DEBESMSCAT Advances Research Innovation Through ICT Webinar and Paper Presentations

August 2–3, 2025 — Embracing the digital age in academic research and innovations, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) successfully concluded a two-day research event titled “Digitizing Discovery: ICT Tools and Trends in Academic Research 2025.”

The initiative featured a webinar on August 2 and a face-to-face Research Paper Presentation on August 3. It was organized under PROJECT RACE (Research Advancement and Capability Enhancement), a flagship extension program aimed at strengthening the research competencies of both students and faculty.

The activity was spearheaded by Dr. Alvin M. Mahawan, DEBESMSCAT Research and Development Services Director and faculty-in-charge of the ICT and STW subjects, in collaboration with the Graduate School Extension Office. It was hosted and sponsored by the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program, major in Science, Mathematics, and English Language Education.

On the first day, the webinar featured presentations on various topics essential to academic research in the digital era. Mr. Ian Mark Dumaguin discussed ICT tools for research organization and management. Ms. Vianna Bianca C. Caballero tackled digital platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Mr. Argie Fenis explained the use of ICT in data collection and analysis. Meanwhile, Mr. Gerald Refil shared insights on the visual representation of data using ICT tools and advanced applications for thesis writing.

 The second day of the activity was held onsite at the DEBESMSCAT College Function Hall and featured the Research Paper Presentation of 65 Graduate School students from the MAEd programs in Science, Mathematics, and English Language Education.

The morning session opened with a Panel Discussion led by Dr. Bernard M. Barruga, Dean of the Graduate School, joined by program heads and professors Dr. Sherwin E. Balbuena, Dr. Neddie B. Sevilla, Dr. Milagros A. Celedonio, Dr. Jessica M. Alcantara, and Dr. Michael L. Estremera. The panel addressed students’ queries and offered expert advice on refining their research papers, with emphasis on relevance and impact on communities.

In the afternoon, a Panel of Evaluators composed of Dr. Alcantara, Dr. Sevilla, Dr. Estremera, and Dr. Balbuena provided comprehensive feedback, critiques, and suggestions to help students improve their ongoing research.

The two-day event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Mahawan, who also served as the event’s moderator. He commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their research journeys with confidence and purpose. Through this initiative, DEBESMSCAT reaffirmed its role as a hub for academic advancement and research innovation, anchored on the principles of inclusive and sustainable development.