L-NU Faculty Participate in 12th HCU National and International Academic Conference in Thailand
Lyceum-Northwestern University (L-NU) was co-host of the 12th HCU National and International Academic Conference held at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Thailand, on July 30–31, 2025, with the theme “Research to Serve Society.” The first day featured a tree planting activity in the morning and in the afternoon a presentation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives of the co-host institutions. Representing L-NU, Mr. Michael Rhey Orines from the College of Nursing delivered a compelling video presentation titled “Sustainable Campus, Sustainable Future: L-NU’s Initiatives for the SDGs.”
The presentation highlighted the university’s strategic efforts to advance sustainability, including the installation of solar panels through its Solar Photovoltaic System Project, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also emphasized health-related initiatives aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), such as the implementation of a No Smoking Policy and the provision of accessible mental health programs for students and staff. In support of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), L-NU’s active participation in both local and international collaborations was showcased, along with its recognition in global rankings, including the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and the 2025 WURI Rankings.
The day concluded with a welcome dinner and cultural immersion activity, providing participants with an opportunity to connect and engage with fellow educators and researchers from various participating nations.
On the second day, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the event’s co-host institutions. Ms. Ann Mildred De Leon, Head of the Research Information Management and Communication Unit under the Research and Information Management Office (RIMO), received the co-host certificate on behalf of L-NU. This recognition was followed by a series of plenary sessions, beginning with Mr. Joseph Solomon Horn, Managing Director of Yuttasart 613 Co., Ltd., who shared insights on “The Next 50 Years of Economic Cooperation,” and Prof. Dr. Wanchai De-eknamkul of Chulalongkorn University, who delivered a session on “Discovery of Hair-Growth Promoter from Natural Products.”
In the afternoon, five L-NU faculty members contributed to the academic exchange through research presentations. Ms. Joan Daryl Abellera, a faculty member from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – Natural Sciences, presented “Beneath the Roots: Nematode Assemblages Across Mangrove Root Types” (see paper on page 67 of this document). Mr. John Michael Panoy, also from CAS – Natural Sciences discussed “Genotoxicity of the Four Selected Commercial Instant Coffee Using Allium cepa Test” (see paper on page 33 of this document. Ms. Ann Mildred De Leon, from RIMO, shared findings from “Appearance Anxiety Among Filipino Millennials and Gen Z: A Quantitative Study on Generational Differences” (see paper on page 183 of this document). Mr. Michael Rhey Orines, a faculty member from the College of Nursing, presented “Calm Mind, Clear Paths: The Benefits of Mindfulness as a Coping Strategy Against Anxiety Among Nursing Students” (see paper on page 249 of this document). Dr. Josefina Bitonio, from the Institute of Graduate and Professional Studies- Public Administration, delivered “Women Empowerment through Engagement in Cooperatives” (see paper on page 461 of this document).
The conference provided a dynamic platform for academic dialogue, knowledge sharing, and cross-cultural collaboration, highlighting how research can be a powerful tool to serve and uplift society.
