The College of Information Technology and Computer Science (CITCS) of the University of the Cordilleras continues to strengthen its global research presence as faculty members successfully presented their research at the prestigious 2026 International Conference on Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AAIML 2026), held from March 20–22, 2026 at Korakuen Campus in Tokyo, Japan.
Research Contribution
The paper titled “Establishing a Localized Facial Emotion Dataset for Enhanced Affective Computing in the Northern Philippines Context” was authored by:
- Zyra Yell A. Fagyan
- Paul Terese L. Catala
- Kyralyn P. Busaing
The study addresses a critical gap in artificial intelligence by developing a localized facial emotion dataset tailored to the Northern Philippines, particularly reflecting cultural and demographic diversity. This initiative contributes to improving the accuracy and fairness of affective computing systems, which are often biased toward Western-centric datasets.
The research highlights the importance of context-aware AI systems, emphasizing how localized data can significantly enhance applications in education, mental health support, and human-computer interaction.
International Presentation
The paper was presented onsite in Japan by Zyra Yell A. Fagyan, representing the research team and the University of the Cordilleras. The presentation engaged an international audience of researchers, practitioners, and academicians, fostering discussions on inclusive AI and culturally sensitive machine learning models.
Global Academic Engagement
Participation in International Conference on Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 2026 provided an opportunity for the institution to:
- Showcase innovative Filipino research on a global platform
- Collaborate with international AI experts
- Contribute to ongoing discussions on ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence
Acknowledgment
The research team extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey S. Ingosan, Dean of CITCS, for his technical guidance and support throughout the study, and to the University of the Cordilleras for providing the financial assistance that made participation in this international conference possible.
SDG Alignment
The participation on International Conference on Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 2026 aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, particularly Indicators 9.5.1 and 9.5.2, which emphasize enhancing scientific research and increasing the number of researchers. Participation in an international conference demonstrates active contribution to global knowledge exchange and strengthens the research capacity of the institution. It highlights the role of local researchers in advancing innovation and contributing to the global artificial intelligence community.
This achievement also supports SDG 4: Quality Education, specifically Indicator 4.4.1, by promoting advanced knowledge, skills development, and academic excellence. Presenting research in an international setting enhances the competencies of faculty members and reflects the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive educators and researchers. It further fosters a culture of continuous learning, research engagement, and knowledge dissemination within the academic community.
This milestone reflects the University of the Cordilleras’ commitment to advancing research in artificial intelligence and promoting globally competitive academic outputs. The success of this presentation underscores the growing role of Philippine researchers in shaping the future of human-centered and inclusive AI technologies.
