𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐋𝐂’𝐬 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Saint Louis College’s School of Advanced Studies, in collaboration with its Global Affairs Office and Research Management Office, successfully hosted the opening day of the Synergia International Conference 2026 on May 7, 2026.

Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, Director IV of CHED Regional Office I (CHED ROI), delivered inspiring remarks alongside Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD, College President, who underscored the conference theme “Weaving Ideas, Celebrating Cultures, Shaping the Future” as a call for scholars to bridge disciplines for sustainable progress.

In her inspirational message, Dr. Ancheta–Diego, highlighted the vital role of higher education institutions in fostering global partnerships and producing research with direct community impact.

She likened research to Abel, one of the region’s unique cultural products, emphasizing that research is not a mere afterthought or random collection of ideas, but an intricate art of weaving—bringing together disciplines, perspectives, and data to create knowledge that matters.

She added that just as the strength of Abel lies in its integrity, research must embody rigor, transparency, and accountability in both process and outcomes.

It should reflect honesty and reliability, ensuring that the knowledge produced can withstand scrutiny and inspire trust.

Her words resonated with the conference’s vision of bridging local initiatives with international collaboration, weaving together culture and scholarship to shape a sustainable future.

The conference served as a premier platform for interdisciplinary and intercultural exchange, showcasing innovative ideas and research findings that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Diego was joined by Dr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHEDRO1, representing the Commission’s strong support and presence at the conference.

#CHEDRO1