Project ARAL of SLSU: The Bridging and Advancing of Divisions Through Promoting Research Culture

The research and innovation extension service of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, ARAL Colloquium, and Sharing of Best Research Practices, with the theme “Bridging Research, Innovation, and Action: Pathways for a Future-Proof Quality Education,” was held from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. on March 21, 2024, at Lourdes Convention Center, Mantahan, Maasin City.

The project was organized and prepared by SLSU-TO staff and the Project ARAL team in collaboration with Tra Vinh University of Vietnam, Southern Leyte State University, DepEd of Southern Leyte Division, and DepEd of Maasin Division, emphasizing the importance of research culture in the field of education.

The program commenced with the invocation and singing of the Philippine National Anthem by Asuncion ES Rondalla of the DepEd Maasin City Division, followed by the singing of the DepEd Maasin City Hymn, Abante Southern Leyte Hymn, and SLSU Hymn through Audio/Video Presentation.

Three empowered women set a warm atmosphere through their words of welcome—Ms. Ma. Jovillea T. Palanca, the Extension Coordinator of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, Dr. Jerelyn R. Amigo, EPS II, Research Coordinator of DepEd Southern Leyte Division, and Ms. Jessica V. Tan, EPS, Research Coordinator DepEd of Maasin City Division.

Dr. Annabelle Hufular, on behalf of Dr. Jude A. Duarte the University President of SLSU, expressed their inspirational message highlighting the importance of the advanced pursuit of bridging innovations and action. This was followed by Dr. Josilyn S. Solana, Schools Division Superintendent DepEd of Southern Leyte Division, emphasizing the importance of research and how all teachers should be researchers, raising the bar of quality education. Furthermore, Dr. Genis S. Murallos, Schools Division Superintendent DepEd of Maasin Division, illuminated the idea that research contributes globally; hence, research should be a habit to understand the world around us, for it serves as a testament which is more than paper, as it is a story and experience revealing the ever-changing pattern of the world.

Dr. Constantino G. Medilo Jr., VP for Academic Affairs of Southern Leyte State University, introduced the keynote speaker Ms. Jennylind D. Daya, EPS II, Research Coordinator of DepEd Region 8. Ms. Daya accentuated that research alone is not enough, making it important to innovate and make tangible progress. She was able to leave the audience with an insightful question and challenge to all leaders and educators, saying, “What are we gonna do?”. The giving of certificates then followed, and the intermission number by SAYAWKA Dance Company. The announcement of Dr. Marvin S. Daguplo, ARAL Project Leader of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, proceeded to the next part of the program.

Dr. Joey A. Caraquil, Mathematics Education Program Chairperson of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, explained the mechanics and criteria of the research presentation. The presentation from the different schools then proceeded.

After the research presentation and discussion proceeded the lunch break, entertained by a serenade from the Asuncion ES Rondalla of the DepEd Maasin City Division, and Minstrel Organization of the SLSU-Tomas Oppus.

The round table discussion with its moderator, Dr. Mark B. Galdo of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, and the Evaluation of the Poster Presentation were done simultaneously to make use of the time. Mr. Rex M. Lucino, Science Education Program Chairperson of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, explained the mechanics and criteria of the poster presentation. The evaluation of poster presentations from the different schools then proceeded. Meanwhile, Dr. Galdo introduced 4 discussants for the round table discussion—Nguyen Thi Ngoc of Tra Vinh University, Ronaisol L. Pobadora of DepEd Southern Leyte Division, Dr. Adelfa S. Togra of DepEd Maasin Division, and Aileen Grace Fuentes, an EdD from SLSU-Tomas Oppus.

Dr. Marvin S. Daguplo, ARAL Project Leader from SLSU-Tomas Oppus, led the consultative meeting for a research organization in Southern Leyte. The consultation emphasized the goal of the project to move forward from being a research and extension service project to becoming an independent research organization. The giving of certificates then followed, and the intermission number by SAYAWKA Dance Company.

To give the words of gratitude for the closing program, Ms. Josefina Matibag, Chief Education Supervisor of DepEd Maasin City Division, Dr. Nguyen Huy Thong, International Education Institute Deputy Director of Tra Vinh University, Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU-Tomas Oppus, and Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services of SLSU.

The awarding of winners of the research paper and poster presentation and discussion proceeded, and the winners were announced by Dr. Daguplo. The three best paper presentations and discussions were recognized. First, the winner of the best research paper presenter was entitled “Enhancing Propaganda Devices Recognition Through Contextualized Teacher-Made Audio-Video Lessons” with its proponent, Grace Mae D. Lesigon, Master Teacher 1 of San Isidro Elementary School, Tomas Oppus District. Second, was entitled “Enhancing Numeracy Skills among Grade 7 Non-Numerates Using the EdTech MATHUSAY Mobile App” with its proponents, Ocleo T. Orpio, Ronald F. Cuevas & Edna J. Inocentes, Hingatungan National High School of Silago Southern Leyte. Third, was a research paper entitled “Guide Me-IDEA Worksheets: A Segmented Basic Math Skills Refresher” with its proponent Dr. Julius R. Garzon, Master Teacher III of Ibarra National High School, SDO Maasin City.

Furthermore, three best poster presentations were also recognized. First, the best poster presentation was given to the study entitled "Vlog-Based Instructional Material: Strengthening Grade 12 Students’ Disaster Awareness and Preparedness” with its proponents Jenilyn E. Samaco, Arvin B. Espinosa, and Christian Vincent Sala, Libagon National High School Southern Leyte Division. Second, was the study entitled "Self-Efficacy and Job Satisfaction Among Teachers” by Dennis J. Bernades, Master Teacher I of Villa Jacinta National Vocational High School, Macrohon, Southern Leyte. Third, is the study "Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Distance Learning, Workload and Burnout and their Coping Mechanism” by Roinasol L. Pobadora, District-in-Charge-Tomas Oppus, and Joana Beth V. Sabalones, Teacher Ill-Tomas Oppus Southern Leyte Division.

The Master of Ceremony, Ms. Rizi Mae J. Codal, HRD-Senior Education Program Specialist of DepEd Maasin City Division, then led the crowd for a photo opportunity and gave her greetings as the program finally ends.

“Project ARAL started in 2018 with the aim of helping the basic education to level up its educational competence in crafting research. ARAL could be stepped up through collaboration of Southern Leyte State University, DepEd of Southern Leyte Division, and DepEd of Maasin Division by forming an independent research organization.” stated by Dr. Daguplo.

Project ARAL led by Southern Leyte State University not only aims to foster research culture but also creates a path for two rivers, DepEd of Maasin Division and DepEd of Southern Leyte Division, to collaborate in a collective effort towards a research-driven and high-quality basic education.