Rationale

High-value research can help us prepare for the future by keeping us abreast of new trends, technologies, and market movements. It is crucial because it enables people and organizations to foresee and adapt to the quickly changing environment of their respective industries. High-value research is essential for, among other things, globalization, market relevance, talent/skill retention, risk mitigation, adaptation, sustainability, and innovation.

The world is constantly evolving, so conducting high-value research is a proactive way to prepare for future unknowns. Integrating this into our academic and institutional culture allows people and organizations to adapt, innovate, and make well-informed decisions that can lead to long-term success in a constantly changing world.

The 1^st International Multidisciplinary Research Conference with the theme “Warranting a Future-proof Society through Academic and Research Innovations” was held on April 17-19, 2024, at the Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Clark, Philippines.

The conference aimed to be a platform for researchers to showcase their potential in providing solutions that help for the betterment of our nation. Specifically, the conference aimed to (1) provide an avenue for further exploration and development of research outputs; (2) to provide a forum for the productive exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences among academicians, practitioners, and stakeholders; (3) to provide opportunities for researchers to disseminate relevant research in a wide range of disciplines within the country; and (4) to enable participants to establish networks and mutually beneficial partnerships with professionals from other HEIs and the stakeholders across national and international borders.

Program Flow

The event officially started with the opening remarks of Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, the president of the host institution (TSU), and a welcome message from the conference convenor, Dr. Robert V. Marcos.

The first day included talks from four plenary speakers. The first plenary speaker was Dr. Marie Paz Morales, a University Professor from the Philippine Normal University, who talked about “Education for a Future-proof Human Capital.” Prof. Lim Dae Geun, a Professor from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, was the 2^nd plenary speaker who talked about “Cultural Discount and Cultural Premium: Two Frames to Explain Cultural Movement and Interaction.” The other plenary speakers delivered their talks via Zoom Teleconferencing. After the talk of Dr. Lim, the audience witnessed the recorded plenary talk of Prof. Kumlachew Zelalem Walle, a Postdoctoral Fellow from the Ming Chi University of Technology. The talk included sharing Prof. Walle’s research entitled “Solid-state electrolytes for high voltage cathode materials in Li-metal battery application.” Lastly, Dr. Linda Jean Kenix, a Professor of Media and Communication from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, discussed “The Biggest Danger in News (Non)-Reporting: Introducing Noninformation as a Harmful Counterpart to Misinformation, Disinformation, and Misinformation.”

The first day of the conference also featured the Kumpas Nayon Rondalla, a community ensemble of young talents from Brgy. San Jose, Tarlac. The group was established in 2018 as an extracurricular program in the local elementary school but has since expanded beyond the school to reach the wider community. The name ‘Kumpas Nayon’ reflects the group’s mission to enliven the cultural heritage of Tarlac through music reminiscent of a conductor bringing life to a piece by way of their ‘kumpas.’

The first day's afternoon session included research presentations of the faculty researchers and graduate students. The research presentations were continued on the 2nd day of the ANBC 2024, and the last day included awarding certificates for the Best Papers and Best Poster Presentations. As part of the closing program, Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed, the Vice President of Research Development and Extension of TSU, delivered his closing message.

The table below shows the winners' tally for the Best Paper awards. The awardees received Certificates of Recognition. Dr. Maria Elena D. David, the Director of the TSU- Center for Peace, Indigenous Peoples and Resources Center, was the evaluator for the in-person research presentations. For the online presentations, the papers were evaluated by Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed and Prof. Geraldine G. Villanueva.