Category: Featured

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.

JBLCF-Bacolod Marine Engineering Students bag the First and Second places in the JBLFMU-RDC Digital Logo-Making Contest

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Research and Development Center recently concluded its highly anticipated Digital Logo-Making Contest aimed at creating an official emblem that embodies the center’s commitment to innovation and research excellence. The contest was participated by six final entries from across the university and was held during the System Research Colloquium and Sharing of Best Practices held on February 7, 2024.The panel of esteemed judges comprised DR. MELCHOR MAGRAMO, Research Director, DR. MA. ELENA ELEPERIA, Academic Director, and MR. ARCHIE AMPARO, IT Director of the University.

JOSEPH DARL MASILAM, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering student of JBLCF-Bacolod from section Polaris, clinched the prestigious First Place with his exceptional design.

 

 

KENNETH R. CARIO, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering student from section Ares, also from JBLCF-Bacolod, secured Second Place with his creative and innovative entry.

The winning entries were selected based on specific criteria outlined by the judging panel, including reflecting key concepts such as Research and Development, Innovation, incorporation of JBLFMU’s logo and logos of all units, and adherence to the university’s core values.

Joseph Darl Masilam’s design stood out for its creativity, relevance, and visual impact, earning him the top prize of 3,000 pesos along with a Certificate of Recognition. Kenneth R. Cariom received 2,000 pesos and a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding contribution.

In addition to the top prizes, the third-place winner, JBLFMU-Arevalo’s entry, received 1,000 pesos along with a Certificate of Recognition, while consolation prizes of 500 pesos and a Certificate of Participation each were awarded to non-winning participants.

 

(The winners, Left to Right: JBLFMU-Arevalo, Third Place; JBLCF-Bacolod, First Place; and JBLCF-Bacolod, Second Place)

 

The winning logo design, crafted by JOSEPH DARL MASILAM, will now become the official trademark of the Research and Development Center of JBLFMU. By winning First Place, Masilam has granted the JBLFMU-RDC the right to utilize the logo in various promotional materials, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, official university merchandise, program covers, and certificates issued by the JBLFMU-RDC, thus solidifying his contribution to the university’s branding efforts.

The success of the Digital Logo-Making Contest underscores JBLFMU’s dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and research excellence among its students, further solidifying its position as a leading institution in maritime education and research.

2024 JBLFMU Research Colloquium Highlights Innovation and Best Practices, JBLCF-Bacolod as Host

In a showcase of maritime innovation and research excellence, the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) recently held the 2024 Research Colloquium and Sharing of Best Practices with JBLCF-Bacolod as the host unit. This event was participated by the different units of the university, bringing together industry experts, academics, and students to discuss key issues and share best practices.

The event kicked off with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by an invocation and the rendition of the Philippine National Anthem and the JBLFMU Hymn. Mrs. Mary Anne Pasco, the Safety Officer, delivered a safety orientation to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.

Engr. Roberto Neal S. Sobrejuanite, Administrator of JBLCF (Bacolod), Inc., extended words of welcome to the participants, setting the tone for the symposium. Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Chief Executive Officer of JBLFMU, delivered a message emphasizing the importance of research and development in advancing the maritime sector.

Dr. Melchor M. Magramo, Director of Research & Extension, provided the rationale behind the symposium, highlighting its significance in driving innovation and addressing industry challenges. Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Research Coordinator of JBLFMU (Arevalo), Inc., then introduced the keynote speaker, Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, CESO II, Regional Director and WVCIEERD Co-Chair of DOST Regional Office VI. Engr. Gelonga delivered a keynote speech, focusing on the role of research and innovation in shaping the future of the maritime industry.

Engr. Sobrejuanite led the awarding of a Certificate of Appreciation to Engr. Gelonga, acknowledging his valuable contribution to the symposium. Dr. Rolando A. Alimen, Research Coordinator of JBLFMU (Molo), Inc., then laid out the house rules and guidelines for the paper presentation session. The session featured three papers presented by esteemed industry professionals:

  1. “Modernization of Domestic Fleet in Western Visayas: Basis for Safety and Service Enhancement Program” by Engr. Rufina A. Aquino, Ph.D.
  2. “Seafarer’s Engagement, Work Attitude, and Work Performance: Bases for Retention Program” by Dr. Emmanuel B. Carpio
  3. “Life skills, Technological Awareness, and Attitude of Maritime Students toward Emerging Technologies: Basis for a Proposed Academic Intervention Program” by Capt. Luis G. Evidente, Ph.D.

 

After the paper presentations, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of exhibits showcasing innovative projects and research initiatives of the academic units of the university. Dr. Sebastian and Dr. Magramo, along with the Unit Administrators, Research Coordinators, and Executive Council Officers, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Following a lunch break, the symposium resumed with a session on sharing best practices, featuring presentations on various topics including physical activity towards health and fitness, legacy fitness programs, and the utilization of Google Workspace in monitoring and updating students’ onboard training.

The event concluded with the announcement and awarding of winners of the JBLFMU-RDC Digital Logo Making Contest, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, Research Coordinator of the host unit, JBLCF (Bacolod), Inc.

A photo opportunity was provided for all participants, marking the end of a successful symposium aimed at promoting innovation and collaboration in the maritime industry.

JB-MOLO RESEARCHERS IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Two researchers of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo presented the results of their studies at the University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the International Research Conference of SEAAIR (South East Asian Association for Institutional Research)  last September 26-28, 2023. Dr. Stella S. Cantor, a faculty member of the College of Business presented her study “English Teachers’ Out-of-Field” and Dr. Rolando A. Alimen, Research Coordinator also presented his study “Seafaring Profession: Edge of Filipino Seafarers” with delegates from different countries in this international conference.

The study of Dr. Alimen is about the Filipino country’s pride, attributes, and characteristics. Filipino seafarers are the most preferred seamen because of their many virtues and professionalism that significantly contributed to the Philippines and the global maritime industry. This qualitative phenomenological study was conceived to determine the edge of Filipino seafarers among other nationalities on board. The results of this study depict how Filipino seafarers work and respond to the seafaring world and their lived experiences while onboard. Through this phenomenological study, the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers in terms of the different concepts, themes, and personal stories will be derived from their lived experiences. The recruited seafarers were contacted through referral and were qualified on specific criteria, the source of information, and whose narratives were gathered and documented to establish the study’s objectives. The study of Dr. Cantor aimed to present the participants’ out-of-field teaching and their initiatives. The researcher used inductive thematic analysis to explore and generate “themes” from the interview. Different themes emerged from the monograph as an educational resource that would serve as a reference for researchers and educators who are interested in the field and wish to explore the context of out-of-field teaching.

JBLFMU Researchers Excel with Top Honors, Best Paper at NOSTE 2023 Conference

Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, the Research Coordinator at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. secured the title of “Best in Oral Presentation” at this virtual conference, held from September 22 to 24, 2023. His presentation, part of a collaborative research paper titled “Selected Water Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Iloilo Batiano River, Philippines,” alongside co-authors Bartimeues Nathan Wiederhold, Tom Lichtenberg, and Engr. Roderick R. Germo, Ph.D., also claimed the “Best Paper” award.

This acknowledgment highlights not only Dr. Sarinas’ achievements but also JBLFMU’s commitment to advancing knowledge and education through a meaningful research.

In parallel, Engr. Roderick R. Germo, a faculty member of the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT), with his research, “Effectiveness of Problem-based Learning (PBL) on Maritime Courses in a Blended Learning Modality” was a collaboration with C/M Virmari S. Tan, Ph.D., and 3/O Angelo F. Casañare.

2/M Karl Danielle H. Sira, Head of the Academic Affairs Office (AAO), addressed the critical issue of students’ mental health during the pandemic. His research paper, “Status of Students’ Mental Health during Pandemic: Basis for the Development of Student Enhancement Program,” in collaboration with Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Ph.D., and Rohena Z. Miranda, M.A.Ed., RGC, added depth to discussions on students’ and teachers’ well-being and learning during these challenging times.

The JBLFMU community takes pride in these notable accomplishments, recognizing the significance of contributing meaningful research to the broader academic community.