Two faculty members of the University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC), Dr. Jewelson M. Santos of the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITEC) and Dr. Jovi Jane C. Bernales of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), have successfully published two collaborative research articles in Edu Sportivo: Indonesian Journal of Physical Education, an international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal with e-ISSN 2745-942X. The publication marks a significant academic milestone for the university, reinforcing its commitment to research excellence and global scholarly engagement aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 4 on Quality Education.
The research articles address contemporary and emerging issues in exercise, sports science, and tertiary physical education, including the integration of artificial intelligence in sports research, gender disparities in physical activity participation, and the modernization of physical education in higher education institutions. As the studies were published in an international platform, the studies can contribute to ongoing academic discourse in Asia and beyond, while highlighting the role of evidence-based and inclusive educational practices.
One of the published works, The evolving landscape of exercise and sports science research in Asia: A multi-faceted review of methodological trends, thematic focus, and socio-cultural contexts, presents a comprehensive narrative review of literature published from 2013 to 2025 across major academic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The study examines research trends, methodological rigor, and socio-cultural factors influencing physical activity in the region. Findings reveal a shift toward applied and population-focused research, alongside growing interest in aging, sarcopenia, and digital technologies. However, the authors also note persistent challenges, including reliance on observational designs, limited statistical power, and barriers faced by women and minority groups due to socio-cultural dynamics.
The second article, The state of physical education in tertiary institutions: Challenges, innovations, and policy implications, analyzes the current condition of physical education at the higher education level. It identifies systemic challenges such as curricular marginalization, inadequate facilities, and limited institutional support, which were further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the study highlights innovative pedagogical approaches and the transformative potential of digital-intelligent technologies, including AI-driven assessment, virtual and mixed reality, and wearable devices. The research emphasizes the strong link between physical activity, academic achievement, and student well-being, and calls for inclusive policies grounded in Universal Design for Learning to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities.
According to the authors, both studies advocate for a paradigm shift in higher education, positioning physical education as a core component of holistic student development. By promoting methodological rigor, inclusive policy reforms, and the responsible use of digital-intelligent technologies, the research supports the advancement of equitable and quality education, directly contributing to UNSDG 4.
The successful publication of these articles underscores UBLC’s growing research presence in international academic journals and reflects the university’s sustained efforts to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and globally relevant scholarship that responds to contemporary educational and societal needs.