The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) proudly celebrates Ms. Noreen Dianne Alazada for being selected Best Paper awardee on the 8th Asia Future Conference (AFC#8), an international and interdisciplinary conference that encourages diverse approaches to global issues in order to promote lively discussions. The oral presentation and awarding ceremony will take place on 26-27 August 2026 in Tohoku Gakuin University, Itsutsubashi Campus, Sendai City, Japan. 

Ms. Alazada during her LLABS presentation in the KKK46B last 31 July 2025

Her winning paper, “The Local-to-Local Across Border Scheme (LLABS) Model Between Fujino and Maahas: An Immersive Learning Experience,” exemplifies excellence in research on how communities can form meaningful alliances guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable shared growth concept. This research was drawn from the reports and insights of the successfully conducted 46B Sustainable Shared Growth Seminar (KKK46B) titled “What the World Needs Now is LLABS (Local-to-Local Across Border Scheme)”, part of the Sustainable Shared Growth Seminar series that highlights how immersive and reflective methods, such as mindful walking, can support cross-border community collaboration and regional integration. These learnings laid the groundwork for discussions in AFC#8 Space and Distance ~ Crossing, Closing, Creating ~ roundtable presentation.

Among 141 full papers submitted, the paper is one of the 20 Best Papers selected that will be published in the edited volume “Toward the Future of Asia: My Proposal Vol. 8.” The study is co-authored with Prof. Joane V. Serrano, UPOU Chancellor, and Dr. Ferdinand Maquito, UPOU Senior Lecturer. 

Written by: Raizza Anna Alforja • Edited by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada & Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals