Laguna University (LU), through the Research and Development Center (RDC), conducted the 2nd Regional Research Conference via Zoom last April 30, 2025 with the theme: “Resilience through Innovation: Navigating the Future in Education, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Digital Technology.” Over 260 attendees coming from 17 colleges and universities, including its host, LU, participated in the conference.
The event was designed to advance the role of research in building resilience and fostering innovation for a sustainable future. The conference specifically aimed to: (1) Showcase ongoing research by providing a platform for participants to present their latest studies and findings to a regional audience; (2) Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration by encouraging discussions and exchanges among researchers; (3) Learn about the latest trends and advancements in sustainability and innovation; and (4) Establish research partnerships and networks by facilitating connections among attendees.
Dr. Neil P. Balba, Vice President for External Affairs from the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Laguna served as the guest speaker. He talked about the sustainability of innovations by interdisciplinary approaches in education, entrepreneurship, engineering, and digital technology.
The research conference consisted of two (2) categories: teaching and non-teaching professionals and students. Each category has 4 parallel sessions: Computing Studies and Engineering, Education, Business and Management, and Social Science and Communication. These sessions were joined by reactors and moderators who are experts in their field of discipline.
For the teaching and non-teaching professionals category, the best research presenters are the following: for Computing Studies and Engineering: Mr. Felix L. Huerte, Jr., MAIT; for Education: Mia V. Villarica; for Business and Management: Natalie B. Merlan; and for Social Science and Communication: Alliana M. Ablan.
For the students category, the best presenters are the following: for Computing Studies and Engineering: Eingeline Nichole F. Roque; for Education: Christine Robenacio and Ma. Jenelle R. San Diego; for Business and Management: Francis Emmanuel D. Delos Reyes; and for Social Science and Communication: Mademoiselle Valerie H. Lavarete.
On the other hand, the following were awarded as the best research papers: Wilfredo G. Tuso III, PABE, MSAE, Dr. Menchie R. del Rosario, and Engr. Leonard A. Venancio Jr. (Computing Studies and Engineering); Dr. Joshua A. Apolonio, LPT (Education); Natalie B. Merlan (Business and Management) and Abraham C. Linco, RPsy, RPm, CSIOP, CLDP and George A. Lu (Social Science and Communication).
For the students category, the best research papers are the following: for Computing Studies and Engineering: Eingeline Nichole F. Roque, Prince Kenneth T. Castillo, Bennet John J. Lamasan, Rinoa Lein D. Naces, and Christian Amor T. Tuso; for Education: Maxine Gaile H. Matienzo, Jan Laica L. Diaz, Lia Ann B. Tuazon, and Cristelle Joy C. Comba; for Business and Management: Jonathan D. Rosini and Giane Apple B. Mayuga; and for Social Science and Communication: Rhea Hannah Cristine C. Rodriguez and Maria Sofia Theresa L. Gamboa.
Certificates were given to all the winners and participating schools by the RDC Director, Dr. Marie Joy Q. Elomina.
To end the program, Dr. Elomina delivered her closing remarks. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the keynote speaker, panel of reactors and moderators for each session, presenters, all participating schools, and the LU officials and organizing team.
She concluded her speech with a saying from Albert Einstein: “In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.”
By: Dr. Olga J. Domingo
