Samar State University (SSU), in partnership with Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region 8, officially opened the 6th International and 9th National Conference on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development (IPOVCON) today, October 8, at the BiPSU Gym in Naval, Biliran. The conference is a vital convergence point for advocates and experts, rallying under the theme: "Technology-Driven Solutions for Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Sustainability."

The IPOVCON aims to provide a dynamic platform for educators, researchers, and policymakers to exchange insights and best practices that will further pursue poverty reduction programs on both the global and local landscape. SSU President and conference convener, Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, highlighted this objective in his rationale, underscoring the conference's role in driving meaningful action.

𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑴𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔

The event commenced with a welcoming address from BiPSU President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., who framed the conference as a key step in realizing the university's institutional mantra: "Weaving BiPSU with the world and the world with BiPSU." He emphasized the attendees' shared commitment to advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that progress is inclusive and that "no one is left behind."

Further solidifying the conference's importance, messages of support and inspiration were delivered by several regional leaders, including Dr. Leo D. Camposano (representing CHED Region 8 Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe), Hon. Jade Tiu (representing Samar Governor Hon. Sharee Ann T. Tan), and Biliran Governor Hon. Rogelio J. Espina, MD, FPOA. Their collective messages stressed the crucial role of education, innovation, and collaboration in effectively addressing current poverty challenges.

𝑲𝒆𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

The conference officially kicked off with a series of inspiring keynote speeches that set the intellectual tone for the succeeding discussions.

Hon. Meylene C. Rosales, Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDevR08) and Co-Host of IPOVCON 2025, delivered the first keynote address titled “Aligning Technology-Driven Poverty Reduction Strategies with Regional Development Plans.” Dir. Rosales emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.

The focus on technology continued with Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Region 8, who spoke on “Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation to Break the Cycle of Poverty.” Dr. Ocaña underscored the transformative power of science and technology in empowering communities, driving economic progress, and creating sustainable solutions for poverty alleviation.

The exchange of ideas went global with Dr. Antonius Torang P. Siahaan, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Sampoerna University, Indonesia. In his address, “Digital Financial Literacy and Technology as Catalysts for Global Economic Inclusion,” Dr. Siahaan highlighted how digital empowerment and financial inclusion can open doors to global opportunities, transforming lives and communities through innovation.

The IPOVCON provides a vital platform for educators, researchers, and advocates to foster dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnerships essential for achieving transformative education and sustainable progress.

#WoWBiPSU #iPOVCON2025