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JBLFMU–Arevalo Shines at the 2025 Regional CBMS Convention and Data Festival

Championing Research Excellence and Innovation in the Maritime Community

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University–Arevalo (JBLFMU–Arevalo) proudly marks another milestone of academic and research excellence after its remarkable performance at the 2025 Regional Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Convention and Data Festival, organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office VI. The prestigious event was held on September 23–24, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.

StatShots Competition Winners

JBLFMU–Arevalo cadets showcased their analytical prowess and creativity in presenting statistical insights through visual storytelling.

First Place: Mdpn. Lee Harvey P. Gumban (Polaris 2A)

Third Place: Mdpn. James Russel Amatorio (Polaris 2A)

Their winning entries, mentored and guided by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, who served as coach and statistics data consultant, impressed the judges with clarity, precision, and impactful data presentation.

Student Research Paper Session Winners

In the Student Research Paper Session, JBLFMU–Arevalo cadets once again demonstrated academic excellence and innovation through research that contributes to sustainable development and maritime community welfare.

First Place: “The Impact of Port Development on Coastal Communities’ Livelihood, Environment, and Health”
Presenter: Mdpn. Mark Jason Ablanzar
Team Members: Mdpwn. Ella Mae Mabulac, Mdpwn. Bea Katrina Fernandez, Mdpn. Kenth Alan Jamili, Mdpn. Wyndale Klein Sumagaysay, Mdpn. Louiejun Carman, Mdpn. Romar Angelo Minerva, and Mdpn. John Andrew Magan
Adviser: Dr. Roderick R. Germo

Second Place: “Talisay Tree (Terminalia catappa L.) Bark Powder as Algae (Chlorella vulgaris B.) Inhibitor in Water Enclosures”
Presenter: Mdpn. Kyle Martin D. Biluan
Team Members: Mdpn. Jemar Louise P. Agabe, Mdpn. Jair C. Broce, Mdpn. John Kenneth Gonzales, Mdpn. Brent Anjo S. Punsaran, Mdpn. Olsen F. Gumia, Mdpn. Vince Peter L. Magbanua, and Mdpn. Josh Karl E. Ticar
Adviser: Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas

These victories underscore the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering a strong research culture and empowering cadets to address real-world maritime and environmental challenges through evidence-based inquiry.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Excellence

Behind these outstanding accomplishments stands the steadfast leadership of Sir Robert O. Parcia, Administrator of JBLFMU–Arevalo, whose continuous encouragement and support have inspired faculty and students to pursue innovation and scholarly excellence.

Likewise, the guidance and mentorship of research advisers Dr. Roderick R. Germo and Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas reflect the Research Department’s vision of nurturing critical thinkers, innovators, and future maritime leaders who can make a meaningful impact on society.

These achievements not only bring honor to JBLFMU–Arevalo but also reaffirm its position as a leader in maritime education and research excellence, committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge for sustainable development and community empowerment.

 Anchored on excellence. Driven by innovation. Sailing toward a sustainable future.

Faculty Research on Problem-Based Learning Clinches 2nd Place for Best Poster at National Conference

The University continues to make waves in the field of educational research as its faculty members secured second place for Best Poster at the 31st Annual Conference of the Philippine Society for Educational Research and Evaluation (PSERE), Inc. The prestigious event, held on May 29-30, 2024, at JBL Hall of JBLFMU (Arevalo), Inc., brought together educators, researchers, and experts from various institutions across the country.

The award-winning study, titled “Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Maritime Courses in a Blended Learning Modality,” was authored by Engr. Roderick R. Germo, Ph.D., C/M Virmari S. Tan, Ph.D., and 3/M Angelo F. Casañare. Their research explores the impact of problem-based learning (PBL) in maritime education, offering practical strategies for instructors to enhance their teaching methods.

“I believe that problem-based learning can significantly help maritime students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are vital in their future careers,” shared Dr. Germo, emphasizing the importance of innovative teaching methodologies in maritime education.

The two-day conference, themed “Cultivating Connections: Nurturing a Vibrant Community of Practice (CoP),” provided a platform for educators, researchers, and industry professionals to share insights on improving educational strategies.

University’s Strong Presence at PSERE 2024

Aside from the Best Poster award, several faculty members from the University actively participated as presenters, showcasing their research on various aspects of maritime education and training. Their studies addressed key challenges in the industry and proposed solutions for improving academic programs, skill development, and seafarers’ well-being.

University’s Presenters and Research Papers:

  1. Mrs. Rejean D. Garay (Poster Presenter) – “Service Quality and Gap Analysis (SQGA) between Faculty and Students: Basis for Enhancement of Academic Departmental Plans.” This study examined the gaps between faculty and students’ perceptions of service quality, providing recommendations to improve academic programs.
  2. 2/M Jester B. De la Cruz (Paper Presenter), Capt. Nestor L. Baluya, and Capt. Kester R. Ledesma – “The Extent of Application on Hard and Soft Skills (HSS) Onboard Ship: Basis for Development of a Program to Enhance Seafarers’ Skills.” The research highlights the importance of balancing technical expertise with interpersonal skills for professional growth at sea.
  3. 2/M Aldin L. Turija (Paper Presenter) – “A Documentary Review of the Oil Spill Responses in Iloilo After the MT Solar 1 Incident.” This study provides a critical analysis of past oil spill responses, offering recommendations to improve future maritime environmental protection efforts.
  4. Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas (Paper Presenter) and 2/M Angelo F. Casañare – “Contributing Factors and Strategies Applied Onboard Ship: Basis for Development of a Booklet to Enhance Seafarers’ Mental Health (SMH).” The research delves into the challenges faced by seafarers regarding mental health and proposes the creation of a resource booklet to support their well-being at sea.

Fostering Academic Excellence and Industry Collaboration

The University’s strong presence at PSERE 2024 highlights its commitment to academic excellence, industry collaboration, and research-driven innovation. The participation of its faculty members alongside representatives from other prestigious institutions, such as Centro Escolar University and the University of San Agustin, reflects the University’s continuous efforts to enhance maritime education and training.

By embracing problem-based learning, service quality assessments, skill development programs, environmental awareness, and mental health initiatives, the University remains at the forefront of shaping future maritime professionals. As research and innovation continue to drive progress, the faculty’s contributions serve as a testament to their dedication to excellence in maritime education and training.

Joining Forces for Sustainable Development: JBLCF-Bacolod Engineers Join Symposium-Workshop on SDGs

John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod, represented by C/E JONI GAN, BSMarE Program Head, and 3/E PAUL OLIMPOS, Faculty, College of Maritime Education, was delighted to participate in the Symposium-Workshop on Mobilizing Universities and Colleges for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Problem Solving, held in Iloilo City on April 24-25, 2024. Hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices VI, VII, and VIII, this event marked a pivotal moment for academia in the Philippines.

Driving Change Locally and Regionally

The primary objective of this gathering, organized under the auspices of the Future Earth Philippines (FEP) program, was to convene State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Regions VI, VII, and VIII. Together, participants engaged in constructive dialogues aimed at analyzing local and regional challenges. The overarching goal was to devise strategic pathways to address key issues crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Embracing Mission Science for Sustainability

Acknowledging society’s complex problems, the scientific community emphasized the imperative of transcending traditional boundaries. Moving away from working in silos, a transdisciplinary and inclusive approach involving communities and Local Government Units (LGUs) was advocated. This paradigm shift, termed “Mission Science for Sustainability,” underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts in tackling real-world challenges.

Establishing Universities SDG Action Networks

Moreover, the NAST-FEP initiative seeks to galvanize academic institutions into action by establishing Universities SDG Action Networks (USAN) within the three regions represented. Through these collaborative networks, SUCs and HEIs are poised to align their core functions—including teaching, research and development, and extension work—with the SDGs. By doing so, they aim to amplify their societal impact and contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda.

Padernal and Olimpos shine at International Educators’ Conference

The Research And Development Center and the JBLCF-BACOLOD academic and research community congratulate MR. ROGIE E. PADERNAL and 3/E PAUL T. OLIMPOS, for their successful paper presentations at the 2023 International Educators’ Conference hosted by the STI West Negros University held on February 22-24, 2023, in collaboration with the GEO Global Educators Professional Enhancement International, Inc. The theme of the conference, “Education for the 21st Century and Beyond: Confronting Educational Challenges and Meeting Global Demands,” highlights the importance of finding innovative solutions to the complex problems facing education and forging collective efforts to find sustainable solutions to the challenges we face to provide education that is meaningful, relevant, and accessible to all learners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROGIE E. PADERNAL is a Mathematics instructor at JBLCF-Bacolod and was also assigned as a Research Assistant in the Research and Development Center of the unit. 3/E PAUL T. OLIMPOS, on the other hand, is one of the young and promising professional instructors in the College of Maritime Education teaching BSMarE courses.