by Dr. Edna P. Culbongan & Ms. Aiza Bheal M. Kitani, MAEngl
Graduate School Research Coordinator & College of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts Research Coordinator
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio Central University (BCU), in partnership with the Asian Association of Interdisciplinary Research, Inc. (AAIR), successfully concluded the two-day Training Workshop on Application of Advanced Regression Models in Analysis of Diverse Datasets held on February 26–27, 2026 at 456 Hotel Baguio, drawing participation from 16 schools, universities, and government research institutions across the Philippines.
As co-host, BCU played a pivotal leadership role in convening academic and research institutions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Participating institutions included Eastern Visayas State University, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Leyte Normal University, North Eastern Mindanao State University – Cantilan Campus, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – LGU Davao de Oro, Quirino State University, Rizal Technological University, Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc., Samar State University, Southern Luzon State University (including Lucban Campus), St. Paul University Philippines, Tarlac Agricultural University, University of Baguio, University of Batangas, and host institution Baguio Central University.
The workshop formally opened with remarks from Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, President and Chair of the Board of Trustees of BCU as represented by Mr. Karl Matthieu B. Rillera, the Marketing Officer, who reaffirmed the university’s strategic commitment to research capability development, institutional partnerships, and evidence-based governance.
A landmark highlight of Day 1 was the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between BCU and AAIR. The agreement, signed by Mr. Rillera, Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research of BCU, and Mr. Jhonny B. Labunog, Executive Director of AAIR, institutionalized future collaborations in advanced methodological training, interdisciplinary research initiatives, and scholarly exchange.
The technical sessions were led by Dr. John Vianne B. Murcia, Vice-President for Research Development and Planning of Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc., whose expertise in predictive analytics and applied statistical modeling guided participants through advanced regression techniques. Across two intensive days, attendees engaged in logistic regression (binary, ordinal, and multinomial), quantile regression, hierarchical models with moderating effects, and count regression models such as Poisson and negative binomial.
More than a theoretical seminar, the training emphasized diagnostics, assumption testing, model comparison, interpretation of coefficients, and translating statistical outputs into policy-relevant and research-driven insights. Hands-on applications using open-source software strengthened participants’ computational competence and analytical rigor.
Importantly, the seminar-workshop directly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By strengthening advanced research competencies and promoting inter-institutional collaboration, the initiative contributes to building resilient educational systems, enhancing data-informed policy formulation, and fostering cross-sector partnerships that support sustainable development. Through methodological rigor and collaborative networks, the workshop reinforces the role of higher education institutions as drivers of inclusive growth and evidence-based transformation.
The strong representation of 16 institutions nationwide underscores the growing demand for advanced quantitative tools in higher education, public policy, research institutes, and local governance.
With certificates awarded and partnerships formalized, the two-day seminar-workshop concluded on a high note—solidifying BCU’s position as a regional leader in research capacity-building and a national convenor of advanced methodological training.
Through collaboration, competence-building, and commitment to excellence, this workshop marks a decisive step toward elevating the quality and impact of research across Philippine institutions.
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