THIS SEMESTER, 38 graduate student researches were presented, with topics ranging from social sciences and educational studies to computer and technology developments and innovations during the 16th Graduate Research Colloquium held on October 18, 2019.
Organized by the Office of the Graduate Studies (OGS), headed by Director Alita T. Roxas, this research colloquium is a biannual event where graduate students of the Institute, particularly those completing their master’s degrees, present a substantial portion of their theses and special projects.
In his message on Developing a Culture of Science during the activity’s opening program, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Franco G. Teves, emphasized that there is an existing gap between science, technology, and innovation (STI) and the benefit to the community which must be addressed and acted upon. He said that the respective roles of the researchers and administrators must be looked into to fill in this gap.
For this semester’s colloquium, two of the Institute’s faculty members shared their researches during the plenary sessions. Dr. Juvanni A. Caballero, the chairperson of the History Department of the College of Arts and the Social Sciences, imparted a portion of his dissertation on Transformation Stories of Armed Cadres Turning into Peacebuilders.
Dr. Roxane Consolacion of the Integrated Developmental School of the College of Education tackled the relevance of innovating instruction in her talk on Blended Learning: An e-learning Model for Teacher Education Institutions”.
Following the plenary talks were paper presentations of the graduate students. Innovative researches worthy of mention were Michelle Anne Ferolino’s Development and Validation of a DSM-5-based Major Depressive Symptom Severity Inventory (MDSSI) in College Students; Ms. Apple Rose B. Alce’s Microcontroller-based Water Level and Soil Moisture Monitoring and Irrigation Scheduling System in Rice-based Farming with Data Analytics; Ms. Phoebe Ruth Alithea E. Bacotot ‘s Mobile Based Fire Monitoring and Feedback Control System using IOT Technology with Data Analytics; and Ms. Stefany Mae Caparida’s Lora-based Real Time Water Consumption Modelling.
The 14th Graduate Research Colloquium was hosted by the College of Education with Dr. Adelfa Silor, CED Graduate Coordinator, taking the lead in organizing the activity with the support of the Office of Graduate Studies and the graduate coordinators of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, College of Business Administration and Accountancy, School of Computer Studies and the Sustainable Development Studies Program. It was held last October 26, 2018 at the College of Education (CED). The opening and closing ceremonies and plenary sessions were held at the CED Amphi-theater, which also served as a venue for one of the parallel sessions.
Dr. Alita Roxas, Director of the Office of the Graduate Studies, gave the opening remarks and rationale of the activity. She elaborated that the activity is a platform where graduate students can disseminate and improve the quality of their theses/special projects before these are finally defended, as well as enhance their presentation skills in conferences. These are all in line with the goal of updating and introducing innovative research practices into the different graduate programs of the Institute. There were 25 student presenters coming from the College of Arts and Social Sciences, College of Education, School of Computer Studies and the Sustainable Development Studies program distributed to the 6 parallel sessions that were organized. Research topics reflect the fields of specialization of the presenting students and are relevant to the times, such as the study on the future prospects of ISIS surrenderees, another on the development of a mobile learning app for English reading and writing skills, and still another on Artificial Intelligence for data synchronization in environmental impact assessment.
Dr. Rabby Q. Lavilles, Assistant Dean of the School of Computer Studies, who has newly reinstated after completing his PhD in Information Technology at the De la Salle University, was the Opening Plenary speaker. He talked about “Software Gigging: Grounded Theory Methodology Journey”, which was culled from his dissertation. He argued that social theory is poorly understood especially in Information Technology research. He pointed out that because of the speed of change, scholarly research has been lagging behind technological innovation. In his paper, he outlined the intricate processes of grounded theory as he tried to interrogate “What is the main concern of the freelance software developers in the context of IT-enabled services and how do they resolve this concern?” Using classical grounded theory approach, he explored the stages of theory origination, theory saturation and theory elucidation-the last stage of which describes the relations of categories and concepts which allowed him to fully articulate his substantive theory of online software development freelancing. From the data, Dr. Lavilles was able to identify the work patterns and project transitions of his informants through constant comparison technique of the cases. From here, he drew the different gig-hunting strategies undertaken by his informants that shaped their career paths. By examining the iterative processes, Dr. Lavilles was also able to trace the staged dimensions of the professional life of the freelance software developers, that is from being a newbie to becoming a professional where they maximize the opportunities and options available to them to earn income with the desired flexibility.
The closing plenary speaker was Dr. Ma. Cecilia M. Ferolin, the Chair of the Department of Sociology. She presented the major findings of the “Comprehensive Study on Lake Lanao for Sustainable Development: The Socio-economic and Political Dimensions”, one of the six projects under the Comprehensive Studies of Lake Lanao funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). Her study was conducted in the lakeshore communities of Ganassi, Balindong, Tamparan and Marawi City and the downstream municipality of Saguiaran using 500 survey respondents and 16 key informants.
Among the salient findings include the economic uses of the lake like transportation and recreation, electric power generation, agricultural use through farm irrigation, source of food, and waste disposal, among others. Lake Lanao is now confronted with issues on waste dumping, overpopulation of communities surrounding it, illegal fishing, illegal logging, and unpredictable water level. Lake Lanao region also has a problematic peace and order condition in the form of destructive traditional structures, clan wars, and drug peddling. Dr. Ferolin stressed that ”peace is a governance issue” which challenges the capability of the local government unit of Lanao del Sur.
From the perspectives of the locals surrounding Lake Lanao, they want the lake to maintain its cleanliness and restore its beauty. They also wish for a fish port, development of the fishery industry, establishment of public toilets, and peace. The key messages borne out of the study are the following: effective regulation of water elevation that resulted to flooding and farm destruction, compliance with the required environmental compliance certificate by the National Power Corporation and a clear community social responsibility program, enhancement of the environmental consciousness of stakeholders, building disaster adaptive capacity and resilience of communities, and the creation of a sustainable livelihood program.
The policy recommendations of the study call for the following concerns: creation of a functional Lake Lanao Development Authority, research collaboration on critical resources of Lake Lanao, social services and infrastructure support, peace and order mechanism, and enactment of ordinances.
Dr. Adelfa Silor made her closing remarks to end the activity where she also expressed her appreciation to the presenters for their enthusiasm for their research and openness to suggestions of their respective panellists for the enhancement of their research papers.
The School of Graduate Studies held its 12th Research Colloquium on October 20, 2017 at the Institute’s Mini-Theater for the opening and closing plenary talks and two parallel sessions. The School of Computer Studies also provided the venues (Faculty Lounge and ICT 3B) for the other parallel sessions, both in the morning and afternoon.
Dr. Edgar W. Ignacio, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs,was the invited speaker in the morning, together with Asst. Professor Arnold P. Alamon, the opening plenary speaker. Dr. Ignacio gave a “discomforting” comparative scenario of the Philippines’ Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with other universities in South East Asia, but towards the end, his introspection and optimism of a more vibrant and competitive academia in terms of research and scholarly publications moved the audience with an appreciative applause. In the same vein, Mr. Alamon’s plenary talk on “Beyond Research” tried to debunk social media as a platform of scholarship, elaborating that an open dialogue, where real time exchange of ideas takes place, supersedes any form of computer mediated communication. While stressing the need for relevance in research and extension, he judiciously clinched that the measure of one’s attempt to contribute to knowledge production through research is no mean feat. But when it does, the community responds and embraces it as its own victory, and the researcher no longer resides in his or her ivory tower. Splendid minds to spice up the seventeen (17) paper presentations of students from the different graduate programs of the Institute: Master in History; Master in Filipino; Master of Science Education major in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physical Education, and General Science; Master in Business Administration, major in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Master in Science in Computer Applications, and Master in Sustainable Development Studies, major in Community Development. Two doctoral programs were represented, Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education, major in Chemistry and Doctor in Sustainable Development Studies, major in Sustainable Community Development]
There were three parallel sessions in the morning and two parallel sessions in the afternoon. The themes of the presentations were as follows: “Social Responsibility and Good Governance in the Philippines”(Session 1), “Instructional Material Development and 21st Century Competencies”(Session 2), “Sustainability, Human Capital, and Integrative Mathematics”(Session 3),“Multidisciplinary Enhancement of Teaching Techniques”(Session 4), and “Culture and the Teaching of Mathematics”(Session 5). Each session had three panelists who shared their expertise and experience in research, extension, and instruction through feedback and comments. The Program Coordinators chaired the sessions while the moderators introduced the presenters and panelists, and synthesized the papers and comments.
The closing plenary talk in the afternoon of Asst. Professor Beatriz Fina A. Cañedo on “Developing Lanao del Norte as a Halal Culinary Tourism Hub of the Philippines” juiced up the research colloquium, to the delight of the audience, with her witty and engaging discussion on her pioneering study on the concept of “halal”. Her ethnographic search for informants in Lanao was not only tedious but also rewarding, and she left a mark by inviting the audience to consider the wide spectrum of “halal” beyond its ingredients and unique tastes, and its niche in the tourism industry. “Halal” is “a way of life” among our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lanao as well as in our ASEAN neighbors. Its depth and breadth might have been oversimplified, but through research, it is a continuing discourse worth taking.
Dr. Alita T. Roxas, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, in her welcome address, reiterated the rationale of the 12thResearch Colloquium and emphasized scholarship in the conduct of research. The Assistant Dean, Dr.Ivie C. Esteban closed the program by thanking all the invited speakers, panelists, theses advisers, moderators, program coordinators, graduate teaching assistants, emcees, SGS staff, and most specially, the presenters for a job well done.
The Presenters
Pelmar M. Acosta. (Master of Science in Education, Major in Mathematics). “Development of Sunanen-Based Math Activitiesin Geometry (SMAG).”
Razul G. Arboneda. (Master of Science in Community Development). “Sustainability of Livelihood Projects of HEIs in Tagum City).
Michael M. Baustista. (Master in Sustainable Development Studies).“Vulnerability to Drought Impacts of family, Communities, Women and Men in Palma Area, North Cotabato: Towards Developing Drought Risk Reduction and Management Framework”
Jovelyn B. Benecario. (Master in Sustainable Development Studies).“Resiliency of Human Settlement in Environmentally Critical Areas among the Communities in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte”
Jade A. Bengua. (Master in Filipino).“Ang Larawan ng Pilipinas sa Kartung Editoryal Tungo sa Maayos na Kalagaya ng Panlipunan”
Anjelyn T. Betalas. (Master of Science in Education, Major in Mathematics). “Guided Inquiry-Based Teaching Integral Components”.
Marteniano C. Cabili. (Master of Science in Education, Major in Chemistry). “The Effects of Enhanced K to 12 Gas Laws Module on 21st Century Skills Utilizing the 21st Century Learning Design Rubrics”.
Rizalie K. Capangpangan. (Master of Science in Education, Master in Chemistry). “Teaching Triangle Inequality Through Public Solving”.
Wencel Jean S. Carranza. (Master of Science in Computer Applications).“Development of a Non Rigid Airship Surveillance System for Aerial Photography, Real-Time Video Capture and Wireless Internet Access”
Kharyl C. Genodepanon.(Master in History).“Local Initiatives Towards Heritage Preservation in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, 2001-2016”
Hanifa T. Hadji Abbas. (Master of Science in Education, Major in General Science.). “Development of 7E Model Lesson on Earth Systems: A Lesson Study”.
Reynaldo S. Lahoylahoy. (Master of Science in Education, Master in Chemistry). “Development and Evaluation of Computer- Based Multimedia Strategic Intervention Material (CBM-SIM) on Ionic Bonding”.
Regine S. Patangan. (Master in Business Management-HRM).“Servant Leadership, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment among Millennials in the Government”.
Juhayma P. Salem. (Master of Science in Education, Master in Chemistry). “Problem-based Lesson on Gas Laws Utilizing PhET Simulations: Its Effects on Meranao Students’ Conceptual Understanding, Critical Thinking Skills, and Attitudes”.
Gretelou L. Sugano. (Master of Science in Physical Education). “Implicit Benefits and Physical Fitness Participation Among High School Teenager Girls in Manluna, Misamis Oriental”.
Shalom Grace C. Sugano. (Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education, Major in Chemistry). “Effects of Teaching Methodologies of Student Transformation: A Meta Analysis of Findings”.
Mary Ann E. Telen. (Master of Science in Computer Applications).“Design Construction and Low Attitude Test Flight for Solar Powered Blimp”.
Responding to comments that it was the only department left at the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) that has not yet held a student research colloquium, the Department of English rose to the challenge and organized a one-day academic conference that took on the works of around 30 fourth-year AB English students.
The September 13, 2016 colloquium opened at the CASSalida theater, and was described by CASS Dean Dr. Marie Joy Banawa to be unique as it featured two plenary and six parallel sessions.
The plenary sessions showcased two nationally-acclaimed artists, Dr. Steven P.C. Fernandez of the Department of English and Dr. German V. Gervacio of the Departamento ng Filipino at Ibang mga Wika.
Fernandez, a key personality in performance studies in the Philippines and the director of IIT’s Culture and Arts Studies Center, delivered the Plenary on Intertextuality.
Gervacio, a multi-Palanca Award winner, delivered the Plenary on Truth and Myth: Ang Mito sa Totoo, ang Totoo sa Mito.
Department of English chairperson Dr. Nelia G. Balgoa said that holding the colloquium entitled, Proposals on Language and Literary Studies, was the “marching order” of Dean Banawa as the department had lagged behind other departments in the college.
She described the activity as a throwback to the “glory days” of the department, and a way for it to develop the presentation skills of its students by exposing them to a conference-like atmosphere.
“It is also a strategy to encourage collaborations that we hope later on would translate into publication, ”Balgoa, who just became chair of the department at the start of the semester, added.
The plenaries were listened to by Department of English faculty and all AB English students, including the 30 or so student-presenters who all belonged to the class of English faculty member Prof. Honeylet E. Dumoran.
The colloquium saw the student-participants presenting their research proposals in six different panels on Forensic Linguistics; Culture and Sign Systems; Leadership Con/Texts; Assessment and Language Learning; Aesthetics of New Text Types; and Stylistics.
Each of the students were given 20 minutes to present their research proposals to their respective panels. The members of the panels – composed of Department of English faculty members – would then give their comments afterwards.
An open forum followed every session where members of the audience were given a chance to ask questions.
Dumoran said that a purpose of the colloquium was to help the student-presenters shape their studies, which are the very same ones they would pursue later on as their theses.
“We also want to encourage the other AB English students who attended the colloquium to consider new areas of study for their own researches in the future,” Dumoran added. (RGO)
