The ALCUCOA National Research Conference, held on July 18-19, 2024, at the City College of Angeles in Pampanga, brought together researchers, educators, and experts to tackle the theme, “Pursuing Global Development through Local Multidisciplinary Education.” Organized by the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA) in collaboration with the City College of Angeles and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, this event served as a significant platform for addressing global development challenges through a local, multidisciplinary approach.

The conference aimed to explore how research from various disciplines—spanning business, education, health, social sciences, and more—can offer solutions to pressing global issues. It emphasized the importance of local contexts and perspectives in contributing to broader development goals. With 65 papers from different academic institutions, the event underscored the role of higher education institutions in addressing challenges that transcend borders.

The first day of the conference was marked by a thought-provoking plenary session delivered by Dr. Ethelbert Dapiton, Chairman of the Pampanga Research Educators Organization. Dr. Dapiton's talk focused on qualitative research and its philosophical underpinnings. He highlighted how local research, grounded in context and community needs, can serve as a springboard for global solutions, especially when connected to interdisciplinary collaborations. His presentation set the stage for the series of discussions that followed, emphasizing the necessity of bringing diverse perspectives together to tackle multifaceted global challenges. On the second day, Prof. Johnny Amora, Director for Institutional Effectiveness and Research at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, delivered the second plenary address. Prof. Amora's talk centered on quantitative research. He elaborated on how educational institutions can leverage their research capabilities to design impactful solutions that address both local and global needs.

Throughout the two-day event, the conference featured a variety of breakout sessions designed to delve deeper into specific subthemes. The sessions offered a platform for in-depth discussions, each one exploring how different disciplines can collaborate to drive change. The subthemes of the conference were: 1) Integrating Business, Leadership, and Educational Technology for Innovation, 2) Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity, 3) Interdisciplinary Solutions to Complex Social, Economic, and Cultural Issues, 4) Local Higher Education, Public Policy, and Sustainable Development, and 5) Promoting Health and Wellbeing through Education.

The ALCUCOA National Research Conference not only served as an academic gathering but also as a call to action for integrating research across disciplines to address global challenges. By focusing on local solutions with global impact, the conference highlighted the importance of fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary research that empowers communities and drives long-term development. With such initiatives, the event proved that local higher education institutions can play a key role in shaping a better, more sustainable future for all.