by: Prof. Janet I. Triunfante and Dr. Benedicto B. Balilo, Jr

Legazpi City, July 21, 2023 – The 6th Regional Research, Development  and Extension (RDE) Conference and 35th BU In-house Review of Completed RD&E Undertakings took place at the Pepperland Hotel, Legazpi City, with the theme “Serving Humanity through Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation for Sustainable Societies.” The event brought together esteemed participants, including BU Faculty Researchers and Extensionists, College Research and Extension Coordinators, distinguished evaluators from different institutions, and guests from various stakeholders.

The conference served as an exceptional platform for researchers and extensionists to contribute to the university’s target key results areas for RD&E, highlighting the dynamic synergy of research, extension, and instruction. It emphasized the significance of providing science-based solutions and practical evidence to address specific developmental concerns within the region’s communities. The conference marked a significant milestone in the academic calendar, celebrating the spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge, which have long been the hallmark of Bicol University.

Delving into the diverse array of research topics, paper presentations were divided into seven breakout sessions, focusing on eight thematic areas: Environment and Natural Resource Systems Management and Development (ENRSMD), Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCADRR), Socio-Economics, Culture and Arts, and Governance (SECAG), Health Systems Management and Development (HSMD), Gender and Development (GAD), Inclusive Education and Lifelong Learning (IELL), Food & Nutrition Security and Poverty Reduction (FNSPR), Scientific and Technological Innovations (STI), and Extension and Community Engagement (ECE). The conference also featured a Poster Category to showcase visual presentations of research findings.

The esteemed Keynote Speaker for the event was BU President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres, III, whose inspiring message was delivered through a recorded video. In his address, Dr. Nebres emphasized the university’s commitment to building sustainable societies through research, extension, and community engagement for development. He stressed the importance of aligning academic program offerings, including RD&E undertakings, with the needs of industries, fostering innovative minds and a passion for transforming research and extension projects into viable technologies.

Among the conference’s highlights were the highly competitive paper presentations, where researchers presented their remarkable work and engaged in insightful discussions with their peers. After thorough evaluations, the winners of the paper presentations in the different thematic areas were announced, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to their respective fields.

Heading the successful execution of the conference was the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, led by Dr. Marissa N. Estrella. The Office was supported by Dr. Benedicto B. Balilo, Jr., Director of the Publication and Knowledge Management Division (PKMD), Dr. Lany L. Maceda, Director of the Research, Development and Management Division (RDMD), Dr. Marcia Corazon P. Rico, Director of the Extension Management Division (EMD), and Dr. Nicanor B. Balbin, Director of the Intellectual Property and Management Division (IPMD), along with the research centers under OVPRDE.

The 6th Regional Research and Extension Conference and 35th BU In-house Review of Completed RD&E Undertakings not only underscored the dedication of Bicol University to excellence in research and extension but also demonstrated its commitment to serving humanity and creating sustainable societies through innovative and impactful solutions.

As the event concluded, participants left with a sense of renewed purpose and commitment, ready to embark on the next phase of research and extension endeavors that align with the needs of industries and communities, aiming to make a positive difference in the world.

Photo credits: OVPRDE Documenters and BCARRD Staff