Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) will hold its 1st International Research Forum on Sustainable Development and Research Publication (IRFSDRP) on September 11–12, 2026, at the Hasa-Hasa Theater Hall, Main Campus–Tiwi Site, bringing together local and international researchers for two days of scholarly exchange, research presentations, and publication-oriented discussions.
Organized through the College of Business, Management, and Sustainable Development (CBMSD), the maiden forum carries the theme, “Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Advancing Research Excellence and Scholarly Publication.” It seeks to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, innovative ideas, research collaboration, and work addressing sustainable development concerns.
The forum will feature international scholars led by Dr. Suyon Park of Sunchon National University, South Korea, who will discuss emerging trends in research and innovation, and Dr. Lalita Siriwattananon of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thailand, who will tackle the translation of research into policy, practice, and community impact.
Dr. Tapas Pal, Honorary Research Director of the Forum for Indigenous Agricultural Movement in India, will discuss research for sustainable development and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, while Dr. Victor Cajala, President of VMC Analytiks Multidisciplinary Journal News Publishing Services, will lead the second-day session on publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
Beyond the plenary and keynote sessions, the two-day gathering will feature parallel research presentations covering Sustainable Development Goals and public administration and governance; food innovation and food security; environmental sustainability and climate action; and business, economics, and entrepreneurship. The official proceedings further group the research contributions into five thematic categories, with Public Administration and Governance identified separately in the published compilation.
Among the studies are works on hospitality and tourism in coastal communities, social media and gender expression among hospitality management students, multinational investment and sustainable development in Vietnam, slow food practices in Iloilo’s fourth district, tilapia aquaponics, heritage food products, mangrove rehabilitation, urban gardening, financial literacy, fishing tourism, and public-sector systems.
One featured ISUFST study examines the experiences of fisherfolk involved in hospitality and tourism in Barangay Nanding Lopez, Dumangas. The research identified livelihood opportunities associated with coastal tourism while also documenting challenges such as unpredictable sea conditions, environmental hazards, damaged fishing nets, and livelihood difficulties. It recommends continued capacity-building and livelihood programs for fisherfolk engaged in sustainable tourism.
Another study from ISUFST examines Slow Food Practices in selected municipalities of Iloilo’s fourth district, including Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, and Banate. Its findings point to strong practices related to local food sourcing, sustainability, and cultural food values and may provide a basis for supporting traditional food practices and preserving local food heritage.
The forum also places emphasis on moving research beyond presentation toward dissemination and publication. The proceedings were prepared in collaboration with VMC Analytiks Multidisciplinary Journal News Publishing Services, with the partnership intended to broaden the scholarly visibility of research presented during the gathering.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. said the forum provides an avenue for researchers and academic institutions to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration while translating research into meaningful action.
“May this forum inspire stronger research partnerships, encourage scholarly excellence, and transform research outputs into meaningful actions and innovations,” Siason said in his message for the proceedings.
Meanwhile, CBMSD Dean Dr. Pia P. Paz, who leads the organizing committee, earlier emphasized that the gathering is intended to go beyond presenting academic papers.
“We want this forum to be more than a venue for presenting papers. We hope it becomes a space where researchers learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and see how their work can contribute to communities and to a more sustainable future,” Paz said.
The inaugural forum forms part of ISUFST’s continuing efforts to strengthen research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarly publication, and research that responds to the needs of communities and contributes to sustainable development.
The event opens on September 11 with registration and the opening program, followed by plenary sessions and parallel research presentations. Activities continue on September 12 with the publication keynote, panel discussion, another round of parallel presentations, recognition of presenters and resource speakers, and closing ceremonies.
