By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Participants in the conference were mostly from different parts of Asia.

Central Philippine University – Emerging Asian Research Network (CPU-EARN) held its International Research Conference with the theme “Interdisciplinary Research: Pathways towards Cross-border Innovation and Sustainability” from February 23 to 24, 2021 via Zoom.

More than 50 presenters from different parts of the world participated in the conference.

The opening prayer was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Senior Pastor University Church.

In his welcome address CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles said that in collaborating closely and sharing knowledge in respective researches, more can be accomplished. He also said that the conference is a breakthrough considering the pandemic that has caused challenges among institutions.

The Keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Aldrin Darilag, Commissioner, and Commission on Higher Education. Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology Vice President Dr. Tianhe Qiu gave the first plenary lecture entitled “The Mental Process of Formulating Indirect Requests: An Interdisciplinary Multiple theory-based Approach.”

After the open forum, a series of parallel sessions followed.

For the second day of the conference, College of Theology Dean Dr. Bernabe Pagara led the opening prayer. Dr. Anna May A. Yap Zerrudo, Committee Chair, CPU-EARN International Conference delivered the greetings.

The second plenary speaker Philippine Rice Research Institute Consultant Dr. Ravindra Chandra Joshi gave a lecture entitled “Home Garden Models to address Family Food and Nutrition Security issues in COVID-19 Pandemic.” The parallel sessions followed.

Participants were recognized and acknowledged during the closing program which took place in the afternoon.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio urged the participants to grab every opportunity that will help them expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the world. The program ended with a closing prayer led by CPU Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.

CPU- EARN International Research Conference provides a platform for contributing interdisciplinary experiences in the academe and industry and discussing the most recent innovations, trends, and challenges as well as the adopted solutions that address gaps in practice for the benefit of the society.