Strengthening its commitment to research excellence and strategic academic partnerships, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) proudly served as a co-host institution of the 1st Research Conference on Scholarly Linkages for Universal and Sustainable Education organized by Saint Louis University (SLU) on June 26–27, 2026, at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus, Baguio City. Guided by the theme, “Innovate, Integrate, Inspire: Driving Sustainable and Quality Education through the SDGs,” the conference, spearheaded by the SLU Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center, gathered higher education institutions (HEIs) to promote interdisciplinary research, strengthen scholarly linkages, and advance sustainable development through innovation and quality education.

The conference brought together scholars, researchers, educators, and academic leaders from 28 HEIs across the Philippines to strengthen scholarly linkages and advance research for sustainable development.

In his welcome message, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD expressed gratitude to the co-hosting institutions for their invaluable collaboration and emphasized the role of research and higher education in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He encouraged participating institutions to continue working together in translating global sustainability goals into meaningful local action through research, innovation, and academic partnerships.

As a co-host institution, Saint Mary’s University reaffirmed its commitment to fostering research partnerships, advancing interdisciplinary scholarship, and promoting evidence-based solutions that address both local and global challenges aligned with the SDGs.

SMU researchers presented studies across multiple conference tracks, highlighting the University’s growing contributions to research and innovation.

Track 3: Natural and Environmental Sciences

• Mr. David M. Gayadang presented the paper, “Physicochemical Characterization and Heavy Metal Assessment of Soils in a Sanitary Landfill: Basis for Sustainable Remediation and Ecological Rehabilitation,” which explored environmental assessment and sustainable rehabilitation strategies for landfill ecosystems.

Track 4: Business, Management, and Economics for Sustainable Growth

• Ms. Rocel Batara presented “ELako.Nv: A Digital Marketing Solution for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nueva Vizcaya,” introducing a digital platform designed to strengthen local enterprises and expand market opportunities.
• Mrs. Sheryl A. Baria shared the study “MSMEs’ Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals Attainment and Challenges Encountered: Towards a Private-Public Collaborative Capacity Building Framework,” highlighting the role of MSMEs in advancing sustainable development through collaborative governance and capacity-building initiatives.

Track 5: Social Sciences and Education for Equity and Justice

• Mr. Vince Errol Lucas presented “Extent of Indigenous Peoples Education Integration in a Private Higher Education Institution: Insights from Instructional Materials for General Courses and Teacher Perspectives.” His outstanding presentation was recognized with the Best Presenter Award, affirming the quality and significance of his research in advancing inclusive and culturally responsive education.

Poster Presentation

In Track 2: Health Sciences and Well-being, Mrs. Molly Aivon A. Guerrero presented the poster entitled “Practices and Adherence to Antibiotic Use of Barangay Salvacion, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya,” contributing valuable insights into responsible antibiotic use and community health promotion.

Beyond presenting research, SMU faculty members also served in vital academic roles during the conference. Dr. Elsa L. Cajucom, Director of the Center for Natural Sciences, served as the Moderator for the Natural and Environmental Sciences track, facilitating scholarly discussions and engaging exchanges among presenters and participants. Meanwhile, Engr. Jefrie T. Alindayu served as the Reactor for the Engineering and Technology for Sustainability track, providing expert insights and constructive feedback on the presented studies.

As a co-host institution, SMU actively supported the conference through the leadership of its University Research Director, Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, whose coordination and commitment strengthened the University’s participation and collaboration in the event. Further demonstrating SMU’s research leadership and scholarly expertise, selected faculty members also served as peer reviewers for the research papers submitted to the conference, contributing to the rigorous evaluation and quality assurance of the scholarly works presented. The University’s peer reviewers included Dr. Haydee James, Dr. Kenneth L. Maslang, Mrs. Cathelyn C. Mariano, Dr. Felipe Nantes Jr., Mrs. Sheryl A. Baria, Mrs. Geraldine Y. Ferreras, Dr. Elsa L. Cajucom, and Engr. Jefrie T. Alindayu. Their contributions reflect Saint Mary’s University’s steadfast commitment to research excellence, academic integrity, and collaborative scholarship while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in advancing quality research and sustainable development. 

Saint Mary’s University’s participation as a co-host institution reflects its continuing pursuit of academic excellence, collaborative research, and sustainable development. By actively contributing through research presentations, conference leadership, and scholarly engagement, the university strengthens its role in producing innovative research that addresses pressing societal, environmental, economic, and educational challenges.

The recognition received by Mr. Vince Errol Lucas as Best Presenter further exemplifies SMU’s commitment to nurturing research excellence and producing scholarly work that creates meaningful impact in communities.

Through partnerships such as the 1st Research Conference on Scholarly Linkages for Universal and Sustainable Education, Saint Mary’s University continues to strengthen its culture of research excellence, expand interdisciplinary collaborations, and generate knowledge that addresses pressing societal, environmental, educational, and economic challenges. The University’s active participation as a co-host institution, coupled with the scholarly achievements of its faculty and researchers, reflects its steadfast commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting research and lifelong learning; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through studies supporting MSMEs and inclusive economic development; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation and digital solutions; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through research on Indigenous Peoples Education; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through environmental and ecological research; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaborations among higher education institutions in pursuit of sustainable and transformative research for communities and future generations.