by Dr. Michael T. Sebullen
Pasay City, Philippines — Strengthening its commitment to advancing research excellence and institutional impact, Baguio Central University (BCU) participated in the “Advancing Research Impact in the Philippines: A Leadership Roundtable Discussion” held on March 24, 2026, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City. Representing the university was Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research who joined academic leaders and research stakeholders from across the country in a strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing the visibility, utilization, and global relevance of Philippine research.
The leadership forum, organized through the collaboration of Elsevier and CE-Logic by C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions, convened higher education administrators, research directors, and policy stakeholders to discuss pathways for improving research performance and maximizing institutional research resources. The roundtable served as an important platform for exchanging insights on the evolving research ecosystem in the Philippines and identifying strategic approaches to strengthen research productivity among both state universities and private higher education institutions.
The afternoon program opened with arrival and networking sessions, followed by a welcome and framing of the discussion. One of the key presentations, delivered by Johan Jang, Strategic Engagement Manager of Elsevier, examined the current challenges and strategic pathways for advancing research performance in the Philippines, particularly among SUCs and private universities. The session highlighted the importance of research visibility, citation impact, international collaboration, and data-driven research management in elevating the global competitiveness of Philippine higher education institutions.
Another highlight of the program was the presentation of Dr. Jessie Barrot, Professor and Vice President for Research and Development of the National University, who discussed strategies on maximizing institutional value from ScienceDirect, emphasizing the role of digital research platforms in supporting faculty productivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based knowledge creation.
The event also featured an interactive roundtable discussion focusing on decision factors and barriers to research resource subscriptions, where participating institutions shared experiences on strengthening research infrastructure, expanding access to scholarly databases, and fostering a culture of research excellence within their universities. Dr. Sebullen noted that participation in the leadership dialogue aligns with BCU’s continuing efforts to strengthen its research ecosystem through strategic collaborations, capacity-building initiatives, and improved research dissemination mechanisms. He emphasized that such engagements enable the university to remain connected with national and international research developments while identifying best practices that can further enhance the university’s research agenda.
“This forum provides valuable insights into how Philippine higher education institutions can better position their research outputs within the global academic landscape. The exchange of perspectives among research leaders allows institutions like BCU to refine strategies for increasing research productivity, impact, and international collaboration,” Dr. Sebullen shared.
Participation in the leadership roundtable also resonates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). By engaging in national conversations on strengthening research productivity, expanding access to global research databases, and promoting evidence-based academic leadership, Baguio Central University contributes to building stronger research ecosystems that support innovation, knowledge generation, and inclusive educational development. These efforts reinforce the role of higher education institutions as catalysts of sustainable development, ensuring that research outputs inform policies, technologies, and community-based solutions that address emerging societal challenges.
The leadership roundtable concluded with a networking session and light dinner, providing participants opportunities to further discuss collaborative initiatives and future directions for research development in the country. BCU’s participation in this national leadership dialogue reflects the university’s sustained commitment to strengthening research culture, expanding scholarly engagement, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in support of national development and global academic discourse. Through the initiatives of the Research and Development Center, Baguio Central University continues to champion research excellence anchored on its core values of Veritas, Libertad, Justitia, and Equitas.
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