Theme: Cultivating a Culture of Research — Advancing Excellence through Mentorship, Creativity, and Innovation
📅 October 17, 2025 | 🕢 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 📍 JBL Hall
In its continuous mission to promote academic excellence and a vibrant culture of inquiry, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. successfully conducted the In-House Research Capability Training and Workshop on October 17, 2025, at the JBL Hall. The event carried the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Research: Advancing Excellence through Mentorship, Creativity, and Innovation” and was spearheaded by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, OIC-Research Coordinator, together with his dedicated research team.
The day-long program gathered faculty members, student researchers, and institutional leaders to enhance research competence and encourage innovation in maritime education and allied disciplines.
The program began with solemnity through the Invocation, Philippine National Anthem, Iloilo Hymn, and JBLFMU Hymn, followed by the Safety Protocol presented by 2M Karl Danielle H. Sira, MMM, CCSSM, Safety Officer. Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MSMM, Administrator of JBLFMU (Arevalo), delivered the Opening Remarks, emphasizing the university’s continuing thrust toward academic distinction through relevant and impactful research.
In his Overview Message, Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, OIC-Director for Research and Community Extension Services, underscored the vital importance of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning in nurturing both faculty and student researchers toward excellence.
🔹 Plenary Session: Strengthening Research Competence
The plenary sessions featured a remarkable lineup of distinguished speakers:
- Dr. Felipe P. Vista IV, University Director for R&D Services, Northern Iloilo State University, discussed the intricacies of Qualitative Research.
- Engr. Sammy V. Militante, PCpE, Director of the Statistical and Knowledge Management Center, University of Antique, tackled Quantitative Research and Creative Works.
- Dr. John Erwin P. Pedroso, Associate Dean, College of Education–Graduate School, West Visayas State University, inspired participants through his session on Innovation in Research, highlighting creativity, relevance, and the transformation of ideas into impactful solutions.
An Open Forum followed, where participants actively engaged with the speakers, leading to meaningful discussions on research challenges and innovations. The morning session concluded with the presentation of certificates to the guest speakers in recognition of their expertise and valuable contributions.
🔹 Breakout Sessions: Research in Action
- Breakout Session 1 (JBL Hall): Presentation of Due-to-Write Research Proposals by faculty members, covering diverse topics from maritime education and environmental sustainability to institutional development and technology-driven innovation.
The research presentations reflected the university’s dynamic research environment, featuring studies such as “Tracking of Graduate Attributes,” “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Onboard Navigational Training (M/V Capt. John B. Lacson),” “Sustainability Challenges in Seagrass Conservation (Puerto del Mar),” and “Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Institution.”
- Breakout Session 2 (JBL Hall Lobby): Student Research Forum with the Speakers, an engaging exchange where aspiring student researchers received insights and mentorship from the guest experts.
🔹 Closing and Reflections
The training culminated with Closing Remarks by Dr. Roderick R. Germo, who emphasized that cultivating research excellence requires continuous mentorship, collaboration, and passion for discovery. His leadership and commitment, along with the support of the research team, were instrumental in ensuring the success of the event.
Guided seamlessly by Mr. Carlos Manuel V. Mañas and Ms. Rein Gabrielle N. Naive as masters of ceremonies, the event stood as a testament to JBLFMU’s unrelenting pursuit of research excellence and innovation.
The In-House Research Capability Training and Workshop reaffirmed JBLFMU’s vision of steering maritime education toward the frontiers of innovation — fostering a research culture anchored on creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
