Biliran Province State University has achieved a growing list of high-impact research contributions after recording a total of 41 Scopus-indexed publications to date, as confirmed by the Research Development Office Director, Dr. Pearl Irish De Paz. This latest accomplishment includes the publication of an article by Dr. Roland A. Niez, the university’s Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation (REI), in the internationally acclaimed Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology journal.

Dr. Niez's article, titled "Genre and Motif Variations in Biliran Folk Narratives: Insights for Literary and Cultural Studies," explores the rich cultural heritage of Biliran through its folk narratives. Published in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2576-8484), a Scopus-indexed journal, this article highlights the importance of safeguarding oral traditions that are rapidly disappearing in the face of modern societal changes.

The study involved collecting 21 folk narratives from various towns in Biliran and analyzing them using content and discourse analysis. It revealed recurring themes of magic, mythological figures, physical trials, and community values, such as the Bayanihan spirit and religious devotion, which root the customs and beliefs of the Biliranons, passed down through generations.

In the study, Dr. Niez emphasized the importance of documenting these stories to prevent their loss as technology continues to shape modern culture. The findings underscore the value of Biliran's folk narratives as a repository of the region's mythical and historical past, serving as a rich resource for literary and cultural studies.

In a recent interview, Dr. Niez highlighted the significance of his publication on Biliran’s folk narratives, describing it as a meaningful step in preserving the cultural heritage of the province. “Folk narratives are more than stories; they are reflections of our community's values, beliefs, and history,” he said.

Dr. Niez also noted that the research contributes to BiPSU's ongoing efforts to integrate local culture into academic programs, particularly in history, literature, and social studies. On a global scale, he believes the study raises awareness of Biliran’s cultural richness and offers opportunities for collaborations with institutions focused on cultural preservation.

“It opens doors for collaborative projects with other institutions interested in cultural preservation. This enables BiPSU to become a hub for research that promotes both local and global cultural understanding,” he noted.

According to Dr. Niez, this achievement strengthens BiPSU’s influence in global academic discussions, increasing international partnerships and encouraging research that addresses both local and global challenges. Furthermore, the research points to the need for further documentation efforts in Biliran and neighboring provinces to preserve these oral traditions for future generations.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed his pride, stating, “Reaching 41 Scopus-indexed publications is a testament to the dedication of our researchers and faculty in pursuing academic excellence. This is part of our mandate to produce world-class research that uplifts our university’s profile while contributing to the preservation of our local culture and heritage.”

Dr. Cañezo added that this research on Biliran’s folk narratives is particularly meaningful as it safeguards the rich traditions of the province and presents them to a global audience, highlighting the importance of integrating local knowledge into academic frameworks, not just for scholarly pursuits but also for cultural preservation.

The university is targeting 50 published articles in Scopus this year and is on track to achieve 100% of this goal, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing academic research.

To view the research article:
https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v8i5.2005