John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University Research and Development Center
Information and Portal of JBLFMU'S Published Research Materials, Dissertations and Journals
JBLFMU-Molo Online Document Request
“Streamlining Access to Essential Documents”
Presented by: Martin F. Fagar, MEE (IT Head, JBLFMU-Molo)
DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE-ICT-ELECTROAUTOMATION ADVANCE TRAINER
Presented by: Allan A. Roberto (Former Program Chair – College of Maritime Education JM, Faculty, Automation Engineer In-Charge-DOST Projects)
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — September 19, 2025
Photos by: Maritime Lenses
The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University–Arevalo (JBLFMU–Arevalo) proudly hosted the “Research Synergy 2025: Mentoring Workshop on Collaborative Research, SPSS Analytics, and AI Integration for High-Impact Publications,” a one-day intensive faculty development program held at the JBL Hall.
Aligned with the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) of the JBLFMU system, this workshop was part of a system-wide initiative involving three units: JBLFMU–Arevalo under Dr. Roderick R. Germo (Research Coordinator), JBLCF–Bacolod under Dr. Emeliza Estimo, and JBLFMU–Molo under Dr. Rolando Alimen, with the strong leadership of Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, OIC–Director of Research and Development and Community Extension Services.
The event gathered faculty members across disciplines, underscoring JBLFMU’s commitment to enhancing research capabilities and equipping educators with the skills needed to produce globally competitive, high-impact research publications.
Opening Program: Setting the Tone for Excellence
The workshop formally opened with the Invocation, national and regional hymns, and the JBLFMU hymn, followed by a presentation of safety protocols led by 2M Karl Danielle H. Sira, MMM, CCSSM.
2M Karl Danielle H. Sira, MMM, CCSSM.
Originally slated for Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MSMM (JBLFMU-Arevalo Administrator), the Opening Remarks were delivered on his behalf by Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, who emphasized the institution’s vision of integrating research, innovation, and technology into the fabric of maritime education. He highlighted that Research Synergy 2025 is not just a training workshop, but a platform for faculty empowerment and academic collaboration.
Dr. Sarinas also provided an overview of the event, laying the foundation for the day’s learning sessions and setting a forward-looking tone that resonated with the participants.
The first session, “Publication in High-Indexed Journals (e.g., Clarivate Analytics/Scopus)”, was facilitated by Dr. John Erwin P. Pedroso, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, West Visayas State University.
Dr. Pedroso’s lecture demystified the rigorous process of publishing in globally recognized journals. He emphasized the importance of research originality, strong methodology, and adherence to international standards, while also sharing practical strategies on selecting journals, addressing reviewers’ comments, and avoiding predatory publishers.
This session inspired faculty participants to aim higher, encouraging them to transform institutional research into publications of international significance.
The second session, “Use of AI in Research,” was led by Engr. Sammy V. Militante, PCpE, Director of the Statistical and Knowledge Management Center at the University of Antique.
Engr. Militante tackled the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the research landscape, from data collection to analysis, predictive modeling, and manuscript writing support. He stressed the responsible use of AI tools, highlighting both their transformative power and ethical challenges.
For faculty participants, this session opened doors to the integration of advanced digital tools in research practices, making their work more efficient, data-driven, and globally relevant.
The final session focused on “Statistics Using SPSS” and was conducted by Dr. Eric M. Madera, Quality Assurance Officer of JBLFMU–Arevalo.
Dr. Madera provided hands-on guidance on using SPSS for quantitative research, including data input, statistical tests, and interpretation of outputs. His session reinforced the faculty’s capacity to conduct evidence-based, data-driven research aligned with global standards.
This practical training was particularly valuable in equipping participants with tools to strengthen their research validity, reliability, and publication readiness.
The program concluded with Closing Remarks by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, OIC–Research Coordinator of JBLFMU–Arevalo and the man behind the vision of Research Synergy 2025. In his speech, Dr. Germo highlighted the importance of collaborative research, innovation, and faculty commitment in advancing JBLFMU’s mission to be a leader in maritime education and research.
Immediately after Dr. Germo’s inspiring message, the photo opportunity was held — a fitting symbol of unity and synergy among the faculty participants who collectively embraced the challenge of pursuing higher standards in research and publication.
Research Synergy 2025 was not merely a training workshop but a milestone of faculty empowerment and academic collaboration within the JBLFMU system. By focusing on high-impact publishing, artificial intelligence, and advanced statistical analysis, the workshop fortified the research culture of the university, preparing its faculty to engage in global academic conversations.
Through this initiative, JBLFMU reaffirms its dedication to nurturing faculty-driven research excellence—a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and global competitiveness under the leadership of Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, OIC–Director of Research and Development and Community Extension Services, with JBLFMU–Arevalo as the proud host unit through the stewardship of Dr. Roderick R. Germo, together with fellow research coordinators Dr. Emeliza Estimo (JBLCF–Bacolod) and Dr. Rolando Alimen (JBLFMU–Molo).
Guiding the flow of this historic workshop with poise and professionalism were the two student masters of ceremonies, Midshipmen Carlos Manuel V. Mañas and Rein Gabrielle N. Naive, whose presence added youthful dynamism to a faculty-centered academic event.
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.
An international study mission titled “Exploring Global Insights and Opportunities to Improve the Research, Development, and Innovation Landscape of Western Visayas” was organized by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) and the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIEERD). The mission took place from June 16 to 21, 2025, in Jeju, South Korea.
One of the key activities was the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Symposium, conducted in collaboration with Jeju National University (JNU). The symposium aimed to promote mutual learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among participating institutions.
During the symposium, Dr. Rolando A. Alimen presented his research titled “Establishment of Desalination Plant: Partnership towards Community Sustainability of Unisan Island in Guimaras, Philippines.”
