VMC Analytiks President and CEO Engages with Global Experts at the “2026 Philippine Journal Editors’ Forum”

Published: 20 May 2026

Group introduction speech of Dr. Victor M. Cajala.

The “2026 Philippine Journal Editors’ Forum,” held on May 8, 2026, at the Heritage Hotel Manila, concluded as a landmark event in advancing the visibility and indexing readiness of Philippine scholarly journals. Organized under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST‑NRCP) and the Andrew Gonzalez Philippine Citation Index (AGPCI), the forum gathered nearly 300 editors from across the country. With its focus on strengthening editorial governance and global competitiveness, the event was widely recognized as a milestone in Philippine academic publishing.

The forum was graced by high‑profile personalities and experts in journal curation, offering participants valuable insights into global editorial practices. Among the highlights was the presentation of Mr. Alexander van Servellen, Strategic Engagement Manager of Elsevier Singapore, who shared perspectives on how journals shall be curated to pass the rigid indexation process of Scopus. His talk, along with contributions from national experts, provided essential guidance for editors seeking to elevate their journals to international standards. The presence of such distinguished speakers underscored the forum’s importance as a venue for knowledge exchange and professional development in scholarly publishing.

Dr. Victor M. Cajala, President and CEO of VMC Analytiks, as well as the Executive Editor of Digital Journal Philippines, attended the forum with the clear purpose of being guided by the latest trends in journal curation. His participation was aimed at applying these insights across all titles under Digital Journal Philippines, ensuring compliance with global standards and enhancing visibility. Notably, Dr. Cajala was given the opportunity to present onstage his group’s workshop outputs, a presentation that was both memorable and impactful. His active engagement reflected his commitment to advancing editorial practices and strengthening the role of Philippine journals in the international academic community.

The forum fostered a collaborative environment under the leadership of NRCP and AGPCI, bringing together editors from state universities, private institutions, and independent journals nationwide. The diversity of participants enriched discussions on editorial management, peer review, and digital publishing systems. Attendees praised the program’s structure, which combined plenary talks, workshops, and open forums, allowing for both knowledge sharing and practical application. The event strengthened networks among editors and institutions, reinforcing the collective effort to elevate Philippine scholarship and positioning the country’s journals for greater recognition in global indexing platforms.

Presentation of Dr. Victor M. Cajala of their workshop output.

The successful staging of the “2026 Philippine Journal Editors’ Forum” reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing scholarly publishing and editorial excellence. With distinguished speakers, active participation, and memorable presentations, the event set a new benchmark for journal curation and visibility. For Dr. Victor M. Cajala, the forum provided invaluable guidance that will be applied across Digital Journal Philippines’ portfolio, ensuring alignment with international standards. As momentum builds, the forum’s achievements highlight the growing strength of Philippine journals and the collective vision to sustain excellence in future initiatives.