Baguio Central University, through its Research and Development Center led by Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, hosted the 4th Meeting of the Amianan Network of Research Centers and Higher Education Institutions on March 9, 2026, at the Dr. Margarita Joven Fernandez Hall, BCU Bonifacio Campus, Baguio City. The gathering served as a collaborative platform for scholars and research leaders committed to advancing studies on northern Philippine communities and indigenous knowledge systems.
The meeting convened representatives from several academic institutions and research centers across Northern Luzon. Participating institutions included Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)-Lam-ang Institute, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Cervantes, Union Christian College, Lorma Colleges, University of the Cordilleras, Mountain Province State University, University of Northern Philippines, King’s College of the Philippines-Bambang, Panpacific University-Urdaneta City, Isabela State University-Cauayan City, University of the Philippines Baguio, Cordillera Career Development College, Benguet State University-Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD), and Baguio Central University.
The event provided an opportunity for participating institutions to strengthen partnerships and exchange ideas on collaborative research initiatives that focus on the cultures, histories, and knowledge systems of Northern Philippine communities. Discussions during the meeting centered on reinforcing the shared goal of promoting scholarly research that highlights indigenous knowledge and supports the preservation of cultural heritage.
A key highlight of the gathering was the discussion of the Memorandum of Understanding for the formal establishment of the Amianan Consortium, a research network envisioned to promote interdisciplinary scholarship and collaborative engagement among participating institutions. The consortium aims to serve as a platform for joint research projects, capacity-building initiatives such as seminars and training workshops, and the dissemination of scholarly outputs through conferences, publications, and academic forums.
Participants also discussed the proposed structure of the consortium, which will be composed of an Executive Committee and several working committees responsible for capacity building and research dissemination. The consortium is designed as a research and development-focused and a political network, where member institutions collaborate in advancing scholarship while maintaining their respective research programs. Membership in the consortium will remain free of affiliation fees, with collaborative initiatives to be supported through joint research projects and potential funding opportunities.
Through this meeting, the Amianan Research Network further reinforced the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in addressing regional issues and generating knowledge that benefits local communities. The initiative also reflects the growing commitment of academic institutions to produce research that is responsive to social realities and grounded in the experiences of indigenous peoples.
By hosting the fourth meeting of the network, Baguio Central University reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a vibrant research culture, expanding scholarly partnerships, and contributing to evidence-based knowledge for sustainable development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda.