The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC), in partnership with the Global Research Conference Forum and Taguig City University, successfully hosted the first International Conference on Innovation and Interdisciplinary Integration – SYNERGY 2025. On November 20–21, 2025, at the UB Lipa City. With more than 100 participants from around the world, including Southeast Asian countries, the conference gathered academicians, researchers, professionals, and students to explore emerging studies in artificial intelligence, technology, medicine and biotechnology, education, and the social sciences. Held under the theme “Bridging disciplines, inspiring innovation: Towards a sustainable and inclusive future,” the event aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration that address global challenges through interdisciplinary innovation.
In her welcome remarks, University of Batangas President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn underscored UB’s commitment to research, collaboration, and lifelong learning. She emphasized, “This gathering is a testament to UB’s long-standing commitment to advancing research, lifelong learning, and interdisciplinary engagement. We gather here today not only as professionals and scholars, but as one global community united by a common vision to harness the power of research and technology towards a sustainable and inclusive future.” She also highlighted UB’s origins as a post-war institution established for nation-building and expressed excitement for its forthcoming 80th founding anniversary.
Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran, Vice-Chancellor of Himalayan University and CEO of the Global Research Conference Forum, emphasized the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation in navigating today’s complex global landscape. He noted that modern challenges require “collaboration, cross-border partnerships, and shared human wisdom,” commending UBLC for hosting the conference and acknowledging the long-standing partnership that helped bring the event to the Philippines for the first time. He also announced proposals for strengthened international collaboration through future conferences and formal university partnerships.
During the conference, the University of Batangas and Himalayan University formalized their institutional partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Present during the signing were University President Hon. Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn, Research and Publications Director Dr. Pastor R. Arguelles Jr., UBLC College of Education, Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Minerva Chavez-Apita, and UBBC College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Priscilla Mizpah P. Santillana. The agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening the research capabilities of both universities, reinforcing their shared commitment to promoting international academic collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
Throughout the two-day event, UBLC faculty and staff showcased exceptional research productivity, presenting diverse studies that reflected the university’s growing scholarly strength across various disciplines. The research presentations included: “Novice Programmer’s Performances in Computer Programming of College of Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable Education: A Pre-Post Intervention Study” by Ms. Michelle M. Malsi with co-authors Dr. Pastor R. Arguelles Jr. and Mr. Gerard Noel Anthony Bautista; “Sexual Orientation, Resilience and Mental Health Among University Students: Protective Factors and Challenges” presented by Dr. Rina R. Olan with co-authors Dr. Olive M. Calingan and Ms. Vielle Anne Marie D. Flores; “The Development and Validation of the Jonah Complex Inventory: An Action Research on Measuring Fear of Success and Self-Limiting Behavior” by Ms. May Marcell M. Corneja with co-author Raymond Joseph R. Calingasan; “Community-Based Tree Planting and Its Impact on Mental Health: Basis for Thriving Resilience Environmental Engagement (T.R.E.E.) Program” presented by Dr. Jerson L. Mariño with co-authors Ms. Krisha Marie C. Subingsubing, Mr. Warren P. Liwana, and Mr. Apolinario Maranan; “Access to Education of Persons with Disabilities: Basis for Enhanced Support System” by Dr. Precious Naj C. Alcantara with co-authors Dr. Minerva Apita-Chavez and Ms. Mheralyn F. Silang; “Assessment of Students’ English Proficiency: A Basis for Enhanced Instructional Learning Materials” presented by Dr. Marites C. Antenor with co-authors Dr. Jerson L. Mariño and Dr. Daniella M. Decena; “From Obscurity to Opportunity: Nurturing Wellness Tourism Awareness among Employees at the University of Batangas Lipa Campus” by Mr. Joshua Ramil D. Katigbak with co-authors Geneta R. Miles and Diane S. Agojo; and “Performance of Pre-Service Teachers in Teaching Internship: Basis for Curriculum and Instruction Enhancement” presented by Ms. Maria Cristhel Ledesma-Gutierrez with co-authors Dr. Minerva Apita-Chavez and Dr. Precious Naj Alcantara.
UBLC researchers also earned top distinctions across major award categories. Dr. Marites C. Antenor was recognized as Best Presenter for her study on English proficiency assessment; Dr. Precious Naj C. Alcantara received Second Best Presenter for her research on access to education for persons with disabilities; and Mr. Joshua Ramil D. Katigbak was named Third Best Presenter for his study on wellness tourism awareness. In the Best Paper awards, “Assessment of Students’ English Proficiency: A Basis for Enhanced Instructional Learning Materials” by Dr. Antenor, Dr. Mariño, and Dr. Decena garnered Best Paper, while “Access to Education of Persons with Disabilities: Basis for Enhanced Support System” by Dr. Alcantara, Dr. Apita-Chavez, and Ms. Silang earned Second Best Paper. The study “Community-Based Tree Planting and Its Impact on Mental Health: Basis for Thriving Resilience Environmental Engagement (T.R.E.E.) Program” by Dr. Mariño, Ms. Subingsubing, Mr. Liwana, and Mr. Maranan received Third Best Paper.
Further extending the conference’s global reach, collaborative international research presentations were conducted online on November 21, 2025, featuring works co-authored with partner universities from Vietnam and Indonesia. These included “The Impact of Teacher Feedback on English Language Errors on Student Learning and Speaking Confidence” presented by Umi Astuti with co-authors Mr. Nikko A. Laylo, Inayatatul Nisa, and Du Truong An, and “Cross-Border Collaboration in Joint Program Competency Mapping: A Comparative Study of Dong Thap University and the University of Batangas for Program Development Project” presented by Nguyen Thanh Tam with co-authors Dr. Minerva Apita-Chavez and Ms. Rachelle Bedes. These collaborative efforts underscored UBLC’s growing network of international academic partnerships and its commitment to fostering research engagement beyond national borders.
SYNERGY 2025 marks a significant step toward advancing the University of Batangas’ mission of delivering quality education, promoting transformative research, and fostering responsive community service by identifying existing gaps and addressing them through scholarly and evidence-based approaches. Through the leadership of the Research and Publications Office, UB continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic, research-driven institution committed to producing knowledge that informs practice, supports innovation, and contributes meaningfully to societal development.
The conference strengthens the university’s internationalization effort and reinforces its dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, research productivity, and global academic engagement. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13) UBLC continues to champion scholarly initiatives that advance innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
The success of SYNERGY 2025 serves as a strong foundation for future research endeavors that empower communities and contribute meaningfully to global development. As the University of Batangas approaches its 80th year, this milestone becomes an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to research excellence by hosting more international conferences, fostering deeper academic collaborations, and expanding its network of global partners. In the years to come, UB envisions a steadily growing landscape of research engagements where innovative ideas are shared, partnerships are strengthened, and new knowledge is produced to address emerging societal challenges. With its enduring dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and institutional collaboration, the University is prepared to see even greater achievements unfold, shaping both local and global academic communities.