NAVAL, BILIRAN, Philippines—The 6th International and 9th National Conference on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development (iPOVCON 2025) concluded its two-day run with a vibrant showcase of research breakthroughs and innovative solutions aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

With the theme “Technology-Driven Solutions for Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Sustainability,” the event—hosted by Samar State University (SSU) in collaboration with Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)–Region 8—gathered researchers, educators, and advocates from across the Philippines and abroad to exchange transformative ideas on technology’s role in eradicating poverty.

Research Dissemination

Day 2 centered on the breakout sessions of paper presentations, where participants presented their scholarly works across two major tracks, each with subtracks reflecting the intersection of technology, innovation, and sustainability.

Under Track 1: Emerging Technologies for Health and Education Equity, presenters explored how digital innovation and emerging technologies can promote equitable access to education and healthcare. Subtrack 1A: Digital Transformation and Innovations in Education featured research on the integration of digital tools in pedagogy, showcasing initiatives that redefine learning spaces and support educators in adapting to technology-driven environments. In Subtrack 1B: Health Technologies, Equity, and Community Resilience, researchers delved into the evolving role of technology in advancing healthcare access, addressing social inequities, and strengthening community resilience. Studies tackled machine learning applications in medical diagnostics, AI-assisted health education, and community-based wellness models that align with sustainable public health goals.

Meanwhile, Track 2: Innovations in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security shed light on how science, policy, and innovation intersect to ensure food security and sustainability in the face of climate change and socio-economic challenges. Subtrack 2A: Technological and Product Innovations in Agriculture and Food showcased cutting-edge research on agricultural engineering, smart irrigation systems, product innovation, and sustainable agri-tech practices designed to optimize resource use and empower farmers. Subtrack 2B: Sustainability, Governance, and Food Security featured studies that linked governance frameworks, community participation, and environmental conservation with food production and resource management. Papers discussed risk management in agriculture, gender-sensitive governance, and ecological resilience across local and regional settings.

Across all four subtracks, evaluators recognized the participants’ commitment to advancing research that drives innovation and inclusive growth. Following the breakout sessions, iPOVCON 2025 held its Awarding Ceremony to honor outstanding papers and presenters who demonstrated excellence, originality, and relevance in their research contributions.

Best Poster

• “Revitalizing Community Health Worker Training: A Program Development Approach”
  Artemio M. Gonzales Jr., Occidental Mindoro State College

Best Papers by Subtrack

• Track 1A: “Development and Evaluation of Interactive Book on Selected Topics in Electronics and Electrical Technology” – Ramil T. Gaborni, Catanduanes State University
• Track 1B: “T2DM Assessment Model Using Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle-Related Factors: A Machine Learning Approach” – Dr. Fatima C. Tanzo, Dr. Zeny L. Maureal, and Dr. Ma. Algerica T. Cuenco, Bukidnon State University
• Track 2A: “Dynamic Predictive Environmental Modeling-Driven Smart Irrigation with Wireless Monitoring and Control for Sustainable Water Allocation” – Donna Anjielou B. Lamutay, Kurt Val T. Dugay, James Marlon L. Lerida, and Dr. Manuel Chad G. Agurob, Bukidnon State University
• Track 2B: “From Production to Sustainability: A Bibliometric Assessment in Aquaculture Research in the Philippines, 2013–2023” – Khorina O. Aguilar, Jonelle H. Tablada, John Don Opina, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, Jerico Bautista Ogaya, Kenneth Karl Briones, Junjun Galgao Tahil, and Stephen V. Naul, Southern Leyte State University

Best Paper Presenters by Subtrack

• T1A: “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for Academic Writing in Higher Education: A Scoping Review of Applications, Challenges, and Implications” – Renz Alvin E. Gabay, Sorsogon State University
• T1B: “T2DM Assessment Model Using Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle-Related Factors: A Machine Learning Approach” – Ma. Algerica T. Cuenco, Bukidnon State University
• T2A: “Dynamic Predictive Environment Modelling-Driven Smart Irrigation with Wireless Monitoring and Control for Sustainable Water Allocation” – Dr. Manuel Chad G. Agurob, Bukidnon State University
• T2B: “Rooted Resilience: Revitalizing Communal Labor Traditions for Sustainable and Disaster-Resilient Agriculture in Eastern Visayas, Philippines” – Dr. Dennis M. Bautista and Mark Jessa P. Atay, Leyte Normal University

Looking Ahead to iPOVCON 2026

The awarding ceremonies were followed by the teaser launch of iPOVCON 2026, signaling another year of strengthened collaboration among academic and development institutions. The conference teaser gave participants a glimpse of next year’s continuing mission to bridge research, innovation, and policy toward inclusive growth.

Capping off the two-day event, Dr. Felisa E. Gomba, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Samar State University, delivered the Word of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all partner institutions, speakers, participants, and organizers for making the 2025 conference a meaningful convergence of minds.

Since its inception in 2017, iPOVCON has grown into a premier platform for dialogue and research exchange, uniting over 20 collaborating institutions worldwide. This year’s conference reaffirmed its core belief—that technology becomes most powerful when driven by shared purpose.