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.
Prof. Ephrime Metillo of the Biological Science Department receives recognition as an Achievement Awardee for 2017 of the National Research Council of the Philippines. Dr. Metillo will be formally awarded this March 14, 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center during the Annual Scientific Conference and 85th General Assembly of NRCP.
The NRCP is hailed as the most prestigious research council in the Philippines which gives recognition to dedicated scientists and researchers across all fields in the country. They award those who pass the productivity evaluation which includes the assessing of the quality and contributive scope of the research. This encourages more budding researchers to pursue high quality research.
(L-R Prof. Lady Lou M. D’lonsod, Prof. Martha Joy Abing, Maria Quina Mirasol, Jamimah Macada-ag, Resa Mae Laygan, Benz Louise Genelazo and Mr. Gerrich Aldin Babanto)
Four faculty members from the Economics Department of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy together with four BSBA-Business Economics students participated in the annual Philippine Economic Society Conference held at Novotel Hotel, Araneta Center, Quezon City last November 8, 2017.
(L-R Prof. Aljanet Jandoc from ADMU, Dr. Maria Rizalia Y Teves, Prof Lady Lou D’lonsod, former NEDA Secretary Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, Benz Lousie Genelazo, Resa Mae Laygan and Jamimah Macada-ag)
This year marked the 55th annual meeting and conference of the Philippine Economic Society with the theme “Growing Amidst Risk and Uncertainty.” As the country propel towards achieving its long-term vision commonly known as AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017 – 2022 was crafted to provide the framework for sustainable development to enable Filipino families to enjoy a matatag ( strongly rooted), maginhawa (comfortable), at panatag na buhay (secure life) by 2040. The PDP is a medium term plan of the economy that aims to build a “ solid foundation for more inclusive growth, high-trust and resilient society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy.” With this, the 55th PES annual meeting and conference was an avenue to discuss issues and challenges that relates to risks and uncertainties that the economy has been facing or will soon be facing by the growing Philippine economy. The event was joined by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno as well representatives from Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine National Statistics Authority to name a few. Other universities also showed their support and were present during the event such as the University of the Philippines- Diliman, University of the Philippines- Los Banos, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of San Carlos, MSU-Marawi and MSU-IIT to name a few.
Professor Martha Joy Abing (shown above left) from the Economics Department of MSU-IIT presented her research paper in one of the event’s parallel session. She presented her paper entitled “ Determinants of the Per Capita Out-of- Pocket Health Expenditure of the 4Ps Families in the Philippines”.
Also, Benz Louise Genelazo*, Jamimah Macada-ag*, Maria Quina Mirasol* (above middle) and Filbert M Tabudlong (not in the picture), senior students of BSBA- Business Economics of the Institute presented their research paper entitled “ Effects of Deforestation on the Risk of Climate Change”. Aside from paper presentation, Resa Mae Laygan (above right) presented their research by poster entitled “ The Effect of Environmental Quality on Philippine Agricultural Productivity” in behalf of the absence of her groupmates Marlou U. Abdul, Sittie Ashia Gani, and Ruhn Johnson Sebial.
The closing keynote speech was given by the Hon. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno .
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”.
MSU-IIT, with its theme Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, continues to pursue faculty and staff upgrading by providing them trainings that would produce highly competitive individuals for the benefit of the host. This is due to the proliferating research studies from the varied fields of the Institute which need to be shared with others. Particularly, there is a need to share these to the layman masses who will eventually benefit the cause.
Thus, in addressing this need, the Institute conducted the recently concluded Technical Writing Workshop which trained 60 participants from both faculty and staff of MSU-IIT. This writeshop was sponsored by the Office of Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (OVCPD) and co-organized by the Office of Publication and Information (OPI), Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE), MSU-IIT Center for eLearning (MICeL), and Information and Communications Technology Center (ICTC), and was held at the Apple Tree Resort, Opol, Misamis Oriental.
The training lasted for three days, September 13-15, 2017, which covered lectures and workshops on publishing formats, and journalism ethics. The drive of this Writeshop was to train faculty and staff on the basics of writing and publishing research news. Above all, the writeshop highlighted on news writing style, news hosting websites, journalism ethics, and the boundaries of press freedom.
The said event had six speakers, five from the different Philippine press agencies and one in-house speaker, namely: Mr. Paul Icamina of Malaya News, Mr. Melvin Calimag of Newsbytes.ph, Ms. Hermelina Tenorio of Philippine Broadcasting Service-Radyo ng Bayan (DZRB), Ms. Teresita Baluyos from DOST Region X, Ms. Ma. Lilibeth Padilla of STII-DOST; and Dr. Arnold Alamon of the Sociology Department in MSU-IIT.
On the first day, Icamina lectured on How to Write Science News where he emphasized the big difference between News writing style and textbook or scholarly journal writing. Accordingly, he taught the need for catchy news slants and less technical jargons for news writing. Calimag discussed on the various web tools, web interface apps and interesting click baits which cater as news hubs for the web. His lecture also featured sites like Twitter and WordPress which he highly encouraged to be used for setting up news sources.
The second day had another round of activities from the speakers. Tenorio lectured on Science Broadcasting, particularly doing interviews and newscasting science researches. The participants were divided into groups and made them perform news broadcasting. Baluyos, on the other hand, discussed Journalism Ethics and the boundaries to consider when practicing free journalism. Finally, Padilla very briefly discussed Media Dissemination and Monitoring.
On the final day, Alamon gave a lecture and workshop on Writing for the Social Sciences. He facilitated a workshop on headline writing for various media publications like the newspaper, internet, and FaceBook.
The three-day writeshop concluded with high hopes that the offices had been fueled up to write news for the Institute website. And since the writing momentum has started, majority realized though that technical writeshops such as this need further follow-up trainings. The participants pleaded that each college will be given thorough trainings on technical writing, specifically addressing their fields of specialty. With this, the Institute foresees to not only have competent researchers but also highly competent research news writers in the near future.