SLSU Expands NRCP Roster to 29 with Oath-Taking of Five Faculty Researchers

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) continues to strengthen its research community as five faculty researchers officially took their oath as members of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) on March 13, 2026, during the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference and the 93rd General Membership Assembly held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The newly inducted NRCP members from SLSU are Engr. Jonelle Tablada, Dr. Geraldine Mangmang, Mr. Jorton Tagud, Dr. Melvin Sarsale, and Dr. Catherine Garcia. Their oath-taking marks another important milestone in the University’s continuing commitment to research excellence, scholarly engagement, and national development.

This year’s conference carried the theme, “Transdisciplinary Capacity Building and Ethical Research Towards a Progressive, Unified and SDG-Driven Nation.” The gathering emphasized the importance of strengthening research capacity through transdisciplinary collaboration while upholding the highest standards of ethical research practice. It also highlighted the value of integrating diverse knowledge systems—including academic, indigenous, technological, and policy-oriented perspectives—in addressing complex and emerging societal challenges.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the conference underscored how responsible, collaborative, and socially relevant research contributes to broader development priorities. In particular, initiatives that support Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) show how academic work can generate meaningful and lasting impact. Through these efforts, researchers contribute to knowledge generation that promotes inclusive growth, sustainable development, and evidence-based policymaking.

The event likewise reinforced the commitment of researchers to integrity, equity, and social responsibility in advancing research initiatives that respond not only to institutional goals, but also to national priorities and global concerns.

With the inclusion of the five newly inducted faculty researchers, SLSU now has a total of 29 researchers in its NRCP roster. This achievement reflects the University’s growing research culture and the increasing engagement of its faculty in recognized scholarly communities.

Notably, the University also has 40 authors with two or more Scopus-indexed papers. Based on this figure alone, SLSU already has a strong pool of faculty researchers who may be qualified for NRCP membership. This suggests that the number of NRCP members in the University could be significantly higher. Moreover, when publications in the institutional journal are also taken into account, the potential roster of eligible members may expand even further.

Beyond recognition, NRCP membership opens valuable opportunities for faculty researchers to expand their professional networks, gain greater visibility for their scholarly work, and engage in meaningful collaborations with fellow researchers and experts nationwide. It also serves as a platform for continued academic growth, interdisciplinary exchange, and stronger participation in research initiatives that help address national and global challenges. For eligible faculty members, joining the NRCP is not only a mark of scholarly achievement, but also an opportunity to contribute more actively to the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and evidence-based development in the country.

This development highlights not only the accomplishments of the newly inducted members, but also the broader research potential of Southern Leyte State University. As the University continues to invest in research productivity, ethical scholarship, and academic collaboration, it is well-positioned to further expand its presence in national research organizations such as the NRCP and to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s knowledge economy and sustainable development agenda.