Biliran Province State University recently participated in the Writeshop on Journal Peer Review on March 20-21 at Surigao del Norte State University-Del Carmen Campus, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. 

The event, organized by the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium on Journal Publications, Inc. (VMCJPI), aimed to enhance the peer review capabilities of researchers and academic editors, ensuring the quality and integrity of scholarly publications.  

The BiPSU delegation composed of eleven members was led by Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Dr. Roland A. Niez, Research and Development Office (RDO) Director Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, and Journal of Society and Technology (JST) Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Ruffy Rodrigo.

In an interview, Dr. de Paz explained that BiPSU’s participation in the said activity is an important step in the preparation for BiPSU’s plan to relaunch its peer-reviewed official journal in April 2025—the Journal of Society and Technology (JST)—which aims to become a premier platform for high-quality research publications.

“We aim to streamline our peer review processes, elevate the quality of our published research, and align our practices with international academic standards,” Dr. de Paz said. 

Throughout the two-day event, participants underwent intensive training focused on improving the peer review process. Sessions emphasized the importance of conducting thorough and objective reviews, addressing common challenges in virtual peer reviews, and promoting professionalism and ethical standards in academic publishing. 

The workshop also provided practical guidelines to ensure that submitted works meet the rigorous requirements of reputable academic journals.  

BiPSU’s selected research chairpersons from various schools and members of the editorial team of the JST journal also attended the said writeshop including Kevin T. Lagat, STEd research chairperson; Glenn Gumba, STCS research chair; Bonifacio M. Jumetilco, SME research chair; Ma Grace Sañosa-Docallos, SAS research chair; and RDO staff Ma. Shiela C. Torregoza, Phia Jane Llesis, Rambee Golin, Myra Ivy Parac.

VMCJPI is a consortium of Higher Education Institutions aimed at initiating activities that will propel attainment of higher accreditation level in journal publication and indexing among all of its member institutions.

BiPSU recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the VMCJPI for the university’s hosting of the 2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR) on September 16-19 this year.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]