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.

URDC spearheads collaborative discussions in formulating the University Research Agenda for 2023-2024

The JBLFMU Research and Development Council led by Dr. Melchor M. Magramo, JBLFMU Director for Research and Extension, and the Unit Research Coordinators, Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo (JBLCF-Bacolod), Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas (JBLFMU-Arevalo), and Dr. Rolando A. Alimen (JBLFMU-Molo) took the lead in conducting a collaborative workshop aimed at formulating the University Research Agenda for the upcoming School Year 2023-2024. This collaborative workshop had the following objectives: (1) To review the Research Agenda for AY 2022-2023, and (2) To identify researchable topics for inclusion in the University Research Agenda for the AY 2023-2024.

This activity, held based on the mandate of Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo (Chairman of the Board) and Dr. Ronald L. Sebastian (Chief Executive Officer), was joined by focal people from the three academic units composed of the Community Extension Officers, Deans and Principals of the various academic departments, Placement Officers, and Onboard Training Officers.

This dynamic session produced a series of thought-provoking research themes, carefully aligned with the university’s overarching research priorities. Noteworthy topics encompassed a wide spectrum, including Maritime Education and Training, Marine Environment, Deployment, Training, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Cadets, Innovations in Teaching Pedagogy, Stakeholders Feedback, Assessment of Learning/Academic Performance of Students, Occupational Safety and Security, and Tracer Studies, among others.

This collaborative effort sets the stage for a promising year of innovative research and development, propelling JBLFMU further into the forefront of academic excellence. The event was held at the JBL Hall Lobby in JBLFMU-Arevalo on August 3 to 4, 2023.

JBLCF-Bacolod Empowers Faculty and Staff with Enhanced Research Capabilities

From September 6 to 8, 2023, JBLCF-Bacolod hosted the annual Research Capability Enhancement Workshop and Research Proposal Writing event, taking a proactive step to tackle the issue of delayed research submissions among faculty and volunteer staff.

The workshop, held at the MLA Conference Room of JBLCF-Bacolod, introduced a new level of personalized assistance, enabling researchers to make substantial progress on their proposals in just three days, allowing them to concentrate solely on their research tasks without the distractions of their academic responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distinguished in-house experts shared their expertise with the participants on the following topics:

  • Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo: (1) Revisiting the Unit Research Agenda & Identifying Research Topics, (2) JBLFMU Research Template, (3) Crafting the Introduction of a Research Proposal and (4) Designing the Research Instrument
  • Dr. Elisa V. Garcia: Conducting Literature Searches and Utilizing Referencing Tools in Scholarly Works
  • Dr. Sylvino V. Tupas: A Comprehensive Review of Research Designs, Sampling Techniques, Instrument Validity and Reliability, and Statistical Tools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The workshops encompassed a range of crucial components which included the following:

  • Crafting the Letter of Intent and Title Proposal
  • Drafting a Comprehensive Review of Related Literature with Multiple Sources
  • Collaboratively Developing the Rationale of the Study, Theoretical/Conceptual Framework, Statement of the Problem/Objectives of the Study, and Hypothesis
  • Drafting the Methods Section of the Research Proposal
  • Preparing a Draft of the Research Instrument

Remarkably, the workshop yielded twelve well-drafted research proposals within the first two days. These proposals were subsequently reviewed and critiqued on the third day, highlighting the workshop’s effectiveness in boosting research productivity and quality.

This event is a testament to JBLCF-Bacolod’s unwavering commitment to elevating research capabilities within its academic community. We express our sincere gratitude to the Engr. Roberto Neal S. Sobrejuanite, Administrator of JBLCF-Bacolod, for his inspiring message, which uplifted everyone’s motivation to persist in this challenging task.