UNP, SLSU seal research partnership through MOA signing
On April 6, 2026, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) formally solidified their long-standing research collaboration through the signing of four pioneering Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs).
The four MOAs between UNP and SLSU focus on collaborative research in key areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public health, cybersecurity, and gender equality in gaming. With a shared commitment to advancing these critical fields, the partnership aims to develop four systematic research papers, with a goal of publishing them in Scopus-indexed journals. These papers will provide fresh perspectives on pressing issues that speak to the global conversation, national development, and societal transformation.
The collaboration underscores the importance of resource sharing, intellectual synergy, and a collective effort to produce impactful research that contributes meaningful insights to the broader academic community. With these agreements now formalized, the partnership represents the continued drive of both institutions to foster a culture of rigorous academic engagement and knowledge dissemination.
Dr. Fatima F. Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension at SLSU, expressed her sincere gratitude to all parties involved. She noted the excitement surrounding the partnership's future outputs, saying, "This agreement signifies not just a collaboration but a shared purpose—an opportunity to take our research to greater heights and make meaningful contributions." Dr. Rocamora also emphasized the shared excitement for the groundbreaking potential of the partnership in addressing global and regional challenges.
Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, Director of the University Research and Development Office at UNP, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has already defined the relationship between the two universities. "We are laying the foundation for future innovation that will make a difference in both our institutions and the wider community," she remarked, with anticipation for the impactful research ahead.
Dr. Ludito V. Ramirez, Head of Journal Production and Management at UNP, reflected on the history of cooperation between the two universities. "The UNP-SLSU partnership actually started many years ago, during the time when President Erwin Cadona was still the Vice President for Research and Extension at UNP. Our early collaboration began with assisting UNP in establishing their online journal system. Since then, our research-related activities have continued to thrive, especially after UNP joined the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publications," he shared.
This partnership has already borne fruit, with two research papers jointly published in international refereed journals—one of which was indexed in Scopus. "Today’s collaboration between UNP and SLSU reflects our shared commitment to advancing research excellence and academic innovation," Dr. Ramirez concluded.
Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, President of UNP, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership in addressing global challenges. "This collaboration reflects our shared investment in areas that are not only relevant today but also critical for national development. Our focus on AI in public health and cybersecurity speaks to the larger global conversation, and together, our institutions are well-positioned to contribute valuable research in these areas," he said.
Similarly, Dr. Jude A. Duarte, President of SLSU, emphasized the transformative power of research. "Through this collaboration, we are opening doors for our scholars and researchers, enabling them to explore new frontiers in these crucial fields. I look forward to seeing this partnership flourish in the years to come," he stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Publication, and Extension at SLSU, celebrated the longstanding friendship and collaboration between the two universities. "UNP has been a trusted partner in our journey since the early days of the Consortium. Today, we celebrate not just the signing of this agreement, but the continuation of a partnership that has already contributed significantly to the academic and research landscape," she remarked.
Dr. Sy also stressed the importance of addressing global challenges, particularly in the context of the ongoing global crisis. "This collaboration will explore the potential of bibliometric analysis and its outcomes, with the hope that it will improve lives and contribute to positive social change," she concluded.
With the full support of their university presidents and key officials, both UNP and SLSU are confident that this partnership will yield impactful research outputs, even with limited resources. The collaboration goes beyond the research itself—fostering a culture of scholarly engagement, mentorship, and innovation that will have far-reaching implications for both institutions and the global academic community.
As the formalization of the UNP-SLSU research partnership takes shape, the future looks promising for both universities. Together, they are committed to driving academic excellence, innovation, and transformative research that will benefit not only their students and faculty but also the wider community.
This partnership aligns with several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating a commitment to addressing global challenges. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) is reflected in the research on AI’s potential in public health, which aims to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems, contributing to global health initiatives. Through its focus on SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), the partnership fosters innovation in emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity, which play a pivotal role in academic and industry advancements. Additionally, the research on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) tackles gender equality in gaming, advocating for inclusivity and promoting a more equitable representation in the tech sector. Lastly, the partnership exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), underscoring the power of academic collaboration in addressing complex issues and driving meaningful research. Congratulations to both universities for embarking on this impactful journey, and may this partnership continue to thrive, creating new opportunities for research that contribute to the global achievement of these SDGs.