Driving Maritime Excellence Through Research: JBLFMU-A Hosts 2026 Colloquium

Arevalo, Iloilo City — April 10, 2026 | 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM | JBL Hall

Research excellence and innovation took center stage as the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. successfully conducted its Annual Faculty and Staff Research Colloquium, 14th Student Research Colloquium, and Sharing of Best Practices, anchored on the theme “Steering Maritime Practice Through Meaningful Research.”

The program formally commenced with registration, followed by solemn invocation, the Philippine National Anthem, and JBLFMU Hymn.

A Safety Protocol reminder was delivered by 2/M Karl Danielle H. Sira, MMM, CCSSM, Safety Officer, emphasizing preparedness and safety awareness throughout the activity.

This was followed by a Values Talk on “Godliness” delivered by Ms. Silver Marie N. Alcaraz, Research Clerk, highlighting the importance of moral integrity and spiritual grounding in academic and professional life.

The Words of Welcome were delivered by Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, OIC-Director for Research and Development and Community Extension Services, on behalf of Administrator Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MSMM. Dr. Sarinas underscored the vital role of research in shaping globally competitive maritime professionals.

The Introduction of Paper Reactors was led by Dr. Bernardita S. Somosa, Faculty Assistant to the Dean and Faculty and Staff Research Committee member.

PART I: FACULTY AND STAFF RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

Eight (8) faculty and staff research papers were presented with their complete titles:

  1. Ms. Jessa T. BaylonRelationship Between Community Empowerment and the Sustainability of Community Extension Service Projects

    2. Ms. Jessa T. BaylonRelationship Between Community Empowerment and the Sustainability of Community Extension Service Projects

    3. Dr. Emily T. GaloStudents’ Graduate Attributes: Basis for Crafting an Intervention Program

    4. Ms. Grail D. FuntanillaService Quality and Gap Analysis between SHS Faculty and Students: Basis for Development of Intervention Program

    5. Ms. Mary Joy M. AnasFeasibility Study on Rating Course

    6. 2/M Joel J. MalayaCore Values among Students and Employees: Application and Life Integration in a Maritime University

    7. 2/M Nicolas M. TuaresThe Level of Job Engagement among Maritime University Employees

    8. 2/M John Paul R. LiboStudents’ Academic and Extra-curricular Engagement: Basis for the Development of an Enhancement Program

    Scholarly critique and evaluation were provided by Dr. Nenita V. Quiñon and Capt. Luis G. Evidente, Ph.D., strengthening the academic rigor of the presentations.

    PART II: SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES

    The Best Practices session highlighted impactful community extension initiatives:

    Mrs. Mirazol D. DionsonAssure-a-Child the Right Education Program

    2/M Karl Danielle H. SiraRedefining Disaster Readiness: A Proactive and Resilient Child-Centered DRR Initiative

    The session concluded with the awarding of certificates to presenters and reactors, followed by a photo opportunity.

    In his closing remarks for this segment, Dr. Roderick R. Germo, OIC Research Coordinator, emphasized that research must go beyond documentation and must be translated into real-world impact, innovation, and societal transformation.

    PART III: 14TH STUDENT RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM

    The afternoon session showcased student research excellence in maritime education and practice.

    Opening Program

    The session opened with welcome remarks from Capt. Nestor L. Baluya, MSMM, Dean of the BSMT Department, followed by a message delivered by Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Director for Research and Development Center and Extension Services, on behalf of Dr. Ma. Elena J. Eleperia, Director for Academic Affairs.

    Judges were formally introduced by Mrs. Ma. Elena S. Francisco, BSMT Faculty and Student Research Committee member.

    Student Research Presentations

    • Mdpn. Hans Ibert R. DavidFilipino Students’ Difficulties in Acquiring Company Placement after having Completed Classroom Instruction: Basis for Program Development
    • Mdpn. Jude Keneth P. AgujetasPredictors of Emotional Quotient Among Seafarers
    • Mdpn. Jonelle Patrick P. MargaricoImpact of Digital Navigation Tools on Students’ Shipboard Preparedness
    • Mdpn. Jhon Wilson B. LanabeExperiential Learning in the Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) for Skill Development and Career Readiness
    • Mdpwn. Rica C. SalvacionLived Experiences of Social Isolation and Coping Behaviors of Introvert Maritime Students
    • Mdpn. Marc Erwin V. DalivaFear of Discrimination Among LGBTQ+ Community in the Seafaring Profession
    • Mdpn. Kent Matthew F. PerasolNavigating Awareness of STCW Chapter II, Regulation 2 Among JBLFMU-A Alumni
    • Mdpn. Christian James A. CaducoGeneral Safety Awareness Among Deck Cadets During Onboard Training

    Awards and Recognition

    Oral Presentation Winners


    1st Place – Predictors of Emotional Quotient Among Seafarers


    2nd Place – Filipino Students’ Difficulties in Acquiring Company Placement After Having Completed Classroom Instruction


    3rd Place – General Safety Awareness Among Deck Cadets During Onboard Training

    Poster Presentation Winners


    1st Place – Port Watchkeeping Concepts Learned and Students’ Level of Satisfaction in Utilizing M/V John B. Lacson (Adviser: Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas)


    2nd Place – Level of Awareness of BSMT Students on Maritime Accidents Caused by Human Error (Adviser: Dr. Roderick R. Germo)


    3rd Place – Common First Aid Practices Among Seafarers (Adviser: Dr. Emilie C. Coo)

    CLOSING OF THE STUDENT RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM

    The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to judges and presenters, announcement of winners, and final closing remarks delivered by Dr. Catherine T. Maquerme, Student Research Coordinator.

    JUDGES FOR ORAL RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

    JUDGES FOR POSTER RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS