Category: Bacolod News

JBLCF-Bacolod, August 19–20, 2025

“When time is short, teamwork stretches possibilities; when pressure is high, peer mentoring lifts the weight; when research feels uncertain, collective thinking leads to breakthroughs.” These words captured the spirit of the 2025 In-House Research Capability Enhancement Training Workshop of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (JBLCF)–Bacolod, held on August 19–20, 2025.

With the theme “Building Capacity for Innovative and Impactful Research,” the two-day activity brought together faculty members and aspiring researchers for intensive capacity building. The event tapped the institution’s powerhouse of resident experts and research mentors, who guided participants in aligning with the University’s Research Agenda, identifying relevant research problems in the maritime and business sectors, and crafting high-quality proposals that maximized time, talent, and resources for results that matter.

Research topics were anchored on global, national, and institutional priorities to ensure strategic and sustainable outcomes. These included the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), the National Higher Education Research Agenda (NHERA), the University’s Ten-Point Agenda and IMS Policies, and the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) Research Agenda. By aligning with these frameworks, JBLCF–Bacolod reinforced its commitment to producing research that not only contributes to academic advancement but also addresses pressing societal and industry needs.

Beyond technical training, the workshop also highlighted the power of collaboration. Day 1 focused on orientation and capacity-building sessions, while Day 2 challenged participants to consolidate their learning, refine their proposals, and present outputs in a culminating activity that resembled a “graduation.” Organizers emphasized that the event was as much about building a community of scholars as it was about developing individual research competencies.\

The Research and Development Center described the workshop as a vital step toward strengthening the institution’s research culture. By cultivating innovative and impactful research practices, JBLCF–Bacolod empowered its faculty and staff to generate knowledge and solutions that are relevant, credible, and transformative—anchored on both local realities and global standards.

As the 2025 In-House Research Capability Enhancement Training Workshop came to a close, participants carried with them more than sharpened skills and completed proposals—they left with a renewed sense of purpose as scholars and innovators. The two-day journey proved that when ideas are shared, challenges are faced together, and research is anchored on a collective vision, the results transcend individual achievement. It was not just a training, but a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the boundless potential of research to create impact that matters for the institution, the industry, and society at large.

JBLCF-Bacolod, July 21, 2025

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” These words set the tone for the opening day of the collaborative workshop organized by the Research and Development Center of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (JBLCF)-Bacolod.

The workshop brought together the following department heads of the unit in a unified effort to evaluate and refine their respective action plans: Mr. Virgilio Goba, Jr. (Head-Management Information System), Jun C. Montaño (Unit International Relations Officer), 2/O Nestor A. Herpacio, Jr. (On-board Training Supervisor), 3/E Bernard M. Sorbito, Jr. (OIC Quality Assurance Manager), Ronnie C. Montaño (Head-Laboratories & Academic Assessment Office), Dr. John Erll N. Destacamento (Dean-College of Maritime Education), Mr. Reinand Y. Ramirez (Head-Finance Department), Engr. Ritchie J. Navarro (Head-Services & Facilities), Mr. Ivan June Gayotin (Community Extension Officer), Mr. Rexenel S. Ibardolaza (Head-Student Affairs & Services), Ms. May M. Baylon (Technical Vocational Education Training Officer), Ms. Haydee  B. Tibo-oc (Registrar), Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo (Unit Research Coordinator), Dr. Ma. Eva M. Hilay (Principal-Basic Education Department), Dr. Violeta A. Neri (Dean-College of Business & Education).

Central to the discussions were three key focus areas: addressing stakeholder feedback, integrating research findings and recommendations, and evaluating the impact of innovations already implemented across various units. The activity aims to foster a culture of collaboration and evidence-based decision-making within the institution. By reflecting on feedback, research, and innovation outcomes, the workshop seeks to ensure that departmental strategies remain responsive, sustainable, and aligned with the college’s vision of academic excellence and continuous improvement.

The presence of department heads underscored the institution’s commitment to shared leadership and accountability. Through open dialogue and structured evaluation, the participants identified strengths, gaps, and opportunities for further enhancement. This collective approach, organizers emphasized, is vital to ensuring that action plans are not only achievable but also grounded in real needs and measurable impact.

The event concluded with department heads reaffirming their commitment to working together toward a common goal: making JBLCF-Bacolod a stronger and more innovative institution. As the workshop continues, more concrete strategies and collaborative initiatives are expected to emerge, reinforcing the spirit of teamwork and collective success.

As the momentum of this workshop carries forward, it serves as a powerful reminder that transformation begins when minds come together with purpose and passion. By harnessing the collective wisdom of its leaders and anchoring every plan in research and feedback, JBLCF-Bacolod is not only strengthening its strategies but also shaping a future where innovation and collaboration define its journey. With unity as its foundation and excellence as its compass, the institution stands poised to turn vision into lasting impact.

JBLCF-Bacolod made a significant impact at the 32nd Philippine Society for Educational Research and Evaluation (PSERE) Conference by sending five representatives who presented a total of six research papers. These presentations underscored the institution’s commitment to advancing innovation and best practices in education, in line with the university’s strategic focus on adapting to rapid technological advancements.

The conference, themed “Phygital Convergence: The Real and Digital World,” provided a platform for participants to explore the intersection of physical and digital learning environments. JBLCF-Bacolod’s contributions addressed several key sub-themes, including:

• Digital Connected Campus
• Next-Generation Technologies (Innovation and Invention)
• Revolutionizing Education and Research for Sustainable Development
• Machine Learning in Campus Operation
• Institutional Best Practices and Innovations

By aligning their research with these themes, the participants demonstrated their proactive approach to integrating technology and innovative strategies in education, reinforcing their role as leaders in academic excellence and forward-thinking educational practices. The following papers were presented by the researchers of JBLCF-Bacolod at the PSERE Conference.

Technological Inclination, Knowledge, Awareness, Capability, Skills, Utilization, and Impact: A Technology Barometer Survey with Employees	Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo Ms. Geneveve M. Aguilar
Challenges and Coping Strategies of Maritime Students from Pre-Onboard to Post-Onboard Training: Implications for Maritime Program Enhancement	3E Bernard M. Sorbito, Jr. Jason June A. Almonte Albert P. Golen
Integrated Protection Device for Inductive Loads Against Power Abnormalities: A Collaborative Innovative Project	Engr. Joel Panganiban Engr. Ruby S. Oro Engr. Ritchie J. Navarro 3E Paul T. Olimpos Mr. Rogie E. Padernal
Utilizing Google Workspace to Monitor and Update Students’ Onboard Training: Shared Best Innovative Practices of the Onboard Training Office	3E Bernard M. Sorbito, Jr.
Development of an Innovative Training Module for Automation in the Ship’s Bilge Pumping System	C/E Joni P. Gan 3E Paul T. Olimpos Engr. Angel Mae J. Gangoso
Exploring Library Innovations in the Digital Age	Dr. Elisa V. Garcia

          As JBLCF-Bacolod continues to champion innovation and excellence, its active participation in the 32nd PSERE Conference stands as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to shaping the future of education. By embracing new technologies and pioneering best practices, JBLCF-Bacolod not only empowers its students and faculty but also inspires the broader academic community to rise to the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. With every research endeavor and collaborative effort, the institution reaffirms its vision of creating a dynamic, future-ready learning environment—one where the boundaries between the real and digital worlds are seamlessly bridged for the benefit of all. The JBLCF-Bacolod delegation was led by Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, Unit Research Coordinator, who is the current Public Information Officer of the PSERE.

The JBLCF-Bacolod Research and Development Center, in partnership with the Basic Education Department, is proud to have sponsored 11 representatives to the Innovations Conference in Education (ICE) and the Lasallian Educators’ Research Conference (LERC) conducted as part of the Innovation and Research Summit 2025. The conference was held on June 5-6, 2025, at the Santuario de la Salle, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City.

With the theme “AdaptED: Embracing AI and Responsible Innovation in a Blended Learning Environment,” the summit provided a vibrant platform for educators, researchers, and school leaders to explore the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence, data science, and innovation in Philippine basic education. It focused on the essential synergy between research and practice in weaving together AI-based insights, ethical innovation, and evidence-based approaches to create a responsive, inclusive, and future-ready learning environment.

The event had compelling talks from highly esteemed speakers, such as Ms. Winona Y. Diola, EdTech Coordinator of De La Salle Santiago Zobel, who presented on the “Impact of AI on Gen Z and Gen Alpha Learners and the Role of AI in 21st-Century Skills Development.” Mr. Galvin Radley L. Ngo, Director of Science and Art of Learning and Teaching (SALT) and Faculty Lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, spoke about “Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI.” Dr. Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director I of the Private Education Assistance Committee, shared her insights on “The State of Philippine Basic Education Research: Insights, Opportunities, and Challenges.” Dr. Ronilo P. Antonio, Associate Professor in Science Education and Head of the University Research Program at Bulacan State University, spoke about “Turning Data into Meaningful Insights: Advancing Evidence-Based Pedagogical Practices through Research.”

Leading the JBLCF-Bacolod group were Dr. Ma. Eva M. Hilay, Basic Education Department Principal, and Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, Unit Research Coordinator, who both emphasized the institution’s commitment to leveraging innovation and research to improve educational achievements and to respond to changing learning environments. This active participation reflects JBLCF-Bacolod’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and its responsiveness to emerging educational trends, ensuring a learning environment that meets the needs of today’s students and educators.

JBLCF-Bacolod would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and sponsors of the Innovation and Research Summit 2025 for creating a valuable platform that promotes collaboration, knowledge acquisition, and educational progression. Through their commitment and effort, they have been helping to empower educators and researchers to adopt innovation responsibly and facilitate positive change towards the Philippine basic education community.

In an effort to elevate academic research and strengthen its position in global rankings, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod Research and Development Center conducted a two-day writing workshop aimed at guiding its core group of authors toward Scopus-indexed publication, an innovative strategy to help propel JBLFMU toward another milestone as a university. Held on March 18-19, 2025, at the MLA Conference Room, the workshop highlighted the importance of publishing high-quality research and addressed the challenges researchers encounter when preparing manuscripts for prestigious journals.

The workshop began with an exploration of the motivations behind academic publishing, emphasizing its role in career advancement, knowledge dissemination, and institutional prestige. Participants were reminded that successful publications contribute to JBLFMU’s aspiration to attain higher university rankings while addressing critical hypotheses and providing evidence-based insights.

A significant portion of the workshop focused on understanding why manuscripts are often rejected. The facilitator outlined both editorial and technical reasons for rejection, such as lack of novelty, ethical issues, methodological flaws, and poor writing quality. Researchers were encouraged to view rejection as an opportunity for improvement rather than a setback. Practical advice was provided on how to respond constructively to reviewers’ feedback and refine submissions.

The workshop featured several interactive sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills:

• Searching for Journals: Participants learned how to identify suitable Scopus-indexed journals using platforms like Scimago Journal Rank and free publication databases. Factors such as journal scope, audience, impact factor, and acceptance rates were discussed.
• Manuscript Preparation: Authors were guided through the process of structuring their papers according to journal guidelines, with particular focus on organizing results and discussions effectively.
• Proofreading and Final Editing: The final phase of manuscript preparation included scanning for errors, ensuring compliance with formatting requirements, and polishing language for clarity.

The workshop concluded with a roadmap outlining the submission, revision, and publication process. Participants were encouraged to finalize their manuscripts by April 30, 2025, as part of a collective effort to enhance JBLFMU’s research output.

By equipping its faculty and researchers with the tools necessary to publish in Scopus-indexed journals, JBLCF-Bacolod, one of the academic units of JBLFMU, is taking a significant step toward fostering a culture of academic excellence while contributing valuable insights to the maritime field. As institutions worldwide strive for greater visibility in global research databases, initiatives like this serve as vital platforms for growth and collaboration.

The participants were able to identify potential Scopus-indexed journals where they could submit their research articles for publication. Reflecting on this activity, we are reminded of the power of resilience, innovation, and collective effort. Whether we are exploring new frontiers, overcoming challenges, or celebrating achievements, the path forward is always illuminated by the potential for growth and transformation. By embracing our passions, fostering creativity, and supporting one another, we can unlock a brighter future filled with endless possibilities.