More than 170 educators, researchers, and policymakers from the Philippines and neighboring countries gathered for the 2nd International Conference on Multicultural Education and Interdisciplinary Studies (ICMEIS 2025), held from April 23 to 25, 2025 at Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City.

Organized by Philippine Normal University (PNU) Mindanao, the conference carried the theme “Bridging Cultures & Fostering Interdisciplinary Learning,” creating a platform for critical dialogue on culturally responsive pedagogies, academic collaboration, and inclusive education. Over three days, participants engaged in plenary sessions, research presentations, professional sharing, and cultural exchanges.

The conference opened with the welcome messages from key leaders, including Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 13’s Dr. Rolyna Trujillo, Agusan del Sur Governor Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr., and Butuan City Councilor Hon. Omar Andaya, who emphasized Mindanao’s importance in advancing global educational discourse.

PNU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Quality Assurance Dr. Teresita T. Rungduin reaffirmed the university’s commitment to educational transformation, while other PNU leaders set the tone for deep, collaborative engagement.

Keynote speaker Dr. Djuwari Sarkawi from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya challenged participants to embrace “future-ready pedagogies” by blending global knowledge and Southeast Asian wisdom. In succeeding plenary sessions, Dr. Alfred B. Taboada of Notre Dame University spoke about peace education as a participatory tool for social transformation, and Dr. Aileen C. Park of PNU Mindanao emphasized the power of culturally responsive teaching.

Beyond the academic discourse, ICMEIS 2025 celebrated culture through a Fellowship Dinner and Cultural Night. A highlight was the performance titled “Mgu Agong Tu Mgu Manobo Nu Agusan: Lifeways and Rituals,” presented by the Kaliyagan Dance Troupe and Tud-Um Chorale, showcasing the rich traditions of the Manobo people. Attendees, clad in neo-ethnic attire, shared local delicacies, reinforcing cultural solidarity within academic spaces.

The conference also featured professional sharing sessions led by international scholars including Visiting Professors Dr. Adrian Rodgers and Dr. Mekasha Kassaye Gobaw, offering global perspectives on diversity, teacher education, and educational reforms.

Parallel sessions spotlighted outstanding research in multicultural education, languages, pedagogy, leadership, innovation, STEAM education, and curriculum development. Awards were given to exceptional papers, including innovations in science multimodality, robotics-assisted titration setups, and automated agriculture technologies.

Closing ceremonies celebrated achievements and mapped future directions. Participants departed not just with knowledge, but with renewed resolve: to unlearn outdated educational scripts and collaboratively build inclusive, culturally grounded, and transformative learning spaces.

The final plenary session featured Prof. Sorhaila L. Latip-Yusoph, Ph.D., Director of both the MSU-Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center and the Office of Information, Press, and Publication at Mindanao State University – Marawi, who delivered a talk titled Fostering Inclusivity in Diversity: Promoting Multicultural Harmony in Education, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education in nurturing multicultural understanding. 

In his closing statement, PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga reflected on the three-day conference’s achievements and emphasized the continuing responsibility of educators to foster inclusion across cultures and disciplines. 

The program transitioned into a business meeting attended by PNU Mindanao personnel and led by Dr. Adelyne M. Costelo-Abrea, Executive Director and Provost. Discussions focused on strengthening internal academic strategies in line with the university’s research and extension goals.

As ICMEIS 2025 concluded, it left a clear message: education must not only inform but also heal, liberate, and empower.