SORSU - Research, Extension and Training

29/08/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐌𝐑𝐉 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐬, 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

Sorsogon State University (SorSU), through the Publication and Knowledge Management (PKM) Unit under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension and Training (OVPRET), successfully conducted the SorMRJ Online Caravan on August 28, 2026, via Zoom, gathering participants from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The online activity provided a platform for faculty members, researchers, and members of the academic community from different institutions to learn more about scholarly publishing and the publication opportunities offered by the Sorsogon Multidisciplinary Research Journal (SorMRJ).

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Ana Cristina G. Fortes, Vice President for Research, Extension and Training, encouraged participants to actively engage in the session and consider transforming their research outputs into meaningful publications.

“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺’𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Venkat Bakthavatchaalam, SorMRJ Reviewer, emphasized that while publication is an important component of university metrics and academic promotion, its deeper purpose is to communicate significant discoveries and contribute knowledge to areas that remain unexplored.

The webinar also featured Dr. Aaron A. Funa, who discussed “Publishing in Philippine Journals: Long-Term Benefits and Why SorMRJ Matters,” highlighting the value of publication in strengthening researchers’ academic and professional contributions.

Frances Grace J. Jetomo-Desembrana, Head of the Publication and Knowledge Management Unit, meanwhile, presented “Getting to Know SorMRJ: Scope, Submission, and the Editorial Process,” familiarizing participants with the journal’s scope, manuscript submission requirements, peer-review procedures, and overall publication process.

Following the presentation, an open forum was held, giving participants the opportunity to raise questions, clarify concerns, and engage with the speakers on matters related to manuscript preparation, journal submission, peer review, and the publication process.

With participants coming from different SUCs and HEIs, the SorMRJ Online Caravan extended the reach of SorMRJ beyond the University and strengthened opportunities for wider institutional participation, research dissemination, and scholarly collaboration.

Through initiatives such as the SorMRJ Online Caravan, SorSU continues to promote a stronger culture of research publication and provide researchers from various academic institutions with avenues to share knowledge and contribute to multidisciplinary scholarship.

27/08/2026

⏳𝟭 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢! 📚✨

The SorMRJ Online Caravan is happening tomorrow! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our distinguished resource persons, Dr. Aaron A. Funa and Dr. Venkat Bakthavatchaalam, as they share valuable insights on research, scholarly publishing, innovation, and meaningful academic impact.

📅 28 August 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

📝 Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFHBDVK6wG3w3-WT1xPDotNDLFE1mpCciaOBXcvpPttvphBQ/viewform?utm_source=chatgpt.com

📲 Or scan the QR code to register!

🌱 Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Change.

26/08/2026

⏳ 𝟮 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢! 📚✨

The SorMRJ Online Caravan is almost here! Get ready to learn, connect, and be inspired by valuable insights on research and scholarly publishing.

📅 28 August 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

📝 Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFHBDVK6wG3w3-WT1xPDotNDLFE1mpCciaOBXcvpPttvphBQ/viewform

📲 Or simply scan the QR code in the publication material to register!

🌱 Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Change.

25/08/2026

⏳ 𝟯 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢!📚✨

The SorMRJ Online Caravan is getting closer! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and gain valuable insights on research and scholarly publishing.

📅 28 August 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

📝 Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFHBDVK6wG3w3-WT1xPDotNDLFE1mpCciaOBXcvpPttvphBQ/viewform

📲 You can also scan the QR code to register!

🌱 Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Change.

24/08/2026

⏳ 𝟰 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢! 📚✨

The SorMRJ Online Caravan is almost here! Get ready to learn, connect, and be inspired as we come together to advance research and scholarly publishing.

📅 28 August 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

📝 Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFHBDVK6wG3w3-WT1xPDotNDLFE1mpCciaOBXcvpPttvphBQ/viewform

📲 You can also scan the QR code to register!

🌱 Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Change.

20/08/2026

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗠𝗥𝗝 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻!

We are pleased to introduce 𝗗𝗿. 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗸𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺 of Cardiff University, United Kingdom — an international expert in Peace Engineering and Sustainable Innovations, and a board member of the Peace Engineering Consortium.

With his expertise in SDG-aligned technical frameworks and his work integrating Peace Engineering into academic curricula, Dr. Venkat brings valuable global perspectives to this year's Caravan. He will share an inspirational talk drawn from his own experience in research and academic publishing.

Join us for an engaging session as we explore new approaches to research, innovation, sustainability, and the role of education in creating meaningful, lasting change.

📅 SorMRJ Online Research Caravan
🗓️ August 28 | 1:00–3:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Change.

✅ Publishing in SorMRJ is completely free — no APC (Article Processing Charge).

Register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFHBDVK6wG3w3-WT1xPDotNDLFE1mpCciaOBXcvpPttvphBQ/viewform

You may also scan the QR code in the publication material to register.

We look forward to having you join us!

19/08/2026

Encouraging our young researchers, innovators, and aspiring changemakers to seize this opportunity! 🌱✨

If you’re passionate about creating a more sustainable future for our agrifood systems, this could be your chance to learn, lead, and make an impact. 🌏💚

Check out the SEARCA Youth Ambassadors Program (SAYAP) and apply!

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has opened applications for the SEARCA Youth Ambassadors Program (SAYAP) for Sustainable Agrifood Systems. This new initiative seeks to develop a generation of innovative and systems...

17/08/2026

Marking another achievement in Sorsogon State University’s research landscape, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗗. 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗼, together with his research collaborators, has published a new study investigating metal accumulation in bulk zooplankton across a nearshore–offshore gradient on the southwestern coast of Taiwan.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐤 𝐳𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞–𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧
📄 Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin Volume: 223, Part 2
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120257

The study contributes to the understanding of marine pollution and environmental processes by examining the relationship between stable isotope signatures and metal accumulation in zooplankton across varying coastal environments. Its findings provide valuable insights that may support marine ecosystem assessment, pollution monitoring, and the sustainable management of coastal and ocean resources.

This collaborative research also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by contributing to environmental monitoring and pollution management, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening scientific understanding of environmental changes and ecosystem conditions, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by contributing to the assessment, protection, and sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Congratulations to Prof. Mark Ariel D. Malto and his research collaborators on this significant publication! May this achievement inspire continued collaboration and research excellence in advancing knowledge for the protection and sustainable management of our marine environments.

17/08/2026

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 ✍

We are pleased to recognize the valuable scholarly contribution of 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗗. 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀 and 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗼 𝗦𝗣. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘆 to the understanding of academic resilience among college students. Their research provides evidence on how students’ coping strategies and perceptions of academic challenges relate to their academic performance, offering insights that can help educational institutions develop meaningful resilience-building interventions.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
📄 Journal: Sorsogon Multidisciplinary Research Journal
⚙️ Volume 5 | Pages 59–77
🔗 https://mrj.sorsu.edu.ph/index.php/journal/article/view/172

Aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), this research highlights the importance of fostering positive coping strategies and addressing students’ perceptions of academic challenges to support resilience and improve educational outcomes.

Congratulations to the authors on this meaningful research contribution! We encourage educators, guidance professionals, researchers, and academic institutions to explore these findings and consider strategies that strengthen students’ resilience and support their academic success.

We also invite researchers and scholars to submit their original manuscripts (full paper, research note, or policy brief) to the 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥. The journal does not charge any Article Processing Charge (APC), ensuring that publication remains free and accessible to all authors.
🔗 https://mrj.sorsu.edu.ph/index.php/journal/about/submissions

13/08/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐒𝐔, 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐏𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐃𝐢𝐁𝐈𝐄

When floods rise, landslides threaten communities, and extreme weather disrupts infrastructure, resilience begins with knowing where risks are and how development can respond to them. Recognizing these growing challenges in the Bicol Region, Sorsogon State University (SorSU), with support from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), is turning to digital innovation to strengthen science-based planning and sustainable development.

Through the DOST Institutional Development Program (IDP)-funded Center for Digital Built Environments (CrDiBIE), SorSU is establishing a regional research and innovation hub that will integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, engineering analyses, climate-risk assessment, and digital mapping to develop localized decision-support tools.

The initiative formally advanced on August 12, 2026, through the Orientation Seminar for the Pre-Implementation of the DOST-PCIEERD IDP-Funded CrDiBIE held at the SorSU Dormtel. The activity brought together University officials, faculty researchers, project personnel, and partner stakeholders to align the project's objectives, implementation framework, expected outputs, and institutional commitments.

Leading the initiative is Dr. Ernie Bañares, Project Leader of CrDiBIE, together with project team members Dr. Richard Dumilag, Dr. Bryan Escoto, Ms. Cyrin Burton, Ms. Cecil Dy, and Mr. John Raphael Chavaria. The team will spearhead the Center's research and development activities and work toward integrating digital and engineering approaches into solutions responsive to the region's environmental and infrastructure challenges.

CrDiBIE responds to a region increasingly affected by climate change, flooding, landslides, sea-level rise, rapid urbanization, and unplanned land conversion. By combining geospatial and engineering technologies, the Center aims to transform data into actionable information that can support infrastructure development, land-use planning, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction.

But CrDiBIE is not simply about technology. Its strength lies in its potential to connect research with the people and institutions that need it most. The Center seeks to strengthen collaboration among SorSU, DOST-PCIEERD, government agencies, local government units, industry partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring that research and digital tools are responsive to actual regional needs.

For SorSU, the initiative represents another step in strengthening its research and innovation ecosystem while positioning the University as a partner in addressing complex regional challenges. Through CrDiBIE, researchers and stakeholders can work together to understand environmental risks, support informed decisions, and develop solutions grounded in local realities.

As the Center moves toward implementation, its vision is clear: to use data, science, engineering, and digital technologies not merely to map the environment, but to help communities understand risks, plan smarter, and build more resilient futures.