VMCJPI Research Cup 2026 concludes with Recognition of Outstanding Bibliometric Research
The Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publications, Inc. (VMCJPI) successfully concluded the VMCJPI Research Cup 2026: The Scopus Challenge for Global Impact with the conduct of its Day 2 Awarding and Announcement of Winners on July 10, 2026, via the Zoom platform.
The event gathered researchers, scholars, and academic leaders from participating higher education institutions to recognize excellence in bibliometric research and celebrate scholarly contributions with global relevance. Messages of inspiration and support were delivered by distinguished research leaders, including Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Publication, and Extension of Southern Leyte State University; Dr. Carina Joane Barroso, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of Bukidnon State University; and Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, Founder of GHF University Excellence-Philippine. In their messages, they underscored the importance of research excellence, collaboration, innovation, and international visibility in advancing academic and societal impact.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the competition recognized outstanding bibliometric studies that demonstrated excellence in research quality, relevance, and contribution to the advancement of knowledge.
Claiming the First Place award was Surigao del Norte State University through the study titled “Nanocellulose-Based Food Packaging for the Circular Economy: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Progress, Knowledge Structure, and Future Directions,” authored by Marjun C. Alvarado. The research was commended for its comprehensive examination of emerging trends and future directions in nanocellulose-based food packaging within the context of the circular economy.
The Second Place award was presented to Biliran Province State University for the study “Circular Economy Initiatives in Higher Education: A Retrospective Bibliometric Analysis (1945–2025),” authored by Jefry E. Aransado, Jeson V. Viñas, Neil Aldrin T. Olvina, and Christian Jay C. Castil. The paper offered an extensive analysis of the evolution of circular economy initiatives in higher education over eight decades.
Meanwhile, Cebu Normal University secured Third Place with the study “Mapping Divergent Pathways and Structural Inequalities in Global South and North's Circular Economy Research: A Bibliometric Study,” authored by Alvin G. Cuñado. The research highlighted disparities and emerging patterns in circular economy scholarship between countries in the Global South and the Global North.
The event concluded with a message from Dr. Rolly G. Salvaleon, Vice President for Research and Extension of North Eastern Mindanao State University, who commended all participants for their dedication to advancing research and scholarly publication. He also congratulated the winners and reiterated the value of producing impactful research that contributes to global knowledge and sustainable development.
The successful completion of the VMCJPI Research Cup 2026 highlights the consortium’s continuing commitment to fostering a strong research culture, encouraging quality scholarly outputs, and promoting globally competitive research among higher education institutions.