West Visayas State University–Calinog Campus has strengthened its position in the national academic landscape following the recent achievement of Dr. Elias Olapane, who was recognized as Champion (1st Place) in the Outstanding ASEAN SDG Project – People Category at the ASEAN Conference on Extension for Sustainable Development Goals. The conference, held on November 29, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall, convened higher education institutions from across the country to present extension initiatives aligned with sustainable development.

Dr. Olapane, who serves as extension project leader, received the distinction for his research paper titled “Upskilling DepEd Teachers’ Research-led Teaching Through a Capability Training Series.” The project is anchored in his flagship extension program, ARTeach: Action Research Training Series, which seeks to enhance the research capabilities of public school teachers and integrate research-based methodologies into classroom instruction. By equipping educators with the necessary competencies to conduct and apply action research, the initiative contributes to improved teaching practices and evidence-informed decision-making in basic education.

The project demonstrates strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing inclusive and equitable quality education. Its design underscores the critical role of teacher capacity-building as a driver of educational reform, situating frontline educators as key agents in achieving sustainable and transformative learning outcomes.

The conference featured more than 30 presenters from state universities, colleges, and local higher education institutions, each highlighting extension programs that support community development and institutional performance. These initiatives were framed within global evaluation systems such as the Times Higher Education and the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Rankings, emphasizing the increasing importance of extension work in demonstrating universities’ societal impact.

Dr. Olapane’s recognition not only affirms the scholarly merit and practical relevance of the ARTeach program but also reflects West Visayas State University–Calinog Campus’s sustained commitment to community-engaged scholarship and regional development. As recipient of the top award, he was presented with a plaque of recognition and a cash prize, further highlighting the institution’s growing contribution to academic leadership and extension excellence.

Notably, conference organizers emphasized that the winning project exhibited a high degree of innovation, measurable outcomes, and a clear commitment to advancing educational quality for teachers—identified as a priority sector under the “People” pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition reinforces the vital role of research-driven extension programs in addressing systemic challenges in education and promoting long-term, sustainable impact.