the older population of the Philippines fare in mental health, economic security, and social security, among others.

Adding to the brilliant inputs was that of Dr. Jonathan Leaño, Jr, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Textile Research Institute, who discussed “Reframing Textile R& D and Innovation in the Philippines.”

The Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, Dr. Enrico Paringit sealed the plenary sessions of the day.

The event was made possible in partnership with the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering, Department of Science and Technology, Commission on Higher Education, and Eastern Visayas Consortium for Industry and Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (EVCIEERD), the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), and the Province of Leyte.

The participating universities and agencies of the conference were the following: Abuyog Community College, Biliran Province State University, Bohol Island State University, Caleb University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Davao del Sur State College, Department of Education, Don Honorio Ventura State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Sericulture Research and Development Institute, Eastern Samar State University, Leyte Normal University, Mindanao State University, Misamis University, Northern Iloilo State University, North Western Mindanao State College of Science and Technology, Northwest Samar State University, Nueva Viscaya State University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Southern Leyte State University, Southern Luzon State University, Palompon Institute of Technology, Romblon State University, Siquijor State College, Technological University of the Philippines, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and Trivent Corporation.

The activity concluded with a fellowship night with Dr. Gisela Concepcion as the Guest of Honor. Meanwhile, a sumptuous dinner, sponsored by the Province of Leyte, through Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, was served while the EVSUNISTAs’ talent, Koro Waraynon, serenaded the participants with their beautiful rendition of songs.