CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) has officially tied up with its collaborators for the 2025 International Conference on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development (IPOVCON 2025) through a Virtual MOA Signing Ceremony held today, July 25, via Zoom Web Conferencing. This move solidified the commitment of over 40 institutions, alongside SSU, to alleviating poverty in the region and the country through collaborative research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
The IPOVCON 2025 brought together various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs), international institutions, national government agencies, and local government units across the country. The ceremonial MOA signing is a significant step in organizing the IPOVCON 2025, which aims to foster cross-sectoral collaboration for solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1—No Poverty.
Co-hosting the ceremony were Biliran Province State University (BIPSU), represented by University President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development – Regional Office VIII (DEPDEV RO 8), represented by Ms. Geselle Frances Zeta.
Among the notable partner SUCs and HEIs that attended in the virtual MOA signing include Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) represented by Dr. Amado A. Oliva, Jr., SUC President III, and Dr. Challiz D. Omorog, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration (VPRIC); Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) represented by Dr. Delbert A. Dala, RSDO Director; Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) represented by DR. Analyn C. Españo, VP-Research & Development, & Extn Services; Leyte Normal University (LNU) represented by Dr. Rommel L. Verecio, Dean of LNU Graduate School; Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) represented by Mr. Harris C. Tarrayo, Director for Center for Innovative Computing and Data Analytics (CICDA); Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) represented by Dr. Elbert C. Edaniol, President; Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) represented by Dr. Rose A. Arceño, Director, Research Services Office; Saint Paul School of Professional Studies (SPSPS) represented by Dr. Eleanor R. Chuca, AVP-Academics; Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) represented by Dr. Frances Ann R. Sy, VP-Research, Innovation & Extension Services; State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) represented by Dr. Kristine T. Soberano, Director for Research and Development; University of the Philippines Tacloban College represented by Dr. Patricia B. Arinto, Dean, and Dr. Rolly G. Fuentes, Coordinator, Office of Research Coordination; Visayas State University (VSU) represented by Dr. Feliciano G. Sinon, Innovation Director; and Samar Colleges, Inc. represented by Mr. Victor Plasabas Jr. and Ms. Ritchelle Jabagat.
SSU was also actively represented by University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, Vice-President for Research & Extension Services Engr. Mirador G. Labrador, Executive Director for Research Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, SIGISDAC Director Engr. Raven C. Tabiongan, and OVPRES personnel Ms. Christine G. Capidos, Mr. Reuben Y. Corrige, and Mr. Lemuel Karl Tadios.