GOV.PH
Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges successfully co-organized the 5th International undergraduate Research Congress (IURC) held on June 26-27 2025, at the Center for Flexible Learning, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in City of Batac, Ilocos Norte. With the theme “Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Bridging Science, Society, and Economy,” the Congress brought together student researchers from both local and international institutions, fostering academic exchange and global research collaboration.
Representing CSPC at the event were Dr. Luningning Q. Bregala, Chief Administrative Officer; A/Prof. Filmor J. Murillo, Head of the Center for International Relations and Linkages; and Mr. Kevin Capones, Planning Officer I.
The Congress was a joint initiative of a consortium of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), composed of CSPC, Quirino State University (QSU), Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), which served as the host institution. These SUCs continue to collaborate under the IURC framework to provide a platform for young researchers to present innovative solutions to global challenges. The respective presidents of the member institutions reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the IURC during the ceremonial pledge of commitment. Adding significance to the event was the presence of Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla, Director of the Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS), who delivered the keynote address. Atty. Milla highlighted the importance of cross-cultural academic collaboration, global citizenship, and the vital role of research in advancing sustainable development goals The Congress also featured five distinguished plenary speakers from various parts of the world, each sharing expertise on research, innovation, and global academic collaboration: Dr. Anil Kumar Anal of Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; Engr. Elmer Joaquin of Adventist University of the Philippines/Miriam College; Dr. Rania Lampou of the Ministry of Education, Greece; Dr. Abdulrahim Ridzuan of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, and; Prof. Dr. Ir. Gede Sedana, M.Sc., MMA, Rector of Dwijendra University, Indonesia.
In addition to the member institutions of the consortium, the Congress also welcomed student researchers from Han Chiang University College of Communication (Malaysia), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR, Malaysia), and Politeknik Negeri Padang (Indonesia), who presented their research outputs during parallel sessions.
Building on the success of the 4th IURC hosted by QSU in 2024, this yearโs Congress further strengthened the regional and international network of higher education institutions dedicated to undergraduate research engagement.
The event concluded with renewed pledges from participating institutions to sustain the IURC as an annual platform for research collaboration and academic excellence.
Through its continued participation and co-organization, CSPC reaffirms its commitment to cultivating globally competent, research-oriented student leaders and fostering transformative partnerships in higher education.