Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has expanded its global research footprint, with Mr. Novlloyd E. Celeste, Head of the Information Technology Support Office (ITSO), representing the institution at the international conference, “Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.” The event, organized by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), took place from September 22 to 24, 2025.
The three-day conference served as a vital platform, convening researchers, policymakers, and development experts from across Asia and the Pacific. Delegates from nations including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam exchanged knowledge on fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems.
​Mr. Celeste presented his paper, “Transition to Circular Bioeconomy: Opportunities and Challenges,” which was co-authored with Dr. Anthony B. Halog of the University of Queensland, Australia. His active participation demonstrated NwSSU’s dedication to tackling global agricultural and environmental challenges through research-backed innovation.
The conference featured focused discussions on key areas such as high-value agriculture, the circular bioeconomy, e-commerce’s role in rural development, and policy frameworks for agro-food trade. Participants benefited from real-time feedback provided by distinguished journal editors, cultivating a setting of professional development, collaboration, and scientific exactitude.
​Reflecting on the opportunity, Mr. Celeste shared that the experience was both a humbling and empowering milestone. “Communicating research outputs and receiving critique for professional growth is invaluable. It demands humbleness, open-mindedness, critical thinking, and courage,” he stated.
Through this engagement, NwSSU asserted its position as an emerging force in global discussions on sustainable development. The university confirmed its commitment to linking local innovation with international collaboration, striving for a more resilient and research-focused future.