The recently concluded three-day International Conference 2026, held from January 21–23, 2026, in Zamboanga City, marked a significant milestone in international academic collaboration, community engagement, and policy dialogue. The event brought together scholars, experts, practitioners, and institutional leaders from various sectors.
Anchored on the theme “Sustaining Traditions, Securing Futures: Community Knowledge in Food Security, Disaster Response, Climate Change Adaptation, and Women Empowerment,” the conference highlighted the vital role of indigenous knowledge systems, local governance, and community-based practices in addressing both contemporary and future development challenges.
The successful staging of the conference builds on the international academic engagement initiated in 2025 through Western Mindanao State University’s collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), under the leadership of University President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena. This partnership laid the foundation for deeper global cooperation and knowledge exchange, now concretized through this international gathering in Zamboanga City.
The conference featured a series of insightful panel discussions, specialized workshops, and institutional activities that fostered meaningful exchanges among participants. Topics ranged from food security and climate resilience to disaster risk management, academic writing and publishing, and youth engagement in Southeast Asia. A highlight of the event was the community engagement activity in Taluksangay, which provided participants with firsthand exposure to community-driven sustainability and resilience practices rooted in culture and tradition.
Equally notable were the ceremonial and cultural components of the conference, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, which strengthened institutional partnerships, as well as the Mayor’s Night and Cultural Dinner, which showcased Zamboanga City’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
The International Conference 2026 was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology – Region IX (DOST-IX), Western Mindanao State University, the City Government of Zamboanga, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Sulu State College, Basilan State College, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, Taluksangay Barangay Council, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College, and the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage – BARMM.
With Western Mindanao State University at the forefront, supported by strong institutional collaboration, active participation, and meaningful community involvement, the International Conference 2026 concluded as a resounding success, affirming WMSU’s leadership in advancing academic discourse, cultural exchange, and inclusive development initiatives, while further positioning Zamboanga City as a hub for international and regional collaboration. (AIM-PAO)
