JBLCF researchers bag awards at the National Conference on Maritime Education and Training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research writing is one thing; presenting it is another thing. But bagging an award for it is a big milestone for every researcher, very similar to having one’s paper published in a reputable journal. The research process never stops until the paper is presented and shared with a wider audience. So each time a paper from JBLCF-Bacolod is shared in a bigger forum outside of the school, it becomes a victory by the school and not by the researcher alone. Indeed, presenting a paper as you bear the name of your school is not an easy feat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This kind of victory was achieved for us by Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, our Unit Research Coordinator, and Dr. Araceli C. Doromal, Consultant for Academics and Accreditation, when they presented their papers at the National Research Conference on Maritime Education and Training hosted by the Lyceum International Maritime Academy on March 28 and 29, 2019 in Batangas City. The theme of the conference was “Strengthening Maritime Institutions and Professionals towards Organizational Learning and Innovation.”

According to Dr. Jake M. Laguador, Director of the Center for Research. Innovation and Data Management of LPU-Batangas, the conference serves as a great opportunity for the participants to bring ideas and solutions to the challenges that are faced by the Maritime Industry and the Maritime Institutions of the country. He added that MHEIs should strengthen their manpower to build the confidence, competence, and courage of their faculty members and should provide their students the chance to present the findings of their papers as part of their training to enhance their communication skills and acquire learning experiences from the outputs of other organizations.

A total of 48 papers by various maritime institutions in the Philippines were presented at the conference. The presentations were divided into different tracks categorized as Industry and Community-Based Research, Academe-Based Research (Student Development), Academe-Based Research (Training and Development), Community and Academe-Based Research, Shipboard Training and Student Preparedness, Maritime Faculty and Student Development, Maritime Student Discipline, Behavior and Habits, Cognitive Learning and Development, and Assessment and Performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Estimo’s paper titled “Addressing Industry Feedback for Continuous Improvement: A Process Model” which was co-authored by Mr. Robert O. Parcia (former Administrator of JBLCF-Bacolod) and Ms. Geneveve M. Aguilar (Researcher-Statistician) was selected as Best Conference Paper for the Academe Category). She was also chosen as the Best Research Presenter for Academe-Based Research). Furthermore, a Certificate of Active Research Involvement was awarded to John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Inc. by host institution.

It is with great honor to mention that Dr. Araceli C. Doromal was selected to be one of the Plenary Speakers of the conference for the paper titled “Life Skills of Maritime Students in the Philippines: Responding to the Realities of Seafaring.” This paper was the offshoot of the collaborative research project initiated by JBLCF in collaboration with three other maritime schools—Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas. One of the focal insights gained from the study is the importance of developing life skills, also known as survival skills, among maritime students. In training them as future officers, maritime schools are responsible to develop not just their knowledge and skills in the field but also the equally significant skills and capabilities such as leadership skills, interpersonal skills, resilience, adaptability and the like, that will help them acquire their full potential and reach the peak of their career, and the important role that they should perform as loyal, responsible, tough, and dedicated marine officers. Dr. Doromal’s presentation was corroborated by the insight emphasized by the other plenary speakers which was on the strengthening of interpersonal communication skills.