By Dhel Sue Cabiara
Over 100 mathematicians and educators across Negros Island Region gathered at Silliman University (SU) for the 1st Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP) Research Congress and Convention last Sept. 24 to 25 at the SU Library.
The two-day event, themed “Numbers, Insights, and Rigor: Building a Mathematics-Driven Future for the NIR,” featured a series of plenary talks and discussions from Mathematics experts.
Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette De Las Peñas, president of the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines, talked on “Research Developments in the Mathematics of Philippine Indigenous Arts.”
Dr. Garry Cachuela, associate dean of the West Visayas State University College of Education, discussed “The Nexus of Policy and Practice: A New Paradigm for Mathematics Education in the Philippines.”
Other speakers such as Dr. Félix Raymundo Saucedo-Zendejo from Mexico lectured on the “Application of the Finite Points Method to Numerical” while MSP-Region VI President Dr. Alexander Balsomo talked on “The Role of Mathematics in the Formulation and Analysis of Public Policies.”
Moreover, the convention placed the region as the youngest and newest chapter of the MSP, enjoining participants from various NIR schools such as SU, La Carlota City College, Negros Oriental State University, and Asian College Dumaguete.
According to MSP-NIR Secretary Dr. Rhea Rheem Muarip-Bolodo, the event was organized to help the growing NIR mathematics community and institutions establish more linkages.
“Having this research convention and congress as early as this is one of the steps. More importantly, we want to instigate the research collaborations and academic network in NIR through our chapter,” she said.
Bolodo shared that SU was chosen to be the first host school following the election of MSP-NIR officers last October 2024.
“The initial plans on having the first-ever research congress and convention were also discussed. With organized timelines and deliverables alongside consistent and open communication, all parts of the RCC were successfully administered,” she said.
Bolodo also revealed that the Central Philippine State University will host the 2026 MSP-NIR research congress and convention.
Meanwhile, SU faculty members Asst. Prof. Ma. Lourdes D. Eullaran, Asst. Prof. Zarujo C. Girasol, and Asst. Prof. Marivic G. Mohillo served as presenters during the parallel sessions for research presentations.
The event was held in partnership with the 1st MSP-NIR convention and the organizing committee under the newly-established SU United for Modern Mathematics.
