To bring together experts to share their knowledge and experiences, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) is one among the 12 institutions that partnered with the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) for the 1^st International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering and Agriculture (IRICEEA) held at the International Convention Center, DMMSU-NLUC, Bacnotan, La Union.

This three-day conference ran on December 4-6, 2023, and facilitated professional discoveries to achieve creative innovations and futures thinking that support the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Dr. Eric Van Bochove, Board of Director of the Fondation Massawippi Foundation (FMF)-Canada, emphasized his keynote address the need for innovations in agriculture to improve food security.

The event also showcased the launching of the SINAG: ASEAN+ Network for Sustainable Development Goals and Innovative and Futures Thinking, where presidents from various participating universities forged their commitment and vowed to join in promoting innovations in the four areas of the UN Framework, namely: Teachers and Research, Administration and Governance, People and Security, and Environment and Governance.

Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., president of DMMMSU, and Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to holistically empower the universities to create meaningful and impactful innovations that benefit society.

“Academic collaboration is the key to success in our endeavors. We can leverage diverse expertise, perspectives, and resources by working together across disciplines, educational institutions, and geographical boundaries. This collaborative spirit will promote innovation, creativity, and breakthroughs that may not be possible if we work in isolation,” said Dr. Cadorna.

The 12 institutions in the said partnership include Udon Thani Rajabhat University (Thailand), Van Lang University (Vietnam), University of Northern Philippines, Pangasinan State University, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, Inc., Central Mindanao University, University of Eastern Philippines, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, and the Department of Science and Technology—Regional Office I.

Meanwhile, the creation of new networks among international researchers and scholars across disciplinary borders transpired during the simultaneous parallel sessions of the conference, where eight faculty members from UNP presented their research outputs.

This year’s conference theme is “Strengthening Research and Innovation Ecosystem through Education, Engineering and Agriculture.”