by Leo G. Almonte, MDC
West Visayas State University takes a giant step towards its aspiration to be a research university by hosting the 2022 World Research and Innovation Festival (WRIF) today, October 17, 2022. After months of preparation led by WRIF Lead Convenor Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU opens the remote conference through Zoom to researchers worldwide.
With the theme “Connecting the global community through research,” the festival has four main clusters, namely, International Conference in Education and Social Sciences; International Conference in Pure and Applied Sciences; International Conference in Medical, Health, and Allied Sciences; and International Conference in Business, Hospitality, and Management.
After the preliminaries, prayer, and the Philippine National Anthem, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz gave an insightful welcome message that set the stage for the conference. He started his remarks with a probing question: What have we done in this world that you will leave behind when your physical body is no longer around? Dr. Villaruz said that many participants in the conference might already have a long list, while some may have just started, and a number have no legacies yet to leave behind.
“To those who have started, carry on, and you will reach your goal,” said the WVSU president. “To those with many on their list, please be a guiding light to others. I posted the question because the World Research and Innovation Festival is a perfect venue for reflection organized by WVSU. This research festival is not just for a show. This three-day event is fulfilling a mission in the world”.
Honorable Rolando B. Distura, SP Member 4th District of Iloilo, gave an opening message on behalf of Iloilo Province Governor Arthur Defensor, JR. Dr. Greta G. Gabinete took the spotlight to introduce the guests and plenary speakers of the day. Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. introduced Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III while Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado read the CHED chairperson’s message.
Utah Valley University President Dr. Astrid Segovia Tuminez capped the morning session with her inspiring story in her keynote speech. A native of Iloilo City, Dr. Tuminez related her humble beginnings as a child from a low-income family living in an impoverished area. “Who would have thought that someone like me would one day become the president of one of America’s biggest universities? Her keynote speech expounded on the theme “Knowledge is Power. Research and Innovation give us the Key”.
Plenary speakers for the different conference clusters will share their expertise along with papers presenters from October 17 to 12. Dr. Josette Talamera-Biyo, Dr. Achim Dobermann, Dr. Christopher Millora, and Dr. Mary Precy Aguilar-Lego are scheduled to speak on the afternoon sessions of the research festival’s first day.