The Center for Research in Integrative Social & Special Sciences and Policy (CRIS3P) of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), in partnership with the Rinconada Center for Environmental Sustainability (RiCES), visited Leyte Normal University on March 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The visitors were warmly received by Dr. Jonas P. Villas, the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, and Dr. Myra A. Abayon, the Executive Director of the same office.

This bench-learning visit is part of CSPC’s SUSOG-TUOD 2025: CRIS3P and RiCES’s Learning Visit in Visayas. The theme of the visit was "Advancing Social Science and Environmental Research for Innovative and Sustainable Solutions". The event featured a delegation of esteemed faculty members from CSPC, including four representatives from CRIS3P, led by Center Head Mr. Ejay F. Barcinilla, and four representatives from RiCES, led by Center Head Ms. Ma. Ludilyn B. Agapito.

The purpose of the event was to gain insights into best practices in social science, environmental science, disaster management research, innovation, sustainability, and policy development. This visit aimed to provide valuable support in establishing and ensuring the effective operation of CSPC’s research centers, including guidance on governance, funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful research initiatives. The institution hoped to foster meaningful discussions with LNU’s research leaders, collaborators, and faculty.

In a proactive effort to enhance awareness and compliance with data protection standards in academia, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension successfully hosted a virtual seminar titled “Data Privacy: Implications to Teaching and Learning” on April 23, 2025, via Zoom.

The initiative was held in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Office and the Center for Teacher Education Research, Technology, and Innovation (CTERTI). A total of 143 participants, composed of faculty members and administrative staff, took part in the seminar, reflecting the university community’s growing commitment to responsible data handling practices.

The seminar focused on the legal, ethical, and institutional dimensions of data privacy in educational settings. As technology becomes deeply embedded in the delivery of instruction and research activities, the event underscored the vital importance of safeguarding personal, academic, and research-related data. Discussions highlighted both the legal obligations under existing privacy laws and the ethical responsibilities of educators and researchers in maintaining the integrity of data usage.

This professional development effort aligns with LNU’s continuous advocacy for digital literacy, ethical research practices, and compliance with national policies on data protection.

The Leyte Normal University’s Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) conducted a three-day Training Workshop on Developing Research Proposals for External and International Funding from February 10 to 12, 2025 at the LNU Admin Ballroom. The ORI invited distinguished speakers from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB), namely Mr. Jholyan Francis S. Fornillos and Mrs. Lei A. Pangilinan-Jamolin, both Assistant Professors from the UPLB Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences. The workshop was attended by LNU Research Coordinators from various colleges and faculty members.

The workshop primarily focused on a series of topics spread across three days. On the first day, participants explored From Capsule to Full-Blown Research Proposal Development: An Overview, Proposal Writing within the Frame of Project Management, and Developing a Conceptual and Logical Framework. The second day covered Quantitative and Qualitative Research Proposal: Designs and Procedures and Research Ethics Review Process. On the third and final day, discussions centered on Preparation of Budgetary Requirements and Estimation, Introduction to Intellectual Property Status and Protection, and Sharing of Experiences, Final Coaching, and Presentation of Outputs.

Hence, the three-day Training Workshop on Developing Research Proposals for External and International Funding marked a significant step forward in strengthening the research capabilities of Leyte Normal University. With expert guidance from seasoned UPLB facilitators and the active participation of LNU’s research coordinators and faculty, the workshop successfully equipped attendees with practical tools and strategic insights for crafting competitive research proposals. The event not only fostered a deeper understanding of research processes—from conceptualization to budgeting and intellectual property—but also cultivated a collaborative environment for innovation and scholarly growth. This initiative reaffirms LNU's commitment to advancing a culture of research excellence and positioning its academic community for greater visibility and impact in the global research arena. 

The Leyte Normal University (LNU) in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare and Development Child In-Conflict with the Law (DSWD-CICL) held a meeting on 11th of March 2025 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Present on the meeting were Mr. Leio Nitho L. Caliba of DSWD-CICL/RJJWC; Mr. Arvin Jay G. Cordeta, Mr. Andrew A. Siguan, Program and Extension Coordinator; Dr. Jonas P. Villas, Vice President for Office of Research, Innovation and Extension (ORIE); and Dr. Myra A. Abayon, Executive Director for Center for Teacher Education Research, Technology, and Innovation (CTERTI). 

Child In-Conflict with the Law (CICL) is a category of cases that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) manages and focuses on interventions and rehabilitation of children who have come into conflict with the law by offering services, programs, and facilities. It emphasizes the importance of second chances and potential for children to change, with the right guidance and support.

On April 11, 2025, Leyte Normal University (LNU), in academic partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Biology – Public Health Biology Laboratory, hosted a pioneering seminar-workshop titled “Basic Tools in Health Science Research: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (SRMA) and Bibliometric Analysis.” Held at the Ballroom Hall of the LNU Admin Building, the full-day event gathered 29 LNU faculty and 24 BS Biology students specializing in Environmental Biology, Medical Biology, and Biotechnology. From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, participants engaged in a comprehensive training designed to strengthen their research skills in the rapidly advancing field of health sciences.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Joyce Magtolis, who emphasized the university’s appreciation for the collaboration and the relevance of research integrity and innovation. Dr. Myra A. Abayon, Executive Director of the Office of Research and Innovation, introduced the day’s speakers, led by the distinguished Dr. Ourlad Alzues G. Tangtengco, MD, PhD. A 2024 Stanford World Top 20 Scientist and 2023 Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Dr. Tangtengco currently serves as a Research Fellow and Adjunct Faculty at the UP College of Medicine. He was joined by facilitators Mr. Raffy Jay C. Fornillos and Mr. Ian Kim B. Tabios, who guided participants during the interactive components of the seminar.

Dr. Tangtengco’s morning session focused on Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, where he discussed the rigorous methodology behind synthesizing healthcare evidence and underscored the importance of reproducibility and quality appraisal. This was followed by hands-on exercises using sample research data, allowing participants to immediately apply the techniques they learned. In the afternoon, the topic shifted to Bibliometric Analysis, where Dr. Tangtengco introduced tools such as PubMed, MeSH, and Scopus for mapping scientific output and citation networks. Another round of practical exercises gave attendees the chance to explore research impact metrics and visual analytics in real time.

The workshop concluded with a ceremony honoring the guest speaker and facilitators. Mr. Facundo Rey M. Ladiao of the Biology Department delivered the closing remarks, thanking the resource persons and encouraging participants to apply their new skills in future research endeavors. The event not only equipped attendees with essential tools in health science research but also strengthened the spirit of collaboration between LNU and UP Diliman in advancing national and global scientific knowledge.

April 24-25, 2025 | 2nd Fl., Ballroom Hall, Admin Bldg., Leyte Normal University

In celebration of National Intellectual Property Month this April, the Leyte Normal University Intellectual Property Office (LNU-IPO), in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Central Office, the Intellectual Property Satellite Office (IPSO) Tacloban Field Operations Specialist, and the Office of Research, Innovation and Extension (ORIE), successfully conducted the Intellectual Property (IP) Valuation Workshop. The 2-day training was held at the Ballroom, 2nd floor Admin Building. It was attended by 90 participants, comprising students, part-time faculty members, and faculty from various colleges of the university. 

As part of the 104th founding anniversary of Leyte Normal University, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Extension (ORIE) successfully held the ORIE Fair 2025 from March 5 to 7 at the HRDC Gym Lobby. The three-day event brought together various government agencies, universities, and research organizations from across the region to showcase innovations, services, and collaborative initiatives. The fair officially opened on March 5 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by LNU President Dr. Evelyn B. Aguirre, alongside members of the university's management committee. The event was attended by faculty, students, and representatives from participating institutions.

The ORIE Fair 2025 served as a vibrant platform for agencies and organizations to exhibit their programs and advocacies, fostering partnerships and encouraging knowledge sharing. Among the prominent participants were the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC), the Department of Health - PITAHC, the Province of Leyte, and the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program (VICARP). Also in attendance were the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VIII, Department of Social Welfare and Development - Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (DSWD-JJWC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VIII, and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) Region VIII.

Adding to the diversity of exhibitors were the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region VIII and the Eastern Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (EVCIEERD). These groups displayed a wide range of research outputs, services, and innovations that highlighted regional capabilities in science, health, education, and economic development. The ORIE Fair 2025 exemplified Leyte Normal University’s commitment to fostering collaborative and research-driven initiatives for community and national progress. 

The Commission on Population and Development Regional Office VIII (CPD VIII), in collaboration with Leyte Normal University (LNU), held the Eastern Visayas Director’s Summit on Population and Development on March 26, 2025, at the LNU Ballroom Hall. The summit gathered representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and regional offices to strengthen collaboration on research that addresses key population and development (POPDEV) issues in the region.

LNU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Jonas P. Villas welcomed participants, affirming the university’s commitment to research partnerships. CPD VIII Regional Director Elnora R. Pulma delivered the keynote message, emphasizing the urgency of addressing demographic concerns such as adolescent pregnancy, maternal health, and labor force participation through evidence-based research. CPD Officer Ms. Maria Linsie Arteche introduced the POPDEV Research Agenda 2024–2028, highlighting eight thematic areas and launching the INTENSIFY POPDEV Research and Advocacy System to guide and monitor research efforts.

Several SUCs, including LNU, EVSU, SSU, BiPSU, and VSU, presented their POPDEV-related research initiatives and plans. These discussions led to an open forum and focused group discussions that tackled topics such as Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning, Adolescent Health and Development, and Inclusive Development. The event culminated with the signing of a Manifesto of Commitment, uniting the participating institutions in their shared goal of using research to inform policies and improve the quality of life in Eastern Visayas.

Leyte Normal University (LNU), in its continuing commitment to research-based policy advocacy and responsive governance, successfully hosted a three-day policy reflection workshop titled "Adaptive Governance in Times of Crisis: A Policy Reflection Workshop on Leyte’s Pandemic Experience" from April 4 to 7, 2025, in Baybay City, Leyte. The event brought together key government officials and staff from Baybay City and Palo, Leyte, to collectively reflect on the region’s experiences, challenges, and innovations in governance during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The workshop successfully brought together local government leaders, frontline workers, and academic facilitators to collectively examine and learn from the region’s pandemic response. Over the course of three days, the participants engaged in reflective discussions, shared practical experiences, and analyzed key policies and strategies that shaped their actions during the crisis.

The event highlighted the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and community-centered approaches in navigating public health emergencies. It also emphasized the value of inclusive dialogues in crafting informed and responsive governance frameworks. As Leyte continues to strengthen its local systems, the insights and recommendations gathered from this workshop will serve as a critical resource in enhancing preparedness and resilience in future crises.

Leyte Normal University remains committed to bridging research and policy through initiatives like this—fostering a culture of continuous learning, proactive governance, and shared responsibility.