Manila, Philippines– Rizal Technological University (RTU) successfully conducted a comprehensive workshop for the Asia Pacific Higher Education Research Journal (APHERJ) on September 17, 2025, at its Research and Development Building Blue Room. The strategic initiative, led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (OVPRIES) under Dr. Magno Quendangan, reinforced RTU’s commitment to advancing scholarly discourse and collaborative research within the Asia-Pacific higher education landscape.
The workshop brought together distinguished academic leaders and researchers from across the Philippine higher education sector. RTU President Dr. Eugenia Yangco formally welcomed the delegation, while Dr. Rodante G. Flores, President of the Philippine Higher Education Research Consortium (PHERC), delivered keynote remarks to the assembled participants.
APHERJ serves as a critical bi-annual, peer-reviewed publication that bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application in higher education. Published by PHERC, the journal encompasses diverse disciplines including education, teacher education, social sciences, governance, educational policy, business education, and STEM fields. Its mission focuses on publishing empirical research that directly addresses pressing challenges within higher education systems, positioning it as a solution-oriented platform serving both academic and practical stakeholder communities.
The workshop’s structured approach featured expertly facilitated sessions designed to enhance participants’ understanding of scholarly publishing standards and collaborative research methodologies. Dr. Ramsey S. Ferrer, PHERC Secretary, delivered the Statement of Purpose and conducted participant introductions, while Mr. Jirich P. Baldemoro from Philippine Normal University-Policy Office facilitated the orientation. The workshop proper was conducted by Dr. Marie Paz E. Morales, APHERJ Editor-in-Chief, who provided invaluable insights into contemporary academic publishing practices, peer review processes, and journal management strategies.
Participants represented a diverse array of state universities, including distinguished PHERC officials Dr. Roel P. Balayan and Dr. Francisco D. Esponilla III, alongside consortium representatives from Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), Philippine Normal University (PNU), RTU, and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP). This multi-institutional representation demonstrated the collaborative ethos essential for successful academic publishing initiatives and reflected the varied perspectives necessary for addressing regional higher education challenges.
The workshop’s significance extends beyond a singular event, representing a strengthened commitment to evidence-based approaches for higher education improvement across the Asia-Pacific region. Through initiatives like APHERJ and collaborative workshops, participating institutions demonstrate their understanding of research as a fundamental driver of educational innovation and policy development. The emphasis on bridging theoretical research with practical application addresses the critical need within higher education systems to translate academic findings into actionable institutional improvements.
The successful execution of this workshop establishes RTU as a recognized leader in supporting academic publishing initiatives, potentially attracting additional collaborative opportunities and research partnerships. Through continued commitment to such collaborative endeavors, RTU and PHERC contribute meaningfully to advancing higher education research and practice throughout the Asia-Pacific region, creating sustainable networks that support ongoing scholarly discourse and institutional development.
