SorSU Pioneers 1st Southeast Asian Multidisciplinary Research Expo and Extension Conference (SEAMREEC) 2023

SORSOGON CITY – As the premier University in Sorsogon Province, Philippines, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) successfully commenced the first Southeast Asian Multidisciplinary Research Expo and Extension Conference (SEAMREEC) 2023, from March 1-4, 2023, at the Sorsogon Cultural Center, Sorsogon City.

The SEAMREEC aims to provide platforms for faculty, scholars, and educators to engage in the academic exchanges of scientific knowledge and innovations, and practical approaches that would commence strategic partnerships between SorSU and other Higher Education Institutions in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, this activity will engage the academic exchanges of scientific knowledge and innovations including the practical contributions essential to human development.

During the opening program, SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus welcomed the 242 participants and guests of this one-of-a-kind conference, she said “As members of the academe and the various scientific and technical fields, I believe that research and extension can be the common grounds where we can work collaboratively at the national and global level.”

For his message, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag remarked, “As the Chair-designate of the Sorsogon State University Board of Regents, I reaffirm my unwavering support towards the realization of the University’s vision of being a research university with a culture of excellence in developing globally competitive and values-oriented leaders and professionals.” . Commissioner Darilag also emphasized his desire for SorSU to continue to be an instrument of knowledge advancement in the betterment of the country, of the Southeast Asian region, and of the whole world.

Keynote Speaker, Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero, who is also the Committee Chair of the Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education shared via video message that this event is highly beneficial to promote, not only multidisciplinary research, but for everyone to have cultural exchanges between and among peoples.

SorSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, Dr. Ryan V. Dio shared that a total of 160 paper presentations and 11 poster presenters shall be presented during the 4-day conference. Overall Chairperson of SEAMREEC, Dr. Ana Cristina G. Fortes enumerated the mechanics, criteria, and other announcements.

Participants who were identified from Southeast Asia, Micronesia, and Russia will engage in specific multi-disciplinary tracks such as (1) Green Technology, S&T Innovations, (2) Business and Management, (3) Education, (4) Humanities and Social Science, (5) Agri-Fisheries and Natural Resource, (6) Digital Technology and ICT, and (7) Sustainable Extension Projects.

Moreover, the conference boasts concurrent plenary sessions focused on seven different tracks with exemplary plenary speakers, namely; Dr. Stephen B. Acabado (Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles); Dr. Jacquelyn F. Escarcha (University Fellow from Charles Darwin University, Australia); Dr. Sam Man Keong of Singapore Institute of Engineering Technologists, Singapore; Dr. Prem Phyak of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dr. Romualdo A. Mabuan & Prof. Gregorio P. Ebron Jr. of the Far Eastern University; Dr. Howell T. Ho of the Trinity University of Asia; Dr. Raymund B. Habaradas of De La Salle University; Dr. Ricardo M. Nolasco of the University of the Philippines; Dr. Wilkinson Daniel Wong Gonzales of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer of the University of the Philippines Visayas; Prof. Johannes Paulus B. Acuña (Faculty Lecturer at De La Salle University); Dr. Deanna C. Regnim of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology; and, Dr. Vivien L. Chua of Sorsogon State University.

The series of plenary talks, parallel sessions and presentations took place within the three-day conference, after which a fellowship night with the support from Sorsogon City Mayor Hon. Ester Hamor and a cultural presentation were the socials in the evening. Furthermore, the closing program marked the culmination of the first SEAMREEC where participants from different tracks were called to share their impression in the span of the conference. The awarding ceremony of Best Conference Paper (Per Track), Best Oral Presenter (Per Track), Best Poster (Per Track) as well as Certificate of Appreciation to Participating Institutions, Certificate of Appreciation to Participating LGUs and Agencies also followed.

On March 4, 2023, the participants had the opportunity to experience and explore Sorsogon’s acclaimed tourist spots such as the Barcelona Ruins Park, the Bulusan Lake, the Zoe’s Resort and Eco Adventure Park, and more nature infused panorama, they also immersed themselves in the local history of the province through Museo Sorsogon, and other cultural heritage areas. Along their travels, a feast of famous Sorsoganon dishes and delicacies were offered to the participants where these fully encapsulated the essence of Sorsogon and will forever put the province in their hearts.

Related links:

Website: https://seamreec2023.sorsu.edu.ph/