We made it again! Now, for the 15th time.
The 2026 Research Festival, held on April 14–15, 2026, brought together students, faculty, and researchers in a vibrant celebration of innovation under the theme “Harnessing Wisdom: Advancing Research Across Waves of Change.” The first day featured engaging and creative competitions, including the Student Research and Innovation Showcase, alongside contests such as Research in a Meme, Digital Journal Cover Design, and Digital Promotional Video at AVR 1. These activities highlighted students’ ingenuity in communicating research through both academic and digital platforms, setting an energetic tone for the two-day event.
The second day centered on the 15th Research Colloquium and Sharing of Innovative Best Practices, beginning with opening ceremonies that included messages from Mr. Jan Michael Enriquez, who inspired participants through a values-sharing session, and from Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, Unit Research Coordinator, who presented the event’s rationale. Dr. Sylvino Tupas, JBLCF-Bacolod Administrator, delivered the welcome message, and Ms. Darlene Sabandal introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Randdie P. Cuelo, Vice President for Academics of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, who emphasized the importance of adaptive and forward-thinking research. The morning session also featured presentations on innovative practices, including digital assessment integration by 3E Paul T. Olimpos, onboard training systems by 2/M Nestor A. Herpacio, Jr., and community extension models by Mr. Ivan June O. Gayotin, with reactions from Mr. Jose Sebastian M. Cuadra.
In the afternoon, parallel sessions showcased diverse research from both employees and students across disciplines. Faculty and staff researchers presented studies on recruitment strategies, academic systems, maritime career pathways, and AI integration, which were evaluated by panelists including Dr. Elmer John E. Basa, Dr. Anabelle D. Magbanua, and Dr. Araceli C. Doromal. Simultaneously, students from the College of Maritime Education and the College of Business and Education shared research on sustainability, digital literacy, financial behavior, internship readiness, and workplace experiences. The event concluded with an awarding ceremony led by 3E Bernard M. Sorbito, Jr., assisted by Dr. Estimo, recognizing outstanding contributions.
Kudos to all the winners!
The Student Research and Innovation Showcase recognized outstanding student-led projects that demonstrated creativity and practical innovation. The photos below (L to R) show the winners with Joebert D. Serra securing 1st Place for his project “Ai Nova,” while Jacqueline B. Alimpolo and her team earned 2nd Place for “Solar-Powered Automatic Waste Segregator with Dual Power Supply.” The 3rd Place award went to Alexander Nicholas B. Yee and his group for “Hybrid (Solar and Wind) Renewable Energy Converter,” with a Consolation Prize awarded to Nathaniel John B. Geneblaza and team for “Design and Development of a QR Code Vehicle Identification and Access System.”
In the creative competitions, the winners in the Research in a Meme contest were the following (L to R): Neil Gerona – 1st Place, Kyle John Herida – 2nd Place, and Mary Galle Inayan – 3rd Place. Meanwhile, Jefferson Pedreso emerged as 1st Place winner in the Digital Journal Cover Design Contest, with Nekko Muega and Lyzhen Terencio placing second and third, respectively.
During the 15th Research Colloquium and Sharing of Best Practices, exemplary presenters were also recognized for their scholarly contributions. 2/M Nestor A. Herpacio, Jr. was awarded Best Presenter of Innovative Practices for his presentation “Innovate, Integrate, Elevate: Redefining Practices in Onboard Training Systems and Interactive Learning,” earning a Certificate of Commendation for the Onboard Training Office.
In the Employees Category, Bernard M. Sorbito, Jr., with co-author Haydee B. Tibo-oc, received the Best Paper Presentation award for “Maritime Students’ Perspectives on Future Career Trajectories: Understanding Influential Factors and Alternative Career Paths.”
For the Students Category, Danny Christian L. Jumayao and his team from the College of Maritime Education won the Best Paper Presentation for “Innovative Training Module for Ship Bilge Pumping System,” while Charlotte Zerna F. Famoso and her group from the College of Business and Education won the Best Presentation for “Balancing Academic Demands and Part-Time Work: Mental Health Implications for JBLCF-B Student Aide.”
As the festival concluded, Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo reminded the participants that beyond awards and recognition, the true value of the event lies in the shared commitment, collaboration, and openness to learning that strengthened the academic community. Carrying forward new insights and renewed motivation, everyone is challenged to sustain the momentum by transforming ideas into meaningful action and continuing the pursuit of excellence in research.
