SLSU-TO faculty wins Best Paper Award at International Conference in Northern Samar

Dr. Joseph Anthony M. Romero, SESS Head and BSBA Faculty of Southern Leyte State University–Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO), was awarded Best Paper for Cluster B: Business Finance and Green Entrepreneurship at the International Conference on Science Uniting Social, Health, and Environmental Aims for Innovation and Networking (iSUSTAIN 2026) held on June 15–18 at the University of Eastern Philippines, Northern Samar.

Romero received the recognition for his study titled “Determinants of Intention to Use E-Wallets in Rural Philippines: A Generational Cohort Study,” which examined factors influencing digital payment adoption across different age groups in rural communities.

The conference gathered researchers and professionals to present studies aligned with sustainability, innovation, and community resilience under the theme “Closing the Loop for Community Resilience – Transdisciplinary Pathways to a Circular, Equitable, and Sustainable Future.”

The award highlights Romero’s contribution to research on financial technology and rural development, particularly in advancing understanding of digital financial inclusion in the Philippines.

This conference aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 1 No Poverty; SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities; SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.