As part of the activities during the 6th Sorsogon Research, Development and Extension Conference 2024 (SorDeCon), Sorsogon State University’s (SorSU) seasoned researcher, Mathematics Professor and the Vice President for the Office of the Research, Extension and Training (RET) Dr. Ryan V. Dio successfully launched his book titled “Selected Primer Topics in Modern Algebra: The New Normal Worktext” on March 7, 2024 at the SorSU Sorsogon City Campus, Audio Visual Hall.
SorSU officials, faculty, personnel, students along with partner agencies and institutions, alumni and other professionals were the attendees of this milestone activity. During the book launch, a short audio-visual presentation showcasing Dr. Dio’s academic and professional achievements in the line of research, extension and publication was presented. Among his accomplishments are awards, memberships and publication background having four (4) Scopus-Indexed Scientific Research Article Journal Publication, eleven (11) ASEAN Citation Indexed/CHED Accredited Research Article Journal Publications and nine (9) other articles published in peer-reviewed or refereed Journal Publications. Moreover, he is experienced in book publication and has previously worked on two textbook publications which are (1) Number Theory Worktext – A Primer in 2017 and the (2) Statistics and Probability (2022) which he co-authored in 2022.
SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus graced the event and gave a message to the attendees. She regarded it as an honor to speak on behalf of SorSU as the publisher of Dr. Dio’s book. She emphasized that the event itself is historical for the University since Dr. Dio’s book is the first book to be published by the university.
“It is truly with great pleasure and honor for me to speak on behalf of our Pamantasang May Puso, as the publisher of Dr. Ryan’s newest book. Not only because he is one of the pillars of our university, particularly in the field of research, but also because he is a very diligent and prolific home-grown researcher, who has published his articles in veritable local and international journals. “
The President further expressed that the book is a unique blend of translation of complex theories and concepts, formed into simple language that will significantly help students, teachers and other practitioners.
“This is the translation of complex theories and concepts into simple language, provided with practical examples that can be easily understood and applied in everyday life…This shows the true intelligence of an author – making his readers understand instead of adding more to the confusion. Dr. Ryan’s “Selected Primer Topics in Modern Algebra” is designed not only for students and teachers of this subject but also intended for others who wish to broaden their knowledge on this wonderful yet challenging branch of mathematics. Although there are many comparable volumes that are already published and available in bookstores, this one was written based on Dr. Ryan’s actual experiences in instruction and the observations he had about learners’ abilities and difficulties about this subject…If you buy Dr. Ryan’s book, you will not only help him write his next books and research articles but also contribute to the improvement of the services we deliver in our Pamantasang May Puso.”
In his response, Dr. Dio said that in his years of practicing his profession, this is his first time to formally launch a book. He furthered, “This new book is different because it has been a testimony of our resiliency, commitment, innovation and service as a classroom teacher during the pandemic.”
During his writing process, Dr. Dio said that he experienced a fair share of challenges in terms of limited reference resource materials, but, with the help of more than five batches of mathematics major students (who were also his former students) he was able to compile several work problems, worksheets and activity sheets that served as baseline materials in the creation of the complete set of worksheets with an electronic copy during in the onset of COVID-19.
At present, his book has been conceived as one of the self-learning materials intended for the mathematics major students of the teacher education institutions, in response to the New Normal Teaching and Learning approach.
By the end of his speech, Dr. Dio expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the people who helped make the book and its launching possible beginning with SorSU President Dr. De Jesus for giving him a chance to serve as the very first publishing author of SorSU. He also recognized the efforts Prof. Romeo SE. Mendoza (Director, Business Affairs Office), Engr. Ivy Rose B. Gonzales (Head, Intellectual Property – Technology Business Management Services or IPTBM), Ms. Sheryl Solano (Staff, IPTBM), Mr. Marlon Peter Gamis (Former Research Office Staff and book cover designer of Dr. Dio’s book). He also gave special appreciation to Ms. Nilda Boland, from Kaneohe, Hawaii, who donated mathematics related books and other books of her possession to SorSU for more students to explore and learn from.
He further acknowledged the attendees coming from the academic community, as well as media practitioners and most specially his supportive and dedicated wife, Mrs. Angel L. Dio.
VP Dr. Dio ended his message sharing, “Above all, (I am thankful) to Almighty God who is a source of everything. Everything that I possess is from Him… everything that we have is a gift from our Almighty God and that gift should be nurtured and shared in any way that we can. As a full-fledged Mathematics Professor, this is my way of sharing those gifts from Him – to God be all the glory. “
SorSU holds on to its commitment to provide exceptional education aligned with its vision and mission to continuously promote the research-based innovation and scholarly work of its faculty through publication and dissemination which will contribute to the evolving educational landscape. (SorSU PIO)
