The Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) strengthened its global academic visibility as its researchers successfully presented a virtual paper at the IV International Symposium on Literature, Culture and Language held on December 5–7, 2025, in Van, Türkiye. Organized by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (Van YYU) in partnership with the Institute of Economic Development and Social Research (IKSAD), the symposium convened international scholars to explore contemporary issues in education and culture. SPAMAST’s remote participation demonstrated the institution’s growing commitment to global engagement, leveraging digital platforms to join prestigious scholarly conversations beyond national borders.
Representing SPAMAST in the virtual conference, Margaret E. Depalubos presented the research titled “Modeling the Influence of Gender, Cultural, and Religious Dimensions on Academic Life Satisfaction.” Co-authored by Benedict D. Leocario Jr., Eldum L. Limao, Tarra Dawn C. Marquez, Nove Joy V. Elimino, and project leader Aldwin T. Miranda, the study examined how gender awareness, cultural understanding, and religious literacy influence students’ overall academic satisfaction. The authors emphasized that these social dimensions significantly shape learners’ academic experiences, affecting their engagement, well-being, and perceptions of institutional support—key insights for higher education institutions striving to build inclusive learning communities.
The research forms part of SPAMAST’s institutionally funded project, “Exploring the Influence of Gender Awareness, Cultural Awareness, and Religious Literacy on Shaping Students’ Academic Experiences: Basis for Enhancing Student Services Programs.” Its findings contribute to global conversations on equitable education and align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By advancing research that promotes inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and student-centered development, SPAMAST continues to assert its position as a forward-looking academic institution committed to elevating educational quality and fostering international collaboration—even in a virtual landscape.
