Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), hosted this year’s Hiraya SIKLAB Convergence with the theme “Pioneering Good Governance and Sustainable Development Goals Through Futures Thinking,” which unfolded at the university gymnasium on October 25.

This year's conference aimed to build upon the collaborative efforts of BiPSU and the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), established in 2022 through SIKLAB. The primary focus was empowering communities and organizations to enhance opportunities for capacity development, knowledge sharing, and promoting effective local governance, peace, and resilience in Biliran Province. The event sought to achieve these objectives by presenting research findings related to Futures Thinking and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that impact Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines.

On behalf of BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (VP RIES) Dr. Roland A. Niez delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing that the commitment and efforts of the attendees have a far-reaching impact that extends beyond the confines of our institution and touches the lives of people worldwide.

“You are the architects of change [and] the dreamers of a world where compassion, equity, and sustainability reign supreme,” Dr. Niez said.

The plenary session was led by Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, Director of Hiraya Futures Strategic Innovations and Knowledge Laboratory (SIKLAB) and the BiPSU Institutional Planning Office (IPO). During this session, attendees engaged in a productive discussion with research fellows from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM).

Dr. Rupert Sangalang, former BiPSU Board of Regents Chairperson, shared his research about the “Assessment of the Futures of Food Security of the Philippines Through Scenario Building.” The discussion focused on various scenarios related to the challenges and the future of food security in the Philippines.

Furthermore, Mr. Joel Dela Paz, representing the Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary, Kenneth Ronquillo, also discussed the pivotal findings of his study, “Reimagining Future Scenarios of Health and Well-being in the Philippines Towards a Resilient Universal Health Care."

Dr. Madlyn Tingco also imparted to the guests and participants the reasons behind the decline in salt production and ways to be globally competitive salt producers with her study, “InSALTfficiency: The Specter of Philippine Salt Production Industry Decline and Ways Forward.”

Delegates from Isabela State University (ISU), including Dr. Marina D. Acerit, Dr. Jennelyn L. Raymundo, and Mr. Randy P. Acoba, actively participated in a productive exchange of ideas. Their discussion centered on methods to empower communities and promote effective local governance. This benchmarking session on BiPSU's Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, led by Mr. Peñaranda, took place in the university convergence room during the afternoon session.

Representatives from several higher education institutions (HEIs) and provincial and national agencies in Biliran Province were also in attendance. This included Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), and DILG Biliran, headed by OIC Cluster Head, LGOO VI, Carolina O. Ampong. Municipal Health Officers, Tourism Officers, and Planning and Development Coordinators President, Engr. Leonardo Madeja also graced the event with their presence.

The event underlines BiPSU’s commitment to upholding service excellence and working toward a more sustainable future.

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