DOrSU Co-Hosts DSFC 2025, Showcases Innovative Research on Regenerative Futures
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) joined other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region XI as a co-organizer of the Davao Sustainable Futures Conference (DSFC) 2025, held on October 29–30, 2025, at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City. With the theme “Futuring Together: Breaking Grounds, Shaping Directions,” the two-day gathering brought together higher education leaders, researchers, and development partners to reimagine sustainability and chart transformative directions for Mindanao’s future.
Organized by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) XI, the conference was co-hosted by Davao Oriental State University, Davao del Norte State College, Davao del Sur State College, Davao de Oro State College, the University of Southeastern Philippines, and the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST). The collaboration underscored the SUCs’ shared commitment to positioning the Davao Region as a hub of innovation and research-driven sustainability initiatives.
In the plenary sessions, SUC presidents, officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) XI, and representatives from partner agencies joined global experts who shared international perspectives on sustainability and innovation. The plenary speakers included Prof. Masako Ishii of Rikkyo University, Japan; Prof. Hiromi Yokoyama of the University of Tokyo, Japan; and Dr. Michael L. Abundo of BluC53 Pte Ltd., Singapore. Their lectures on futures thinking, sustainable governance, and collaborative research set the tone for meaningful exchanges on education, innovation, and sustainability throughout the conference.
DOrSU’s research community also made a notable mark in the conference’s parallel presentation sessions. Under the Futures of Nature and Environment cluster, Dr. Jonathan S. Cabrera, Ms. Amy G. Ponce, Daven Jayson D. Agbas, Graden G. Obrial, Jennylen Japitan, Dr. Milton Norman D. Medina, Stephanie Cadayona, Dr. Ricksterlie C. Verzosa, and Dr. Emily S. Antonio presented studies focusing on marine conservation, biodiversity assessment, and pollution management, highlighting efforts to protect Eastern Mindanao’s ecosystems and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Meanwhile, under the Futures of Education cluster, Asst. Prof. John Rey R. Codilla, Jerd M. Dela Gente, Noreen M. Javier, and Diether C. Montejo shared research on leadership, student engagement, and learning innovations that support transformative and inclusive education.
Supporting the University’s research delegation were officials who also represented DOrSU in networking and collaboration sessions, including Dr. Lea A. Jimenez, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Lilibeth S. Galvez, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, Global Affairs, and Resource Generation; Dr. Jonathan S. Cabrera, Director for Research; Dr. Lanie B. Laureano, Director for Extension; and Dr. Ricksterlie C. Verzosa, Director of the Center for Futures Thinking and Regenerative Development.
With its active role in DSFC 2025, DOrSU continues to advance its regenerative futures vision through research, innovation, and collaborative partnerships.
