IEIC 2024: A Landmark Success in Driving Innovation for Sustainable Change
The 2024 International Extension and Innovation Conference (IEIC), held from August 28 to 30, 2024, and hosted by Southern Leyte State University, brought together educators, researchers, and institutions from across the Philippines and the global community. With the theme “Changing Life, Changing Mindset: Improving Communities Through Impact-Driven Extension,” the event emphasized the power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration to address pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. The conference aligned closely with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on goals related to quality education (SDG 4), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), climate action (SDG 13), and sustainable communities (SDG 11).
Supported by esteemed partner institutions such as Tra Vinh University (Vietnam), University of Makati (Philippines), and the Community Social Work Practice & Development Foundation (CSWPD), the IEIC 2024 was a successful platform for sharing innovative solutions. These partners contributed to fostering research excellence and providing global perspectives on local challenges.
The highlight of the event was the awarding ceremony, where projects that exemplified community impact and innovation were recognized. The awards were categorized into four strands: Social Well-being, Social Equity, Environmental Stewardship, and Economic Prosperity and Sustainable Communities.
STRAND: SOCIAL WELL BEING
1st Place & Best Paper Award: Leslie Elisa S. Cobilla, Sybill Krizzia G. Ledesma, Adelfa C. Diola
Project: Sa Kahanginan Ikaw Ang Bida (SKIB) School-On-The-Air
Institution: Southern Leyte State University
2nd Place & Best Paper Award: Cristina P. Lim, Maria Christina Gumba-Garcia, Redentor L. Buetre
Project: Enhancing Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable Coastal Communities Through Agri-Fishery
Institution: Partido State University
3rd Place: Phyllicia E. Breboneria
Project: Family Health Assessment in Ifugao, Philippines: A Baseline Study for CHS REACH Program
Institution: Ifugao State University
STRAND: SOCIAL EQUITY
1st Place & Best Paper Award: Henrietta D. Miranda, John Herbert R. Gulinao
Project: ConGloMenTE Program (Connect Globally through Mentoring and Teaching English)
Institution: Bulacan State University
2nd Place & Best Paper Award: Richard G. Castor, Rosa D. Cid
Project: Play, Pray and Pay-It-Forward: Resiliency, Spirituality and Sustainability in Community Theatre Arts Extension Program
Institution: Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
3rd Place: Mary Beth T. Saludsod, Mary D. Almine, Danilo A. Balli
Project: From Baseline Competence to Enhanced Skills: Evaluating the Effect of Capability Training on Teachers' Action Research Writing Skills
Institution: Southern Leyte State University
STRAND: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
1st Place & Best Paper Award: Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Czarina Ancelia G. Gabi, Jotorro A. Tagud, Rene Clint G. Fortificacion, Keano Nikko L. Sy, Jimson A. Olaybar, Jerome Jack O. Napala, Hazely S. Escasinas, Irene Marcel H. Lagua
Project: Building Resilience through Open Mapping Tools: A Capacity Building Initiative for Municipal Personnel of Southern Leyte
Institution: Southern Leyte State University
2nd Place & Best Paper Award: Mahal B. Rosel, Crizza Mae E. Rellora, Jasmine Grace Rosete, Jelai Versoza
Project: E-Vengers: Eco-Warriors Assemble
Institution: Jose Rizal Memorial State University
3rd Place & Best Paper Award:
Antioxidant Potential of the Different Fractions of Ficus septica Burm. f. (Moraceae) Through Total Phenolic Content Assay
Institution: University of Makati
STRAND: ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
1st Place & Best Paper Award: Carl Adrian S. Manzano, Rochelle Niña M. Pingol
Project: KABUTECH: A Microcontroller-Based Humidity and Temperature Control System for Oyster Mushroom
Institution: Bulacan State University
2nd Place: Joan F. Ferranco
Project: Communitech: Enhancing Computer Skills of Barangay Officials
Institution: Romblon State University
3rd Place & Best Paper Award: Remar R. Tingga
Project: Development of Maloco National High School’s Information and Communication Technology Capability
Institution: Aklan State University – Ibajay Campus
The success of IEIC 2024 would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the judges and speakers, whose expertise and insights enriched the entire event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the judges for their dedication and thorough evaluation of the submissions.
In the Social Well-being strand, Mr. Muh Wahyu Islami Pratama from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia; Mr. Jericho B. Ogaya from Global Health Focus, Philippines; and Mrs. Glenda Dorcas T. Sacbibit from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, DOST, Philippines, offered their expertise.
For the Social Equity strand, we acknowledge Dr. Chau Thi Hoang Hoa from Tra Vinh University, Vietnam; Dr. Evelyn B. Tablante from the Department of Science and Technology, Philippines; and Mr. Bryan C. Dayuta from Philippine Normal University, Philippines.
In the Environmental Stewardship strand, Engr. Adonis Q. Talabo, representing Southern Leyte State University's Governing Board, and Dr. Rachel Luz V. Rica from Philippine Science High School Central Visayas Campus, contributed their expertise.
The Economic Prosperity and Sustainable Communities strand judges included Dr. Nguyen Ha Huy Cuong from the University of Danang, Vietnam; Mr. Michael Nuñez, President of Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce Industry; and Mr. Marfy Lita, Senior Technical Specialist from the National Research Council of the Philippines.
We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the keynote and plenary speakers, whose knowledge and vision inspired meaningful discussions throughout the conference. Special thanks to keynote speakers Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines; Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, Vice Director of the Institute of Environment and Technology, Tra Vinh University, Vietnam; and Dr. Don Eleseo Lucero-Prisno III, Founder of Global Health Focus and Managing Editor of BMC Global Health Research and Policy. Additionally, our appreciation goes to plenary speakers Mr. Adrian H. Sablan from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Dr. Ramil Uy from DOST Region 8, Philippines, Dr. Crisanto Q. Regadio Jr. from De La Salle University, Philippines, and Dir. Noel A. Catibog from PCAARRD, DOST, Philippines. Their contributions were instrumental in making the conference a resounding success.
The IEIC 2024 showcased the significant contributions of academic institutions toward shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for communities. Through innovation and collaboration, these institutions are not only driving local change but also inspiring global solutions. With the continued support of partner institutions like Tra Vinh University, University of Makati, and CSWPD, the IEIC has demonstrated the power of research in improving lives and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Looking ahead, Southern Leyte State University, in collaboration with Tra Vinh University, invites submissions for the Conference on Education & Training for Sustainability (CETS) next year. This conference will address critical issues surrounding education and training for sustainability. We encourage you to contribute your expertise and insights as we engage in meaningful discussions aimed at advancing sustainable practices in education.
This year’s winners are shining examples of how education, technology, and community-focused initiatives can create a lasting positive impact. The future of extension work in the Philippines is bright, as demonstrated by the passion and dedication of the IEIC 2024 participants.
