Fourth-year pre-service educators of the College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS) of Cebu Technological University Danao Campus showcased their research competencies during the 2026 Student Research Congress held on May 8, reinforcing the university’s efforts to strengthen student research culture and academic inquiry.
Organized by the campus Research and Development Office, the congress carried the theme, “Synergy in Inquiry: Advancing Research Competence in Education, Arts, and Sciences,” highlighting the university’s efforts to strengthen students’ research capabilities and encourage community-centered studies.
The event was simultaneously held at the Student Activity Center (SAC), Audio-Visual Room (AVR), and Centrum Facility conference hall, where student researchers presented studies under three clusters: STEM and Educational Technologies Research; Humanities, Languages, Literature, and Social Studies; and Applied Education, Sustainability, and Product Innovation.
In her welcome remarks, Campus Director Dr. Rose Mary L. Almacen emphasized the institution’s commitment to producing quality research publications and fostering academic excellence among students.
Dr. Ronnel Victor Kilat likewise noted that the congress reflected the growing research engagement of students and their ability to address issues relevant to education, arts, sciences, and the wider community through scholarly investigation.
Meanwhile, CEAS Dean Dr. Emily C. Costan commended both students and advisers for contributing to the campus’ culture of research and inquiry, expressing hope that the initiative would further strengthen a sustainable research environment.
To evaluate the presentations, the university invited scholars and experts from various higher education institutions in Cebu. External evaluators included Dr. Aurelio P. Vilbar of University of the Philippines Cebu, Dr. Niña Jen R. Canayong of Cebu Normal University, and Dr. Sheila L. Tirol of Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges. They were joined by internal researchers from the CTU system, namely Dr. Sylvester T. Cortes, Dr. Edralin General, Dr. Joshlen B. Lim, Mr. Reynario Abayon Jr., Dr. Jacquiline Dela Cruz, and Dr. Emily C. Costan.
Among the highlighted studies in Cluster 1 on STEM and Educational Technologies Research, the study titled “Integrating Mathematical Connections in Mathematical Investigation and Modeling: The Impact of RTM on PSTs’ TPACK” received the Best Research Paper award. Meanwhile, a study on students’ engagement in using Generative AI for learning earned the Best Abstract award. Jeralyn A. Vallejo was named Best Presenter for the study “Students’ Reasoning in Mathematics of Investment through an Inferentialist Lens: Bridging Real-World Experiences and Classroom Learning.”
In Cluster 2, which focused on Humanities, Languages, Literature, and Social Studies, the study “From Fiction to Intervention: Rape Culture Education through Margaret Atwood’s ‘Rape Fantasies’” by Gabe Anthony Florence R. Bonhoc won both Best Research Paper and Best Presenter awards. Another study addressing English language speaking anxiety received the Best Abstract award.
Meanwhile, in Cluster 3 on Applied Education, Sustainability, and Product Innovation, the study “Disaster Preparedness, Risk Perception, and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Climate Resilience and Sustainable Adaptive Behavior among University Students” earned both Best Research Paper and Best Abstract awards. James Ivan P. Quijardo also received the Best Presenter award for presenting the same study.
The congress concluded with the recognition of student researchers, advisers, panelists, and organizers for their contributions to the successful implementation of the event. More than a venue for academic competition, the activity underscored CTU Danao’s continuing commitment to developing future educators and researchers capable of producing meaningful and innovative contributions to society./ Jhevey Yan, CTU Main BAL intern
Photo credit: CTU- Danao College of Education
