Speakers and Judges Drive the Success of ICTECO 2025
The International Conference on Transformative Extension and Community Outreach (ICTECO 2025), hosted by Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in collaboration with local and international partners, concluded as a meaningful celebration of knowledge, collaboration, and community impact. With the theme “ELEVATE: Enriching Lives and Expanding Vision through Advanced Transformative Extension Services,” the three-day conference became a success story largely because of the insights shared by its keynote and plenary speakers, and the dedication of its esteemed judges who guided the presentations with fairness and rigor.
ICTECO 2025 was opened by an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers who set the tone for the entire event. Prof. Harry Futselaar, PhD, PDEng, MSc (Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands) highlighted the importance of strengthening climate-resilient communities through sustainable water and environmental technologies. Prof. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, Founder of Global Health Focus (Philippines), underscored the power of local leadership in shaping transformative health and development work. From the United States, Ms. Maryann Miller, English Language Fellow from the U.S. Department of State, spoke on empowering communities through global perspectives in English language education. Meanwhile, Nabila Husna Shabrina, S.T., M.T. (Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Indonesia) showcased how digital innovation and creative technologies can accelerate community transformation.
The plenary sessions further enriched the discussions, providing diverse and practical perspectives on extension and community outreach. Dr. Ramil T. Uy (DOST–Southern Leyte, Philippines) emphasized the value of co-creating smart and resilient communities through inclusive development models. Dr. Châu Thị Hoàng Hoa (Trà Vinh University, Vietnam) shared her work on empowering marginalized voices through equitable and culturally responsive community engagement. Dr. Adriana Viola Miranda, MD, Director of Program and MER at the 1000 Days Fund (Indonesia), presented how global health innovation can build resilient systems at the community level. Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, RN, MAN, PhD, DScN (Cebu Normal University, Philippines) inspired participants by discussing how research can transform into innovative extension practices that shape futures. Finally, Engr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa, D.Eng. (Caraga State University, Philippines) demonstrated how building innovation ecosystems can advance economic prosperity in emerging local economies.
Equally important to the success of the conference was the role of the judges, who evaluated research and extension presentations across the five thematic clusters. In the Social Well-being cluster, Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid (Samar State University), Dr. Rolly G. Salvaleon (North Eastern Mindanao State University), and Dr. Englevert Reyes (University of San Jose–Recoletos) ensured that initiatives addressing health and quality of life were recognized for their inclusivity and impact. For the Social Equality cluster, Dr. Ferdinand A. Dumalagan (Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology), and Dr. Thi-Luyen Bui (Trà Vinh University, Vietnam) carefully assessed projects that gave voice to marginalized communities.
The Environmental Stewardship cluster was guided by Dr. Karina Milagros C. Lim (University of Eastern Philippines) and Dr. Analyn C. Españo (Eastern Visayas State University), who evaluated initiatives centered on sustainability and climate resilience. In the Economic Prosperity cluster, Dr. Roland A. Niez (Biliran Province State University) and Nguyễn Thị Cẩm Phượng (Mekong Coconut Institute, Vietnam) recognized projects that strengthened local economies through innovation and evidence-based practices. Finally, the Sustainable Communities cluster was overseen by Dr. Joe-an Mae G. Escober (Central Philippines State University) and Dr. Guilbert Nicanor A. Atillo (Negros Oriental State University), who reviewed initiatives that foster inclusive, collaborative, and resilient models of community development.
From the inspiring voices of its keynote and plenary speakers to the discerning guidance of its judges, ICTECO 2025 stands as a collective achievement. The event not only showcased innovative research and extension practices but also reaffirmed that transformative extension thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
Southern Leyte State University and its partner institutions extend their deepest gratitude to all the speakers and judges whose knowledge, time, and generosity made ICTECO 2025 a resounding success. Your contributions have enriched the conference and strengthened the vision of extension as a force for inclusive and sustainable community transformation.
