CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) reaffirmed its commitment to global innovation and research excellence as it co-hosted the 7th International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST 2025) held from October 22 to 24, 2025, at the Pablo Borbon Campus of Batangas State University – The National Engineering University in Batangas City.
Led by Batangas State University, the international gathering convened researchers, students, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to advance innovation, collaboration, and transformative research across various disciplines under the theme, “Engineering the Future: Transformative Research for Global Advancement.”
Representing SSU were University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia and Executive Director for Research Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, who also presented her CHED-funded paper titled “Engineering Predictive Models for Student Retention: A Mixed-Methods Study from Philippine State Universities.” The study, co-authored by President Palencia, Ariel B. Mabansag, Mae V. Cañal, Abegail G. Bordios, Jake Boy D. Carbonquillo, Lovely Rose A. Bolante, Marilyn D. Cardoso, Ma. Andrea C. Del Rosario, Norberto E. Milla, Jr., May A. Cabañing, Junelle R. Guerra, Michael Hendrix T. Casama, Ricardo Saronias Jr., exemplifies the university’s strong research culture and its commitment to data-driven solutions in higher education.
SSU’s active participation in IRCIEST 2025 underscores its dedication to fostering research excellence, innovation-driven development, and global academic collaboration—key thrusts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
The confab was also co-hosted by 16 other higher education institutions, including Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (HUTECH), Indian Maritime University (IMU), University of the Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Caraga State University (CSU), Cavite State University (CvSU), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Kalinga State University (KSU), Laguna Polytechnic Univeresity (LSPU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Rizal Technological University (RTU), and University of Southern Mindanao (USM).