Saint Mary’s University proudly recognizes Mrs. Geraldine Ferreras, Research Coordinator of the School of Health and Natural Sciences–Nursing Department, for representing the University in two significant research initiatives of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office II (CHEDRO II) held on October 1, 2026, at Our Lady of the Pillar College–Cauayan, Inc. (OLPC-C).

Mrs. Ferreras represented Saint Mary’s University during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Project COLLAB (Collaborative Opportunities for Linkages, Learning, and Advanced Research Breakthroughs), joining 25 Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) across the Cagayan Valley in formalizing their commitment to strengthening regional research collaboration and scholarly productivity.

Through Project COLLAB, participating institutions aim to foster research collaboration, mentoring, capacity building, scholarly publication, knowledge sharing, and professional networking. The initiative provides opportunities for researchers and HEIs to collaborate on research, strengthen manuscript development, and pursue publication in reputable, internationally indexed journals.

Following the MOU signing, Mrs. Ferreras also served as a resource person during the fourth session of the Project QUEST (Quality Enhancement and Scholarly Transformation) Executive Training on Research Management.

She shared strategies on strengthening creative works in higher education, emphasizing the role of creative research outputs in enriching the research landscape and expanding opportunities for scholarly contribution.

Her active participation in both initiatives highlights Saint Mary’s University’s commitment to strengthening research leadership, building meaningful institutional partnerships, and advancing a culture of collaboration and scholarly productivity.

As SMU continues to engage in regional research initiatives, the University remains committed to creating opportunities for its researchers to connect, collaborate, innovate, and contribute knowledge that creates meaningful impact.

Congratulations, Mrs. Geraldine Ferreras, for representing Saint Mary’s University and contributing your expertise to the advancement of research collaboration and scholarly development in the Cagayan Valley!