June 16, 2025 – The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) officially commenced the 2nd International Research Opportunities, Development, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference 2025 at Liceo de Masbate, City of Masbate.
In his opening message, DEBESMSCAT President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, plenary speakers, board of judges, and participants who gathered to promote innovation, research, and collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address was Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and Batangas State University. His talk, titled “Innovative Pathways for Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Research and Extension Collaborations for Sustainable Solutions,” highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving inclusive and future-ready development goals.
Plenary talks continued with Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President of the Philippine Normal University, who shared his insights on “Future-Ready Education: Transformative and Sustainable Pathways,” and Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, Executive Director of the National Research Council of the Philippines, who discussed “Strengthening Higher Education and Industry Partnerships for Community-Driven Solutions.”
Both online and onsite participants were given the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers through an open forum, raising their concerns and questions on various issues and research disciplines.
In the afternoon, breakout sessions were held for online participants and research presenters from across the country. They showcased their work under various research tracks, including Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Engineering and Industrial Technology, Environmental Studies and Resource Management, Information Technology and Computing, Public Policy and Administration, Smart Agriculture, Fishery and Coastal Resources Management, and Social Sciences.
Held under the theme “Innovative Pathways to Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Research and Extension Collaborations for Future-Ready Solutions,” this year’s IRODEO aims to foster knowledge exchange and build stronger networks among researchers, educators, and development practitioners.
The conference continues tomorrow with a new set of plenary sessions featuring international partners, including Dr. Fidelis Ngugi from Tharaka University, Kenya, and Dr. Muhammad Ali Fauzi from Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia.
Onsite participants from various regions are also set to present their research entries, marking another day of impactful dialogue and academic exchange.
Ladies and gentlemen,
