Researcher Spotlight: System Builder to Research Changemaker

“I spent years in college not just writing code but thinking deeply about innovation,” Edillor shares. “It was exciting — I learned about systems, about people, and most importantly, about myself.”

His interest in research sparked when he saw how data, innovation, and community input could converge to bring real-world solutions. This conviction led him to develop one of the most talked-about projects at the 24th Joint Multidisciplinary Research Conference (24JMRC).

Mark’s research, titled “Local Government Unit 1: Emergency Response and Disaster Management System”, was a standout. It integrates AI chat assistance, real-time alerts, a community portal, and GIS-based support operations — all aimed at making local emergency management smarter, faster, and more coordinated.

Growing up in a country prone to natural disasters, he saw how delays and poor coordination cost lives. “That personal experience fueled the drive to create a tech solution that local governments could actually use,” he says.

The system was validated by real LGU personnel and first responders, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback and a confidence level of 95%. A live simulation proved its effectiveness, showing faster and smarter coordination compared to traditional methods — a true breakthrough for Edillor and his team.

Behind the innovation was a series of sleepless nights and technical hurdles. “Mapping systems, alert syncing, and real-time processing — all these were incredibly complex,” Mark recalls. “We relied on Agile development, constant testing, and feedback from stakeholders to make it work.”

The highlight? A live test with actual emergency responders. “Watching them use the system — and seeing it actually save time and direct coordination in real-time — that was unforgettable.”

After winning the school-wide research festival, Mark was selected as one of six delegates to present at the 24th JMRC in Kuala Lumpur. It was a turning point.

“To be in front of an international, multigenerational audience — it was nerve-wracking, but also empowering,” he reflects. “What made it truly special was exchanging ideas with fellow researchers from different fields. Their feedback made me see new possibilities for my project.”

Research is not only about finding something new, but finding solutions that make a genuine impact.

– Mark Daniel G. Edillor

For Mark, none of this would have been possible without the platform provided by Ascendens Asia International Research Institute (AAIRI).

“AAIRI elevated my research. They gave me international visibility, credible feedback, and real opportunities for collaboration,” he affirms. “It was more than an event — it was a launchpad.”

He now looks forward to joining AAIRI-led panels, workshops, and cross-disciplinary conversations where he can continue learning and contributing.Mark believes platforms like AAIRI must continue to serve as mentorship ecosystems, connecting early-career researchers with collaborators and funding — turning bright ideas into community-changing realities.

“To any student out there with a research idea — even if it seems too ambitious — pursue it. Find a mentor. Connect with platforms like AAIRI. You might just be building something that could change the world.”