The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), hosts the 9th Regional Research Congress on May 4–5, 2026, at the UNP Tadena Hall, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
With the theme “Bridging Disciplines, Building Futures: Innovative and Inclusive Research for a Progressive and SDG-Driven Nation,” this year’s congress features 193 research papers across six areas: Administration and Supervision; Teaching and Learning; Social Science; Health; Environment and Natural Product Development; and Business, Technology, and Industry.
Reflecting the diversity of its participants, the congress brings together 186 face-to-face presenters and 54 online presenters from higher and basic education institutions, national government agencies, local government units, and private institutions within the region and abroad, including the United States of America and Thailand.
UNP Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Fatima Rocamora welcomed the participants to the University and underscored the importance of sustaining spaces where researchers can share ideas, learn from one another, and transform knowledge into meaningful contributions to communities.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, represented by Dr. Rolando Navarro, UNP Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the participants’ shared responsibility as knowledge builders and nation shapers. He highlighted that research is not confined to a single discipline, especially as the complex challenges of the present demand interconnected, collaborative, and inclusive solutions. His message called on participants to move beyond isolated efforts and to build futures grounded in knowledge, innovation, inclusivity, collective vision, and shared commitment.
DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime Manuel Jr., represented by Dr. Angelina Gonzales, DMMMSU Vice President for Research, Extension, Commercialization, and Innovation, conveyed support for the congress by emphasizing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping a future where innovative and inclusive research serves as a catalyst for national progress and as a driving force toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Reflecting on the role of researchers, Dr. Gonzales also underscored the importance of observing, learning, serving, and growing as part of the broader responsibility of contributing meaningfully to society.
CHED Regional Office I Director Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, who served as the keynote speaker, expressed her excitement to visit UNP again after a long time. Anchoring her message on the congress theme, she presented a light bulb as a framework for research excellence in higher education institutions, with the mind serving as the power source of ideas. She explained that research must be guided by lifelong sustainability, innovation with purpose, global interdisciplinary collaboration, holistic inclusivity, and transformative impact.
These elements, she emphasized, allow research to generate outcomes that sustain the light of the bulb, including global presence, responsive policies, human capital development, technology transfer, and community engagement. She further called on participants to nurture a culture of research that is not merely a duty or obligation, but a shared passion for everyone. Through this message, she challenged researchers to see familiar realities with fresh, purposeful, and transformative thinking.
The event was also graced by officials from CHED RO1, UNP, and DMMMSU, including Engr. Leonora Quarte, Education Supervisor of CHED Regional Office I, and Sir Albert Tejero, UNP Vice President for Finance and Administration. Also present were UNP college deans and administrators, along with invited research evaluators from DMMMSU and other external agencies. Their participation reflected the broad institutional support behind the congress and the shared commitment to strengthening research engagement in the region.
The congress will recognize outstanding research outputs and presenters with awards such as Best Research Paper, Best Research Presentation, Best PowerPoint Presentation, and Most Articulate Presenter, including cash prizes for winners in each conference area. All participants will receive certificates of participation, while winners will be announced during the closing program on May 5.
Spearheaded by the University Research and Development Office (URDO) under its director, Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, the 9th Regional Research Congress reaffirms the commitment of CHED ROI, UNP, and DMMMSU to advancing research excellence, strengthening institutional collaboration, and promoting innovative and inclusive scholarship. More than a platform for presenting completed studies, the congress reinforces the role of research as a shared culture of inquiry, service, and collaboration toward a progressive and SDG-driven nation.
