February 9, 2023 – With a theme, “Attaining BIMP – EAGA Vision on Resiliency, Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Economic Competitiveness”, the Palawan State University, through the PSU-BIMP –EAGA Unit headed by Dr. Hanlie A. Taha, hosted the Brunei Darussalam- Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines – East-Asean Growth Area (BIMP – EAGA) International Conference at the Citystate Asturias Hotel, Puerto Princesa City on February 9, 2023.
The attendees for the conference were welcomed by the University President, Dr. Ramon M. Docto, who was represented by Dr. Amabel S. Liao – Vice President for Finance and Administration. It was followed by the welcome address of the conference convener, Dr. Hanlie A. Taha, and an inspirational message from Atty. Joselito C. Alisuag, CHEDRO MIMAROPA Director.
Dr. Jo Mark M. Libre, CHED Commissioner and Chair-Designate of the University’s Board of Regents, also presented his message and joined the conference virtually.
Messages were also shared by the different representatives from Malaysia, such as: Datuk James Ibrahim – Vice Chairman, BEBC Malaysia; Dato Dr. Wilson Yong – President, Sabah Institute of Arts; and Datuk Dr. Roland Chia – Political Secretary in the Office of the Chief Minister, Sabah, Malaysia.
After the messages, Dr. Datuk. Prof. Kasim Haji Mansor – Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, conveyed his keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of the conference, as well as highlighting the similarities of the member-nations of the BIMP-EAGA.
Parallel Sessions presenting and discussing different research from different representatives of various universities and state colleges all over the Philippines were then conducted before they came back for the plenary session. Dr. Docto delivered an inspirational message followed by messages from the office of the Governor, Hon. Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, and the office of the City Mayor, Hon. Lucilo R. Bayron, through their representatives.
During the parallel sessions, best papers and best presenters in the conference were distinguished and have been awarded in the program, namely:
Best Presenters:
- First – Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad “Teaching Pangayaw: As an Indigenous Approach to Muslim Filipino Historiography Research, Publication and Extension Division Institute of Islamic Studies” University of the Philippines Diliman
- Second – Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul “Community-based Ecotourism Development for Sustainability: Proposal for BIMP-EAGA” Universiti Malaysia Sabah
- Third – Glenda Cruz “Biodiversity Conservation through Local Policy Formulation in Science Education: A Pragmatic Research Design” Western Philippines University
Best Papers:
- First – Cesario A. Bacosa Jr. “Biogeotechnical – Environmental Remediation using Natural Grown Philippine Bamboo Species for Soil Slope Stabilization” Western Philippines University
- Second – Romeo Lerom “Wild Ornamental Plants Sold at Market Day (‘Tabuan’) Amidst Pandemic in Mainland Palawan, Philippines” College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Western Philippines University, Aborlan, Philippines
- Third – Jean Marie L. Diego “Feeding Programs for Itik Pinas (Anas Platyrhynchos) During the Growing Phase and their Influence on the Subsequent Egg Production Performance” Faculty, College of Sciences, Palawan State University
The BIMP – EAGA International Conference was then concluded with remarks given by Prof. Restie Allan A. Puno, faculty, the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH).