La Consolacion College Bacolod School President Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, called on scholars, educators and researchers to use multidisciplinary research as a force for truth, innovation and service during the opening of the 9th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research.
In her welcome message, Catungal said the conference comes at a time when societies are facing complex challenges that require collaboration across fields, institutions and cultures.
“Solving these pressing problems calls for teamwork and the sharing of ideas through collaboration,” she said, citing global and local concerns such as the climate crisis, rapid technological development, social inequality, ethical issues in artificial intelligence, corruption and sustainable development.
Catungal emphasized that no single discipline can address these challenges alone. She said meaningful solutions often emerge at the intersection of different fields, where new ideas are formed and innovation takes root.
“As a Catholic institution, we’re guided by a rich intellectual tradition that views the search for truth as both an academic and a moral journey,” she said.
She added that research is not merely about gathering information, but about deepening understanding of the self and the world, and using knowledge to serve humanity.
Catungal said LCC Bacolod’s Catholic educational mission calls the academic community to integrate faith and reason, excellence and compassion, and innovation and ethical responsibility. She said scholarship becomes most meaningful when it promotes human dignity, social justice, inclusivity, environmental care and the common good, especially for “the least, the lost and the last.”
She also recognized those who feel excluded, referring to the “nones,” or individuals who may feel outside traditional communities of belonging.
The school president said the international character of the conference affirms that “knowledge knows no borders.” By bringing together researchers from different cultures, institutions and disciplines, she said the conference strengthens the capacity of the academic community to address global challenges.
“In a world often divided by ideology, geography and competing interests, academic collaboration is a powerful expression of our shared humanity,” Catungal said.
She encouraged participants to approach the conference with intellectual curiosity, openness and humility, urging them to listen carefully, challenge assumptions respectfully and seek partnerships that may continue beyond the gathering.
Catungal said the conversations that begin at the conference could lead to research partnerships, policy innovations, community initiatives and discoveries with impact beyond the conference halls.
She also thanked the organizing committee, faculty members, staff, students, partners, presenters and volunteers for transforming the conference “from an idea into a meaningful reality.”
The 9th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research is hosted by La Consolacion College Bacolod and organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research and International Linkages, in collaboration with the Graduate School students.
“As we officially commence this 9th ICMR, may our discussions be insightful, our collaborations fruitful, and our shared pursuit of knowledge guided by wisdom, integrity and a genuine desire to serve others,” Catungal said.