Category: Bacolod News

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.

          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.