RISE 2025 Launched by WCC ATC, BCU, and Global University Partners

• RISE 2025 Kicks Off at WCC ATC, Pangasinan, uniting academics, researchers, and global experts to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation in education.
• Keynotes From Bangladesh, India, Malaysia & BSP spotlighted interdisciplinary collaboration, green finance, and culture as drivers of sustainable development.
• CHED, BSP, and 10+ Partner Institutions Back Event, celebrating impactful research exhibits, SDG boot camps, and cross-sector dialogue to fuel education-led change.

The 3rd Research Innovations for Sustainable Education (RISE 2025) formally opened at the WCC Aeronautical and Technological College (WCC ATC) in Binalonan, Pangasinan. The activity gathered academic leaders, researchers, students, and international collaborators on a common platform to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via education, research, and innovation.

A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by Dr. Roger A. Martinez Jr., Conference Chair and WCC-ATC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Danilo S. Bose, OIC and CHED RO1 Regional Director; and Dr. Jude William Genilo, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh Pro Vice Chancellor and plenary speaker during the opening ceremony. Representatives of the university, organizers and panel of judges welcome the ceremony with smiles.

The event commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by CHED Region 1 officials, WCC-ATC management, and co-organizing university representatives. Invocation followed along with the singing of the Philippine national anthem, the Pangasinan and Binalonan hymns, and the official hymns of CHED and WCC-ATC.

In the absence of Dr. Raymond V. Guico, President of World Citi Colleges and WCC-ATC, the Welcome Address was read by Dr. Roger A. Martinez Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Martinez stressed the critical function of research-based innovation in resolving societal problems and pursuing the objectives of sustainable education. The plenary sessions of the morning started with Dr. Jude William Genilo, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, delivering the keynote address on the challenges and opportunities in the integration of research for sustainable development.

This was followed by Dr. Gaurang Rami of the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University in India, who emphasized interdisciplinary and industry-academic collaboration as a source of innovation. To the wave of academic sharing, Dr. Mosharrof Hosen of Taylor's University, Malaysia, shared how HEIs can help attain the SDGs.

WUNI Expert President and Plenary Speaker of RISE 2025 and Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts of Bangladesh, Dr. Jude William Genilo was awarded his Plaque of Appreciation and token by Dr. Roger Martinez and Dr. Rosalie Sheryll Rosales. Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos, Pangasinan Polytechnic College President, emphasized the role of culture and creativity to transform sustainable development.

Mr. Gomer Gomez, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Bank Officer II, closed the plenary presentations with discussions on digital finance and green banking for a sustainable future. While Dr. Christine Nabor Ferrer, Director IV of CHED Regional Office I, was unable to join the morning sessions, she arrived later in the day and delivered an inspirational closing message.

In her remarks, Dr. Ferrer reaffirmed CHED’s support for research and innovation initiatives that position higher education institutions as key players in achieving national and global development goals. In behalf of Baguio Central University, University International Relations Officer Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang is given a Plaque of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution and Co-Organization by Conference Chair Dr. Roger Martinez and Scientific and Innovations Chair Dr. Rosalie Sheryll Rosales.

A short awarding ceremony immediately followed to acknowledge the efforts of the keynote, plenary speakers, and co-organizers of the conference.

During the mid-morning session, Dr. Rosalie Sheryll T. Rosales, WCCATC Binalonan Campus Director of Research and Project Development Office, and Dr. Marilyn M. Obod, Head of World Citi Colleges' RDPO, facilitated the presentation of delegates for the project displays. The judging and examination of the exhibits were done by a distinguished panel made up of CHED RO1 personnel and industry practitioners such as Dr. Thelma D.

Palaoag of the University of the Cordilleras. The afternoon session continued with SDG Boot Camps organized on the basis of thematic areas and was concluded with an energetic round table discussion among the delegates. RISE 2025 took place from May 28-May 30, 2025, at WCC ATC Cabin Hall and is likely to bring forth meaningful results that are geared towards sustainable change in education and other spheres of life. RISE 2025 hosted representatives from participating universities, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, partner NGOs, and advocates, uniting the sector in collaboration, innovation, and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The success of RISE 2025 would not have been possible without the careful preparations and efforts of WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, Baguio Central University, Pangasinan State University, University of Luzon, Lyceum-Northwestern University, Urdaneta City University, World Citi Colleges (Quezon City and Guimba campuses), the Commission on Higher Education, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Pressenza, Ginhawa, Inc. Regional News Group (RNG) Luzon, and C&E Publishing, Inc.

Conference attendees conveyed their sincere appreciation for the flawless organization and warm reception provided by these institutions and partners. In aggregate, they created an inspiring platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and dedicated action toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Not only did this collective action demonstrate the strength of academic and institutional collaborations but also laid a solid foundation for continued cooperation towards sustainable development and transformational education in future years.