JBLCF-Bacolod Celebrates Innovation and Excellence at the 14th Unit Research Colloquium & Sharing of Best Innovative Practices (March 12, 2025)

It's another year of astounding success, as JBLCF-Bacolod showcased its unwavering commitment to research excellence and innovation through the 14th Unit Research Colloquium, held at the New Audio-Visual Room, on the theme “Driving Research in a Technologically Evolving Landscape: Balancing Innovation, Sustainability, and Internationalization.”

The colloquium commenced with a series of messages by Dr. Sylvino Tupas (Administrator), Dr. Emeliza Torrento Estimo (Unit Research Coordinator), and Dr. Brian Gil Secondes Sarinas (OIC Director for Research and Development and Community Extension Services), and the inspiring keynote speech by Dr. Virmari Sanagustin Tan, OIC Director of JBLFMU’s International Relations Office, who emphasized the role of digital transformation in maritime education. This was followed by a plenary session graced by Capt. Enrico O. Santos of MARINA, who presented groundbreaking insights through his paper on accrediting electronic training record books (E-TRBs) for maritime training and education.

Parallel sessions highlighted diverse research topics from paper presentations of students and employees, covering areas such as artificial intelligence in education, mathematics and science efficacy, workplace bullying, students' health and wellness, workplace dynamics, and sustainability in maritime operations, among others. Poster presentations showcasing innovations developed by students were also displayed at the venue.

The event also featured a sharing of best practices by Mrs. Michelle Villanueva (Head of the Human Resource Department) and Dr. Violeta Neri (Dean of the College of Business and Education). These presentations reinforced JBLFMU’s mission to balance innovation with sustainability while ensuring that stakeholders' expectations are met---one of the best practices of JBLCF-Bacolod, which the Academic Director, Dr. Ma. Elena Ellen Eleperia, has recognized.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to presenters and judges, the winners of the Best Paper Presentation, and the winners of the Poster Presentation and Exhibits.

The resounding success of the 14th Unit Research Colloquium would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and exemplary leadership of the Unit Research Committee, headed by Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, Research Coordinator of JBLCF-Bacolod. Under her guidance, the committee meticulously planned and executed every aspect of the event, ensuring a smooth flow and execution of the program. The unwavering support from Dr. Sylvino V. Tupas, Administrator, and the collaboration of Department Heads further underscored the institution's unified commitment to fostering research excellence. Their collective dedication continues to inspire a culture of innovation, resilience, and academic distinction within JBLCF-Bacolod.

Love and gratitude to the following distinguished panel of evaluators/judges who graced our event this year:

Dr. Lota Largavista, Director-Publication and Engagement Office (USLS), Dr. Noi Randdie Cuelo, VP for Academics (CSA-B), and Dr. Marisa Petalla, Program Head, MAEd Programs (Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School-UNO-R)

and our beloved Unit Research Committee members whose names are tagged here. It is in synergy with these people that the JBLCF-RDC has consistently achieved despite the challenges.

Thank you and congratulations to our eloquent MC, 2M John Christopher Avila, for accepting his "baptism of fire" into the research circle.

The Carrier

Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo