The UNIFFIED International Summit 2023 last July 24-26, 2023 was hosted by the UNIFFIED-Western Visayas and was held at the JBLFMU (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University) -Molo and JBLFMU-Arevalo. The three (3) universities which joined with JBLFMU as co-host universities were:
(1) the University of San Agustin, (2) Central Philippine University, and (3) Capiz State University. The first day, July 24, 2023, was the UMRCI (UNIFFIED Multidisciplinary Research Conference) 2023 started with the holy mass at the gym of JBLFMU-Molo, followed by the foot parade, and cutting of the ribbon by the founder of UNIFFIED, Inc in the person of Mrs. Paraluman G. Castaneda, who came from the United States of America. Dr. Edgardo B. Dacpano, president of UNIFFIED, Inc., Dr. Ronie L. Mataquel, Co-Founder, Dr. Geony Provido, Dr. Maximo Gimeno, Jr., Mrs. Mary Ann Palencia, Dr. Ivy Hilay-Wilcher, and other guests from the USA assisted in the cutting of the ribbon. Mr. Robert O. Parcia, Administrator of JBLFMU-Molo gave the bouquet to Mrs. Castaneda. A formal program was followed, Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Chief Executive Officer of JBLFMU welcome the delegates to the UNIFFIED International Summit 2023.
Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., CHED Regional Director of Region 6 was the inspirational speaker. The research presentations were conducted in the different air-conditioned rooms prepared by the Technical staff of JBLFMU-Molo. The second day was the Salidunong which was held at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, different educational experts from USA were the invited to speak through the online platform.
The Gala and Awards Night was conducted on July 25, 2023, at Smallville 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, teachers from different parts of the country and abroad were recognized and plaques of recognition were given to the awardees.
Winners of the best in the abstract, best in oral presentations, and best in paper or study were awarded also. Instructors of JBLFMU-Molo received different awards in the research presentations:
(1) Dr. Victor B. Jaleco received "3rd Place in Best Abstract" in the study "Fresh Water Generator Powered by Solar Energy: P{project of Maritime University for Water Sustainability,
(2) Dr. Camila Jill R. Belandres obtained the "3rd Place in Best Abstract on the study Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness (PATHFIT): Readiness, Implementation and Effectiveness towards Higher Education Institutions in Region 6,"
(3) Engr. Nerios S. Cortejo received two awards- 2nd Place Best Paper and 2nd Place Best Presenter in the Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand on the study entitled Computer-Implemented Methodf of Disabling A Motor Vehicle,
( 4) Engr. Ernie Jay A. Teves received two awards - 2nd Place in Best Abstract and 3rd Place in Best Paper in the Environmental Science, Maritime Science, & Disaster Preparedness on the study Marine Sewage Treatment Plant (MSTP) among Domestic Ships Plying Iloilo-Guimaras Strait,
(5) Dr. Melalyn M. Servento received 3 awards- 1st Place in Best Abstract, 1st Place in Best Paper, and 3rd Place Best Presenter in the Entrepreneurship, Business, Economics, and Management Strand, in the Environmental Science, Maritime Science, Disaster Preparedness of the study "Fishing Practices and the Preservation of Coral Reefs: Promotion for Sustainable Livelihood,"
(6) Dr. Rolando A. Alimen received the award as 1st Place in Best Abstract of the study "Towing Tank for Designing Local and Merchant Vessels: Unified Efforts." Midshipman Arssel Pritz Baylen, marine engineering students received the 1st Place in Best Abstract and 3rd Place in Best paper, Midshipman Rogen Jay B. Palencia from the College of Business garnered the award in 1st Place in Best Paper.
Awardees in the major categories such as Rising to the Challenge of Education, Most Influential Teacher, Gawad Ulirang Guro, Gawad Sinagtala, Outstanding Leadership in Education, Outstanding Leadership in Community Extension, Outstanding Leadership in Public Service received their respective plaques.
Dr. Elsie F. Gancia received the Plaque of Recognition in the Category of "2023 Most Influential Teacher of the Year." Teachers who had been in teaching for 15 years and above were also recognized by giving them the Plaque of International Service in Teaching.
The third day, which was July 26, 2023, was the educational tour, delegates went to the Maritime Museum of JBLFMU, Agustinian Museum of the University of San Agustin, and American Heritage of the Central Philippine University, buses, and university vans of the 4 universities were utilized as transportation of the international delegates. Guests from the USA visited also the Capiz State University and tried the seafood of the Roxas City, Capiz as the Seafood Capital of the Western Visayas.