CEBU CITY, Philippines— Samar State University (SSU) emerged as a leading institution at the 1st International Interdisciplinary Research Summit (IIRS 2025) held on October 28–30, 2025, at Golden Peak Hotel and Suites, Cebu City, and via Zoom Web Conferencing. The event carried the theme “Interdisciplinary Innovations: Advancing Business, Education, and Social Science for a Sustainable Future.”
Showcasing excellence in research and innovation, SSU presented a total of 15 research papers across various disciplines and earned multiple distinctions, including individual and institutional awards.
The Best Paper Award was presented to Devilyn P. Garillo for “Microplastics in Green Mussel (Perna viridis) from Selected Traditional Mussel Farms in Maqueda Bay, Philippines.”
Garillo also received the Best Publishable Paper (Science Track) from Orbit-Asia, further affirming the significance of her research in environmental sustainability.
Best Oral Presentation Awards were conferred on:
- Sweet Mercy F. Pacolor: “Exploring Machine Learning Algorithms for Predicting Infectious Diseases”
- Dr. Nathalie Ann A. Acosta: “Speak to Lead: Communicative Competence of Youth Leaders in the Rural Communities of Samar, Philippines”
- Dr. Florabelle B. Patosa: “Scanning Study of the Job Satisfaction Among Faculty Members of a State University in the Philippines.”
At the institutional level, SSU received two major recognitions: Research Productivity Award, for submitting and presenting the highest number of research papers at the summit, and Research Advocacy Award, for its exemplary efforts in fostering a culture of inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful knowledge dissemination.
Further strengthening its international linkages, SSU was granted a Certificate of Membership (Institutional Category 1) by the Optimal Consulting and Research Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, effective from October 28, 2025 to October 28, 2026. This membership highlights the university’s strong commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and global scholarly collaboration.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Samar State University and the Optimal Consulting & Research Center, UAE, establishing a new partnership for collaborative research and academic exchange.
Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid and Dr. Edelyn O. Echapare were also honored with the Research Leadership Award for their outstanding contributions to advancing research initiatives and mentoring within the academic community.
SSU’s research presenters also included:
- Mary Rose M. Briones-Cerdena: Students’ Feedback on Biology E-Modules: Implications for Innovative Teaching to Support Sustainable Development Goal 4)
- Maria Crisanta B. Barsobia: Efficacy of Prophylactic Treatments on Fecundity and Larval Survival of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Hatchey Conditions
- Andres B. Sequito III: Inhibitory Effect of Purslane Plant (Portulaca oleracea) Crude Extract Against Staph Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus)
- Maryjes G. Calades: Design and Development of a Procurement Management System for the Provincial Local Government Unit of Samar, Philippines
- Erickson L. Niego: Effectiveness of MQ5, RGBC Sensors, and Fuzzy Logic Algorithm in the Detection of Meat Quality
- Rezy V. Mendano: Development and Evaluation of an Ecophysics Learning Module for Sustainable Environmental Stewardship
- Ariel B. Mabansag: Predictors of Admission among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 8, Philippines: A Random Forest Classification Analysis
- Maria Rubi M. Parrocho: Understanding Communities Conservation of Karts and Caves using the Lens of the Social Representation Theory
- Edelyn O. Echapare: Community Perceptions and Ecological Insights on Ulot River Riparian Biodiversity: A Focus Group Discussion Approach
- Sherrie Ann C. Labid: From Prediction to Action: Leveraging Machine Learning and Lived Experiences to Strengthen Student Retention in Philippine Higher Education
- Celeste J. Reyes: A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Modular and Online Teaching Modalities in the Performance of First-Year Information Technology Students in a Filipino Subject
Alognside research dissemination, the IIRS 2025 also featured plenary and keynote presentations from academic and industry leaders, including Dr. Rodiel C. Ferrer of De La Salle University, Philippines (Topic: “Environmental, Social, and Governance”), Atty. Dr. Stephani Morris of Dynamic Heliposts LLC, UAE (Topic: “Responsible AI Utilization: Advancing Ethical Innovation and Sustainability), Aaditya Tangri of Global Sustainable Action Alliance, Canada (Topic: “From Extraction to Circulation: Mobilizing Non-Extractive Capital to Transform Local Businesses into a Community Asset Class”), Dr. Justine Chinoeperkweeyi (Topic: “Organizational Development for a Sustainable Future”), Prof. Dr. Rommel Sergio of Canadian University Dubai (Topic: “Ensuring Indexability: Preparing and Submitting Conference Papers for Digital Platforms”), and Dr. Billy Joel B. Ramos of Abu Dhabi University (Topic: “Write, Present, Publish: Demystifying the Academic Publishing Process”).
With its strong research presence and global partnerships, SSU continues to advance its mission of academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable development across the world.