2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR)
Biliran Province State University – Biliran Campus
September 16–18, 2025
Organized by: Visayas–Mindanao Consortium Journal Publication, Inc. (VMCJPI) in partnership with Biliran Province State University (BiPSU)

The 2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR) was held on September 16–19, 2025 at Biliran Province State University, Naval, Biliran, Philippines, with the theme “Innovative Pathways: Advancing SDGs through Transformative Research Methods.”

Dr. Ruffy M. Rodrigo served as Track Chair for Environmental Sustainability and also actively participated as an onsite delegate. In his dual role, he facilitated the smooth conduct of sessions under the Environmental Sustainability track while engaging in scholarly exchanges with fellow researchers.

The conference underscored BiPSU’s commitment to advancing research and internationalization, providing a platform to share innovative methodologies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Rodrigo’s leadership and participation highlighted his continuing dedication to fostering research excellence and collaborative knowledge-building in forestry, environment, and sustainability studies.

Workshop on Data Visualization for Scientific Writing & Publication

Visayas State University – Department of Pest Management

July 22, 2025

Organized by: Department of Pest Management, Visayas State University 

Visayas State University (VSU), through its Department of Pest Management, conducted a Workshop on Data Visualization for Scientific Writing & Publication on July 22, 2025. The event featured Dr. Ruffy M. Rodrigo as Resource Speaker, who shared his expertise and practical insights on creating effective and impactful data visualizations for research dissemination.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of faculty and researchers in presenting scientific findings with clarity and precision. This initiative highlights VSU’s commitment to advancing research quality and supporting scholars in producing internationally competitive publications.

Seminar-Workshop on Bibliometric Analysis

Biliran Province State University – Naval Campus

June 25–27, 2025

Organized by: GHF-University Excellence and Biliran Province State University 

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), in collaboration with GHF-University Excellence, hosted a three-day seminar-workshop on Bibliometric Analysis from June 25 to 27, 2025. The training aimed to capacitate researchers in scientific mapping, performance evaluation, and research trend analysis using bibliometric tools and methodologies.

The activity featured sessions on practical applications of bibliometric analysis using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Participants were introduced to key software tools like Bibliometrix in R and VOSviewer for generating visual insights into research networks, citations, and keyword co-occurrence.

This initiative reflects BiPSU’s strong commitment to research innovation, evidence-based knowledge production, and strategic research planning. It empowers faculty, researchers, and graduate students to enhance their publication strategies, collaboration visibility, and impact within their scientific domains.

Research Workshop on Forestry Priorities
Biliran Province State University – Biliran Campus
June 17, 2025
Organized by: School of Agri-Fishery (SAF), in collaboration with DOST-Balik Scientist Program

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Department of Forest Science, successfully conducted a research workshop in June 2025 aimed at identifying potential research priorities across Biliran Province. The activity was facilitated in collaboration with Balik Scientist Dr. Benildo de Los Reyes, whose expertise guided the discussions based on recent site visits across key ecological zones in the province.

The workshop culminated in the formulation of unique and researchable themes with strong relevance to international ecotourism, sustainable water resource management, and science-based conservation policy development.

These priority areas represent the department’s collective vision of translating research into action—delivering real benefits for the Biliranons by protecting critical ecosystems, informing evidence-based policies, and fostering inclusive and impactful research and development.

Curriculum and Research Signature Development Workshop
Biliran Province State University – Main Campus
June 13, 2025
Organized by:  School of Agri-Fishery (SAF), in collaboration with DOST-Balik Scientist Program

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Department of Forest Science, conducted a dynamic and forward-looking workshop in June 2025 as part of its ongoing academic and research enhancement initiatives. The session was facilitated by Balik Scientist Dr. Benildo de Los Reyes, in close collaboration with the department’s core faculty.

This activity marked a pivotal step in shaping the department’s Curriculum Development and Research Signature. Key thematic areas include forest biodiversity, conservation science, ecological genomics, and sustainable landscape management.

The collective vision of the department centers on building a future-ready forestry program—one that integrates cutting-edge expertise, advanced technologies, and robust research infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on strengthening capacities in GIS, data science, genomics, and wood science to support impactful, interdisciplinary forestry education and research.

UPLB Forestry Technical Forum on Sustainable Resource Management 

Dr. Ruffy M. Rodrigo received a Certificate of Attendance for participating in the Forestry Technical Forum titled "Advancing Human Capital for Sustainable Natural Resources Management," held on April 25, 2025, by UPLB CFNR and partners. 

Writeshop on Journal Peer Review

Surigao del Norte State University–Del Carmen Campus, Siargao Island
March 19-21, 2025
Organized by: Visayas-Mindanao Consortium on Journal Publications, Inc. (VMCJPI)

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) actively participated in the Writeshop on Journal Peer Review held on March 20–21, 2024, at the Del Carmen Campus of Surigao del Norte State University, Siargao Island. The event was organized by the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium on Journal Publications, Inc. (VMCJPI) with the goal of strengthening peer review processes and enhancing the editorial integrity and quality of scholarly journals within the consortium member institutions.

Benchmarking Visit for Scopus Indexing Aspirations 

University of San Jose–Recoletos, Cebu City | March 17-18, 2025

Organized by: Research and Development Office, Biliran Province State University 

April 16-17, 2024

Participant as Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Philippine Island Universities (JPIU)

SEMINAR WRITESHOP: Capability Building Sessions on Layouting/Typsetting and Online Journal System

 organized by Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publication, Inc. and Cebu Normal University, Alta Cebu Resort, Cebu City

April 16-17, 2024

Participant as Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Society and Technology

JOURNAL SEMINAR WORKSHOP

organized by Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publication, Inc.  and Bohol Island State University at JJ Seafoodland, Tagbiliran City. Bohol

November 27-28, 2023

Participant as Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Society and Technology

WRITING TECHNOLOGY-BASED RESEARCH WORKSHOP organized by TESDA-Cabucgayan, Biliran, Biliran 

July 12, 2023

Resource Speaker

July 23, 2024: Participant-Associate Member, “2024 National Research Council of the Philippines Annual Scientific Conference and Visayas REgional Cluser Assembly” Bacolod City,

L' Fisher Hotel-Bacolod. 

September 29-30, 2022: Participant, “Scientific-Technical Symposium on Assessing Forest Damage and Disturbance” Vienna, Austria.  

October 29, 2021: Speaker and Participant, Integrated Management of Environmental Resources (IMER) International Conference, Suceava, Romania 

September 28-29, 2021: Participant, Digital Forest Science Forum 2021. The IUFRO World Day, International Union of Forest Research Organizations. 

June 22-24, 2021: Participant, International Conference on Forest Education. Jointly organized by FAO, ITTO, and IUFRO. Rome, Italy. 

September 9-13, 2019: Speaker and Participant, EURODENDRO 2019 International Conference, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University Brno, Czech Republic.  

September 4-6, 2019: Speaker and Participant, EKOLOGIE 2019 International Conference, Faculty of Science of Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic. 

April 4, 2018: Participant, “How to Respond Forest Disturbances in Europe”, European Forest Institute, Hotel Grandium, Prague, Czech Republic.  

September 16-18, 2015: Participant, TROPENTAG 2015 “Management of land use systems for enhanced food security – conflicts, controversies and resolutions” Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany.  

March 2015- May 2015: Master’s Thesis, “Impact assessment of disturbance on the composition and structure of trees in a dry forest ecosystem in South Ecuador “ Loja, Ecuador. 

October 2014-November 2014: Special project, “Actors and Interests on the Conservation and Management of Subtropical Montane Forest of Kheyroud Kenar, Iran” Iran. 

September 17-19, 2014: Reporter and Participant, TROPENTAG 2014 “Bridging the gap between increasing knowledge and decreasing resources” University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.