Day 1 of the Synergia International Research Conference 2026 officially commenced today at Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union, with delegates from partner institutions across the Philippines and abroad in attendance for a full day of keynote discussions, plenary sessions, and research presentations.
The morning program opened with preliminaries featuring the acknowledgment of participating institutions and sponsors, presentation of conference objectives, and a ceremonial parade of flags representing the participating schools and international partners.
Members of the SLC community, delegates, and guests were welcomed through the opening remarks of College President Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD. This was followed by a message from Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I.
The conference then proceeded with the keynote address delivered by Dr. Yeo Sook Fern of Multimedia University – Malaysia, who discussed the topic “Transforming Research Cultures in the Global South: Innovation, Equity, and Impact.”
Following the keynote session were plenary lectures from Mr. Viet Tuan Le Hoang of Saigon Business School – Vietnam, who presented “Shaping the Future of Precision Education: Weaving MASEC-Feedback Model into Learner’s Journey,” and Dr. Jose J. Pangngay of Saint Louis College of San Fernando, who delivered his lecture titled “Empowering Graduate Research: Mentoring Models, Capacity Building, and Policy Support.”
An open forum followed, where the keynote and plenary speakers responded to questions from participants regarding research practices in Vietnam and Malaysia, institutional approaches to strengthening research culture, and common challenges faced by academic institutions in advancing research initiatives.
The morning session concluded with the awarding of plaques and tokens to the keynote and plenary lecturers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the conference.
After the lunch break, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony was also held, strengthening academic partnerships between Saint Louis College and several local and international institutions. Partner institutions included University of Northern Philippines, Ilocos Sur Community College, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Central Ilocandia College of Science and Technology, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Saigon Business School, St. Xavier College, and Multimedia University through Dr. Yeo Sook Fern. The activity was spearheaded by Dr. Leo Esteene L. Galap, Director of the Global Affairs Office.
Simultaneously, delegates proceeded to the Parallel Paper Presentations under the thematic tracks of Education, Management, and Social Sciences. The sessions were attended by Louisians from the College of Business and Accountancy, College of Arts, Sciences, Technology, and Education, and College of Law and Criminal Justice Education.
Hosted by SLC, the conference continues tomorrow with more research presentations, academic discussions, and collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing research initiatives.
