SPUP commenced its three-day 4th International Interdisciplinary Research Conference (IIRC) on December 12, 2019. Held at SPUP Global Center, it bannered the theme: “Creating Educational Pathways in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
The academic convergence was endeavored in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI). It was participated in by over three hundred leaders, educators, policymakers, professionals, and scholars from USA, Japan, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines.
An ecumenical praise formally opened the assembly followed by the welcome remarks of Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC (University President). In her address to the participants, she emphasized the relevance of research and its importance to knowledge economy. Moreover, she also dwelt on the significance of research in fostering perspectives, directives, and innovations to bolster citizenship education, sustainable development goals, internationalization, ASEAN studies, and transformative learning in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe).
Atty. Lily Freida Milla, CESO IV (Deputy Executive Director, CHED) delivered her keynote speech where she emphasized educational, inclusive and sustainable development. She presented the projects, programs, and reforms pursued and currently undertaken by CHED towards transformative learning and internationalization. She also acknowledged SPUP as a partner of CHED for its various initiatives on internationalization and transformative education as she presented the Plaque of Appreciation bestowed by the Commission to the University.
In the first plenary session, Dr. Swee-Hin Toh (President, WCCI) expounded on global citizenship and the responsibility each one has to take towards transformation. According to the UNESCO Peace Laureate, global citizenship evokes ethics of duty and care encompassing those of future generations. He likewise affirmed that the industrial revolution is a call for humanity towards the pursuit of a spiritual revolution and care for Mother Earth.
Furthermore, 40 researches were presented as the conference progressed to its concurrent sessions. The various studies proactively tackled and augmented knowledge and skills along healthcare, health education, linguistics, internationalization, technology-based education, transformative learning, humanities, arts and, spirituality.
The first day of the conference concluded with a cultural and socialization night at the University’s Student Center. The program included an agape where the participants had a taste of local delicacies and cuisine. Moreover, the cultural show highlighted the presentations of SPUP’s local (Singkil) and international (dances of Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian) students, Disney-inspired performance of the Basic Education Unit (BEU) students, and the parade of creative attires by the SPUP’s ASEAN Ambassadors. The gathering also served as an avenue for interaction and networking among the participants, guests and members of SPUP community.
SPUP’s 4th IIRC was conducted in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Ascendens Asia, and, Research Advocacy for Community Empowerment (RACE).
