Quezon City, Philippines – March 28, 2025
With the theme “Research and Innovation: Driving Impact in the Digital World,” the 7th SIMP-AAIRI-SMCIQC Multidisciplinary Research Festival brought together more than 300 participants—including students, faculty members, and researchers from St. Mary’s College Inc., Quezon City (SMCIQC) and neighboring educational institutions—for a day of academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Held on campus at SMCIQC, the festival was hosted in partnership with the Singapore Institute of Multidisciplinary Professions (SIMP) and the Ascendens Asia International Research Institute (AAIRI). The event featured over 70 research presentations from diverse fields, highlighting the evolving role of research in addressing contemporary digital challenges.
A Gathering of Thought Leaders
The festival opened with a warm Welcome Address by S. Maria Gilda M. Peñafiel, RVM, President of SMCIQC, setting the tone for an insightful day of discovery and dialogue.
Ms. Charisa C. Dumlao, Chair of the Research Council, introduced the plenary speaker, Dr. Jayvie O. Guballo, Doctor in Business Administration, Certified Human Resource Professional, and Research Coordinator at Rizal Technological University. In his talk, titled “Building a Sustainable Society in Higher Education and the Rise of Big Data in Business Research,” Dr. Guballo underscored the critical role of research in shaping future-ready institutions and sustainable policy.
He was joined by a distinguished panel of experts:
- Mr. Reynold R. Bangalisan, Associate Research Head at Bestlink College of the Philippines;
- Prof. Christian Ranche, a multi-awarded academic with affiliations across top universities including De La Salle University, Jose Rizal University, and the University of the People.
Spotlight on Emerging Researchers
The highlight of the festival was the Best Research Presenter Competition, which showcased five outstanding student-led research papers:
- “Assessing the Feasibility of Implementing a Cafe in St. Mary’s College Inc. Quezon City”
Author: Gabriel Dave Lancion Ocado - “DepEd Memorandum No. 054, Series 2023: Pagsusuri sa mga Perspektibo at Hamon sa Pagtuturo ng mga Guro sa Kindergarten, Baitang 1, 4, at 7 sa Ilalim ng Implementasyon ng MATATAG Curriculum sa SMCIQC”
Authors: Mishka Veniece Abalos Dela Cruz et al. - “Fading Ambitions: A Qualitative Investigation Delving into the Reduced Interest of Student Leaders in Pursuing Ignacian Marian Council Positions”
Authors: Sophia Mikaela Guerrero Jimenez et al. - “Career Decisiveness among Graduating SHS Students at St. Mary’s College Inc.”
Authors: Ayesha Lei Nicole Manguerra Almirez et al. - “Ignite the Future: The Role of the Expected Ignatian Marian Graduate Attributes (EIMGAs) in Honing Students’ Approach to Political Engagement”
Author: Kerby Baluyot Calizar
These entries reflected strong academic rigor and a deep commitment to community relevance, with one group to be named Best Research Presenter following evaluation by a select panel of judges.
A Vision for the Future
The day concluded with a powerful Closing Address by FDr. Dr. Athena Georgene Uy Ang, CBMEx™, Director of the Singapore Institute of Multidisciplinary Professions, emphasized the transformative power of collaborative and forward-thinking research.
As research and innovation continue to reshape the digital landscape, the 7th Multidisciplinary Research Festival affirmed its role as a vital platform for scholars and students to share ideas, spark conversations, and drive meaningful impact in both local and global contexts.
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