Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel and Dr. Michelle C. Alumno
Dean & Research Coordinator, CBA and Director, Athletics Office
In a continuing effort to strengthen inter-institutional research collaboration and promote sustainable academic development, delegates from the Philippine College of Science and Technology (PhilCST) participated in the 16th University Research Colloquium hosted by Baguio Central University (BCU) on March 5–6, 2026 at the Dr. Margarita Joven Fernandez (DMJF) Hall, Main Campus, Baguio City. Representing PhilCST were Dr. Ma. Ditas Fernandez, Officer-in-Charge Research Director, Dr. Jamaica Kim L. Mabanglo, researcher, and Ms. Consuelo S. Montes, faculty member. The PhilCST delegation joined faculty researchers, administrators, and students from BCU and partner institutions in the two-day academic gathering that featured research presentations, plenary sessions, and scholarly exchanges aimed at strengthening research culture and innovation in higher education.
The participation of PhilCST in the colloquium highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing research productivity and knowledge exchange, consistent with the global agenda of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The event provided a platform for researchers to share emerging studies that address social, economic, and community development challenges through evidence-based scholarship. Following the colloquium, the PhilCST delegates visited the Research and Development Center (RDC) of Baguio Central University for a mentoring and benchmarking session facilitated by Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research. During the session, Dr. Sebullen shared BCU’s institutional practices in implementing research and development initiatives that support accreditation compliance, research governance, and internationalization strategies, which contribute to strengthening the university’s research ecosystem. The mentoring discussion emphasized how structured research management systems, faculty capability-building programs, and research dissemination initiatives can help higher education institutions contribute meaningfully to SDG-driven development through knowledge production and innovation.
Also present during the mentoring session were several BCU academic leaders who shared insights from their respective offices. Ms. Arlene A. Mintas, University Extension Coordinator, discussed the university’s community extension programs and partnerships with local government units and civic organizations that promote inclusive and sustainable community development aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Meanwhile, Dr. Michelle C. Alumno, Director of the Athletics Office, highlighted initiatives in sports development and student engagement that foster holistic education and youth empowerment, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel, Dean and Research Coordinator of the College of Business Administration, shared strategies for strengthening research productivity and expanding academic–industry partnerships that contribute to innovation, economic growth, and responsible institutional development, aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The collaborative dialogue also explored strategies for expanding partnerships with government and non-government organizations, developing interdisciplinary research initiatives, and strengthening institutional networks that promote sustainable academic and community impact. The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthen collaborative research initiatives, mentorship programs, and institutional partnerships that advance research excellence and contribute to the broader Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda. Through initiatives such as the University Research Colloquium and inter-institutional mentoring sessions, Baguio Central University, through the leadership of the Research and Development Center, continues to foster a dynamic research environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in higher education.
#ResearchAndDevelopment
#ResearchLeadership
#InnovationInHigherEducation
#Internationalization
#KnowledgeForDevelopment
#BCUxPhilCSTPartnership
#AcademicCollaboration
#HigherEducationPartnership
#ResearchLinkages
#ScholarlyExchange