An Ilocos Sur province-based university has launched the first volume of a new research journal titled 'Asian Journal of Education and Human Development (AJEHD)' containing 17 scholarly written articles in different research areas.

The University of Northern Philippines' (UNP) new research journal was a project of the University Research and Development Office (URDO), in collaboration with the university's Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension.

Dr. Aldrin Jaramilla, AJEHD editor-in-chief, stressed that the new journal helps local researchers exposed to new perspectives, become part of a wider network of scholars, and be more visible on a broader plane.

The journal was launched on May 17 at the university's Tadena Hall in Vigan City.

''AJEHD' aims to promote the culture of research by stressing the critical importance of group and individual undertakings through an open forum for discussion within theoretical, empirical and critical perspectives, thereby providing the stimuli to produce new knowledge and insights,' Dr. Jaramilla said.

He attributed the success of coming out with the 'AJEHD' to the outstanding leadership and inspiration of both the UNP president and vice president who are known to be seasoned researchers.

He also gave recognition and express thanks to Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, URDO director, who concurrently serves as the managing editor.

'It is Dr. Cadorna from whom the persistent idea, initiative and wholehearted commitment of coming with the journal originated,' he said, adding that she generously gave her time, expertise and skills and ensures that 'AJEHD' lives up to high expectations.

Cadorna pointed out in her introductory remarks that journal fills the 'gap along the links between education and the development of individuals and societies' by facilitating the sharing of 'educational resources and findings among researchers and scholars in the Asian region.'

Members of the editorial board include Bonna Mae Gorospe, Dr. Jose Pichay, Dr. Joseph Taban, Mark Louie Tabunan as associate editors, and Dr. Irene Abigail Guerrero as language editor.

'AJEHD' engaged the services of Dr. Raul Orongan of Central Mindanao State University and Dr. Estela Itaas of Bukidnon State University as external reviewers, as well as Dr. Remedios Navarro, Dr. Germana Gloria Molina, Dr. Grace Garcia, Dr. Corazon Pardo and Maritess Raboy as internal reviewers.

UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna has congratulated the editorial board and authors of the journal's first volume.

'Scholarly undertakings such as this are crucial since the University of Northern Philippines is meant to be a hub for the free sharing of knowledge,' Dr. Cadorna said, who also served as editorial consultant.

Dr. Pio Ferdinand Lamarca, UNP vice president for research and extension and editorial consultant, and Dr. Rolando Navarro, UNP vice president for academic affairs, also extended their messages of congratulations and encouragement.

A state-run educational institution, the UNP which is based in Barangay Tamag in the City of Vigan is the first and oldest state university in Northern Luzon which traces its roots in 1906. It is said to be older than the University of the Philippines by two years. Other campuses are located in the towns of Sinait, Santo Domingo and Santa Maria towns in Ilocos Sur.