𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗔-𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — Mountain Province State University (MPSU), together with fellow delegates from Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), proudly represented the Philippines at the recently concluded Asian Graduate School Summit (A-GRASS) 2025, held from May 21 to 24, 2025, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE).
A 10-member MPSU delegation, composed of faculty and non-teaching staff, joined over a hundred educators, researchers, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific in one of the region’s premier platforms for graduate education and research collaboration. An additional group of ten MPSU delegates participated virtually.
Showcasing Graduate Research and Building Academic Partnerships
The MPSU delegation actively engaged in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and research presentations revolving around pivotal themes such as sustainable development, graduate education reforms, digital learning innovations, and internationalization strategies.
MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue served as a discussant during a roundtable forum on sustainability in research, development, and extension programs. He also took part in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with university leaders from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, aimed at strengthening international partnerships in higher education and collaborative research.
Recognizing MPSU’s Research Distinction
MPSU researchers shared their work through various parallel sessions, covering diverse fields such as sustainable community development, engineering education, educational leadership, public administration, and social sciences. Several studies were shortlisted under their respective Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) categories — a testament to the university’s growing research presence.
Onsite Shortlisted Research Presentations, awarded as FINALISTS:
Lichelyn M. Nasungan – Species Richness and Riparian Vegetation of Upper Chico River in Bontoc, Mountain Province
Annie Grail F. Ekid – Critically Theorizing Indigenous Culture & Hybrid Identity in the Igorot Transnational Diaspora
Onsite Presenters:
Rollie C. Mejia – Tracer Study on Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Graduates of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Tadian Campus (AY 2010–2019)
Edgar Mapangdol – Therapeutic Community as a Treatment Modality for Persons Deprived of Liberty in Mountain Province District Jail
Neil Christian G. Comafay – Institutional Scholarships in Mountain Province State Polytechnic College: An Assessment
Christie Lynne C. Codod – A State University Workforce: Drivers of Engagement
Gina L. Lacaben – Selfie Culture: Self-Presentation of Undergraduate Students
Luzlyn M. Agwilang – Sustainability Consciousness of Local Community Residents in the Philippine Highlands
Mike N. Allidem- Exploring Potential Tourist Attractions in Barlig, Mountain Province
Online Shortlisted Research Presentations, awarded as FINALISTS:
Joy Fraine M. Ngodcho – The Accessibility Law: Challenges Faced by Local Government Units
Claire Kaplaan P. Lafadchan – Reimagining the Framework of Incident Management in Bontoc, Mountain Province
Online Presenters
Georgina P. Maskay – Perspectives of Nurses in Selected Hospitals on Medication Safety
Jafen B. Lingfiawan – Restoration Strategies to Revitalize Local Tourism in the Northern Philippines
Febie Liza L. Lengwa – Correlates of Financial Management Practices of Small-Scale Miners
Parline Angyap T. Ullalim – Recidivism Among Youth: Hitting the Brakes on the Rough Ride of Juvenile Delinquency
Dikwanay Kate Fa-ed – Social Responsibility Practices of Market Vendors
Willow P. Rosario – Pre-service Teachers’ Experiences with Multilingual Practices in Bontoc (Philippines): A Thoughtful and Agentive Approach to Translanguaging
Alexander P. Donato – Multi-Criteria Analysis in Optimizing the Allocation of Stalls in Bontoc Public Market
Angeline PeLeo – Services Enhancement of Accommodation Establishments in Mountain Province: A Case Study
International Learning, Cultural Exchange, and AI-Focused Research Bootcamp
Beyond the academic sessions, the MPSU delegation participated in a research bootcamp on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and innovation. Delegates also attended keynote addresses by esteemed regional leaders: Prof. Dr. Qi Xinjian of UNESCO-INRULED, China; Dr. Tram Nam Tu of the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam; and Dr. Songheang Ai, SEAMEO TED
The summit also provided opportunities for cultural immersion and regional networking, enhancing mutual understanding and academic cooperation across nations.
Strengthening Graduate Education Networks and Future Collaborations
In line with its commitment to research excellence and academic leadership, MPSU is set to organize a post-summit knowledge-sharing workshop to cascade insights, research findings, and innovative strategies gained from A-GRASS 2025 to its academic and graduate school communities.
“This summit provided a remarkable platform for our faculty to engage with peers across Asia, share their research, and build meaningful partnerships,” said President Cue. “It underscores MPSU’s unwavering commitment to advancing quality graduate education and contributing to sustainable development through international collaboration.”
The active participation of MPSU and other Philippine universities at A-GRASS 2025 marks a significant stride in elevating the global visibility of Philippine higher education institutions. It also highlights their vital role in promoting regional cooperation, fostering sustainable graduate education initiatives, and reinforcing academic solidarity across Asia.#