by: Dr. Nikko Jayson P. Go
Baguio City, Philippines – In a continuing commitment to excellence and innovation, faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras recently participated in the 2025 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference, held on April 25-26 at The North Pine Bed & Breakfast Hotel. Organized by the Knowledge Advancement and Youth Empowerment Training & Assessment Centre, OPC, this two-day research development activity aimed at empowering scholars for publication success aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The workshop was attended by Dr. Nikko Jayson P. Go, Dr. Josephine S. Galanza, Dr. Mico S. Loncio, Dr. Donny C. Calaunan from the College of Business Administration, and Dr. Debbie Karyle F. Arquero from the College of Criminal Justice Education.
Day 1: Paper Presentations and Expert Critiques
The first day was dedicated to the heart of academic scholarship: paper presentations and expert critiques. Faculty researchers shared their ongoing work, receiving valuable feedback, suggestions, and insights geared toward enhancing their manuscripts for publication in reputable journals. It wasn’t just a showcase of ideas; it was a collaboration where critical inquiry met the passion for pushing knowledge forward.

Day 2: Transformative Workshops
The second day shifted gears into a series of transformative workshops, each one igniting new perspectives and strategies for the research journey:
Getting Research Ready for Journal Submission: Prof. Sheryl Adducul-Baria, MBA, CMP, CFMP, a seasoned researcher from SMU Nueva Vizcaya, led an intensive session on preparing research for journal submission. She emphasized the importance of aligning manuscripts with journal scopes, strengthening arguments, maintaining ethical and formatting standards, and navigating the peer-review process with resilience and confidence. Prof. Adducul-Baria highlighted, "Publication is already a norm, what is more important is the impact it provides and that is measured by the number of citations."
Understanding Foreign Academic Perspectives: Dr. Kamini Shanmugaiah from the University of Wollongong, Australia, opened a global lens on research through her workshop. She challenged scholars to bridge local insights with global standards, encouraging a mindset that honors the richness of Philippine research while adapting to international publishing norms, ultimately paving the way for more globally competitive and culturally resonant scholarship.

The participation of UC faculty members in this international multidisciplinary academic workshop underscores the university's dedication to advancing research capabilities and contributing to global academic discourse. This initiative not only enhances the professional growth of the faculty but also enriches the academic environment at the University of the Cordilleras, ultimately benefiting students and the broader community.
The 2025 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference, organized by the Knowledge Advancement and Youth Empowerment Training & Assessment Centre, OPC, exemplifies the university's commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and innovation. Through such initiatives, the University of the Cordilleras continues to empower its faculty and students, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
/jpi