at St. Mary’s College, Inc., Quezon City
A celebration of knowledge, innovation, and mentorship marked the successful staging of the 8th SIMP – AAIRI – SMCIQC Multidisciplinary Research Festival held on March 4, 2026, at the M. Ma. Josefina Yamzon Auditorium of St. Mary’s College, Inc. in Quezon City. The event gathered scholars, researchers, faculty members, and mentors to recognize academic excellence and promote collaborative learning under the theme “Research for Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability.”
The research festival was hosted by St. Mary’s College, Inc. in collaboration with Ascendens Asia International Research Institute and the Singapore Institute of Multidisciplinary Professions. The gathering served as a dynamic platform for scholarly exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the importance of research in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
This year’s festival featured the participation of hundreds of research scholars who presented their studies in both oral and poster. The research presentations reflected a wide range of multidisciplinary perspectives, demonstrating innovative ideas and practical approaches to solving real-world issues.
Scholarly Insights from Esteemed Speakers
The program opened with welcome remarks from SMCIQC, Ms. Lina Mercado, Co-Chair of the Research Council and Academic Coordinator of Cluster 2. In her message, she emphasized the power of collaboration, where its study is shared, and its conversation sparks, strengthening the culture where curiosity is stimulated and new insights are valued.
Adding inspiration to the event, Mr. Kerby B. Calizar, Best Research Paper awardee of the 7th SMCIQC Multidisciplinary Research Festival, shared his experiences as a researcher. His talk motivated participants to stay committed to the research process, highlighting how perseverance and curiosity can lead to meaningful academic contributions.
One of the highlights of the festival was the plenary session delivered by Dr. Ma. Victoria C. Magayon, who also served as a research panelist and holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, currently serving as Master Teacher II at Cainta Senior High School. Advisory Board Member of the International Social Science & Humanities Research Association, Recognized Research Scholar, and Regular Member of the Ascendens Asia International Research Institute.
In her talk titled “Research: The Loops and Hoops,” Dr. Magayon discussed the realities of the research journey—the challenges, revisions, and perseverance required to produce meaningful work. She left a lasting impression when she emphasized that “Not a single item that we use now is not a product of research,” underscoring the essential role research plays in everyday life and societal advancement.
Ensuring the quality and rigor of the research presentations were the distinguished evaluators, Dr. Ma. Luz P. Bacani-Dasmarinas and Dr. Joy Evelyn A. Ignacio.
Dr. Bacani-Dasmarinas holds multiple doctoral degrees in Christian Leadership and Management, Educational Management, Human Resource Management, and Business Administration. She currently serves as the School Principal of St. Catherine College of Valenzuela, Inc. and as a Lieutenant Commander in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Dr. Ignacio holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with specialization in Science Education and serves as the Director of the Center for Research and Development at Bestlink College of the Philippines. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Educators, Singapore.
Festival Highlights
Throughout the festival, scholars from St. Mary’s College, Inc. presented innovative studies across various disciplines, reflecting the festival’s theme of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Many of the research papers explored solutions to educational challenges, community development concerns, and emerging technological opportunities. These studies demonstrated how research can strengthen institutions, support community development, and inspire innovative practices that contribute to long-term sustainability.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of plaques of recognition to the plenary speaker and research panelists, as well as certificates awarded to presenters and winning researchers. These recognitions celebrated the dedication and scholarly achievements of participants who contributed valuable insights and knowledge to their respective fields.
Research in the Future Endeavor
The festival concluded with an inspiring message from Glenn S. Cabacang, President of the Ascendens Asia International Research Institute. He reflected on the transformative power of research, noting how ideas become insights, data informs direction, and scholarly work evolves into a responsibility to society. Research, he emphasized, is not merely an academic requirement—it is a discipline of courage, curiosity, and commitment.
The accomplishments of the student and faculty researchers stress that presenting research is a triumph in itself. He encouraged scholars to apply their discoveries to real-world challenges, inspire innovation, and promote sustainable solutions.
Closing with a thought-provoking question, he asked:
“If research can change a paper, can it change a classroom?
If it can change a classroom, can it change a community?
And if it can change a community — are we ready to let it change us?”
The 8th SIMP – AAIRI – SMCIQC Multidisciplinary Research Festival reinforced the vital role of research in shaping a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future, inspiring scholars and educators to advance knowledge not for recognition, but for relevance, contribution, and lasting societal impact.
As the research community continues to grow, scholars, educators, and institutions are encouraged to take part in future initiatives, strengthening collaboration and advancing research that addresses the challenges of an evolving world.
For more information on upcoming research festivals and collaborations, stay connected with Ascendens Asia International Research Institute.
Email: connect@aairi.org
WhatsApp: +63 (976) 413 1096 / +65 8413 7706
FB Page: Ascendens Asia International Research Institute
Social Profiles