The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) reinforced its commitment to sustainability and innovation as six of its faculty members presented groundbreaking studies at the 2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR), held on September 16–19 at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Naval, Biliran. Their research highlighted contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offered solutions to urgent global challenges.
With the theme “Innovative Pathways: Advancing SDGs through Transformative Research Methods,” the conference underscored the role of methodological innovation in driving sustainable global progress. Discussions and presentations were framed around four major strands—Social Sustainability, Inclusive Development, Sustainable Economic Development, and Environmental Sustainability.
Four faculty members from UNP contributed virtually to the academic exchange, each presenting research that addressed pressing issues in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Prof. Rizza P. Cajindos introduced her study on the “Development of an Item Bank for Mathematics in the Modern World,” which explored innovations in educational assessment. Prof. Matt Joseph T. Cabanting presented a path analysis on “Work Environment, Workload, Job Satisfaction and Intent to Leave Among Nurses in Northern Philippines,” shedding light on workplace sustainability in healthcare.
Meanwhile, Dr. Francis Don L. Nero tackled gaps in local health services with his research on the “Assessment on the Competency in Delivering Health Services among Barangay Health Workers in Metro Vigan,” aimed at guide competency-based training programs. Prof. Gaylord Frando presented “Labor Productivity in Metro Vigan Road Construction and the Strategies for Improvement,” which provided valuable insights into infrastructure efficiency and labor management.
Two faculty members represented the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in onsite sessions, highlighting research on institutional and educational resilience. Prof. Precious Lyn Cornejo-Babida presented her study, “Analyzing the Influence of Job Stress and Coping Strategies on Faculty Adjustment during Crisis Situations,” which examined how educators build psychosocial resilience in times of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Dr. Christian Gea A. Florentino shared her work, “Mediating Role of Online Learning Self-Regulation on Online Learning Self-Efficacy and Student Well-Being,” providing insights into the interplay of self-regulation, confidence, and mental health in digital learning environments.
Backed by the University Research and Development Office (URDO), UNP continues to strengthen its international research presence and faculty development initiatives. By engaging in diverse research areas, the institution emphasizes its dedication to generate context-driven, evidence-based studies that advance national priorities while contributing to the global sustainable development agenda.
ICMAR 2025 was jointly organized by BiPSU and the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publications, Inc. (VMCJP), with UNP also serving as an institutional co-sponsor.
