SMU Research Center

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𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫-𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

Saint Mary’s University Junior High School and Science High School successfully conducted a Seminar-Workshop on Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis on May 29, 2026 at the Learning Resource Center, aimed at strengthening the research competencies of students and educators in understanding and applying appropriate data analysis techniques. The session featured Dr. Christopher Allen Marquez, Director of the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center, as the resource speaker, who provided an in-depth discussion on the principles, processes, and applications of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. He emphasized the importance of methodological rigor, and the proper interpretation of data to ensure credible and meaningful research outputs. The activity was organized by Dr. Agnes N. Madamba, Junior High School Research Coordinator, and formed part of the institution’s continuing commitment to promoting research excellence and integrity among its academic community.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐆. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐃𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫

Demonstrating Saint Mary’s University’s continuing commitment to educational excellence and research leadership, Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, university research center director served as one of the invited research evaluators and adjudicators during the 11th Division Basic Education Research Conference (DBERC) held on May 29–30, 2026, at Bagabag Teachers' Camp. Organized by the Schools Division Research Committee, this year’s conference carried the theme, “Advancing Educational Equity and Diversity Through Research-Informed Learning Interventions.”

The conference provided a valuable platform for researchers across the division to present and share significant findings from research and development projects, deepen understanding of classroom-based action research and curricular interventions, and engage in meaningful discussions on addressing challenges in basic education. It also recognized the dedication and contributions of research proponents whose studies support the continuous improvement of educational programs and services.

As a research evaluator, Dr. Sarmiento contributed her expertise in assessing the quality, relevance, and impact of research initiatives presented during the conference. Her participation reflects Saint Mary’s University’s active role in fostering a culture of research, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making in education.

Through collaborations and engagements such as this, Saint Mary’s University continues to support the advancement of research-driven educational practices that promote equity, diversity, and excellence in learning.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫-𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Saint Mary’s University – Junior High School and Science High School successfully conducted the Seminar-Workshop on Research Ethics and the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on May 29, 2026, at the Learning Resource Center from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. The activity was held under the leadership of the school administration headed by the Principal, Dr. Zayda S. Asuncion, reinforcing the institution’s strong commitment to academic integrity, research excellence, and responsible innovation. The program was designed to equip teachers with essential knowledge and values in conducting ethical research in the age of emerging digital technologies.

The seminar-workshop featured a well-structured program that began with an Opening Ceremony consisting of a prayer led by Mr. Jay Mar C. Adzuara, welcome remarks and statement of objectives delivered by Mrs. Judy Ann F. Sonday, and the introduction of the resource speaker. This was followed by the Keynote Session, where Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, University Research Center Director, delivered an insightful talk on research ethics and the responsible use of AI in academic work. An Interactive Session then engaged participants in an open forum, allowing learners to raise questions and clarify issues on the advantages and potential risks of AI in research. The program concluded with a Closing Session featuring a closing message delivered by Mr. Jimmy E. Valdez, formally ending the activity. The entire activity was smoothly facilitated by Mrs. Vemelyn T. De Guzman, while the overall organization and coordination of the event were led by Dr. Agnes N. Madamba, Junior High School Research Coordinator, ensuring the successful implementation and proper flow of the program.

The discussion highlighted that AI can serve as a valuable academic support tool in generating ideas, organizing information, and enhancing writing quality; however, it must be used responsibly and ethically. Emphasis was placed on the importance of academic honesty, originality, critical thinking, and proper citation as core principles in research. The session also presented a balanced perspective on AI, its benefits such as efficiency, accessibility, and innovation, while addressing risks including misinformation, plagiarism, bias, data privacy concerns, and overreliance on technology. Through this initiative, the institution strengthened its commitment to fostering responsible AI use and cultivating a culture of integrity among researchers in the digital age.

𝑼𝑹𝑪 𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑼𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) continues to engage in regional development initiatives through evidence-based research.

Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, Director of the University Research Center (URC), attended the "Research Utilization Workshop" on May 5, 2026, at the Crown Hotel and Restaurant in Tuguegarao City.

The workshop was organized by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region II. It highlighted a research study conducted in collaboration with Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus titled:

"Beyond the Space: Outmigration Trends in Region 2: An Evidence-based Analysis of Socio-Economic, Demographic, and Environmental Effects for Informed Policy."

Key Objectives of the Workshop:

Data Sharing:Present migration patterns within the Cagayan Valley to provide evidence-based insights for regional planning and policy formulation.
Policy Alignment: Support the objectives of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPDP-POA) regarding migration and development.
Academic Discourse: Enrich institutional research initiatives regarding outmigration and its socio-economic impacts within the region.

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒚 2026 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑬 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌

In celebration of the Research, Innovation, and Sustainability Excellence (RISE) Week 2026, Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento represented Saint Mary's University during the Stakeholder’s Appreciation Day hosted by the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao on April 30, 2026 at the USL Main Campus.

As representative of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Sarmiento received the plaque and token of appreciation awarded to the institution in recognition of its valuable partnership, unwavering support, and meaningful collaboration in research and innovation initiatives.

The recognition reflects the strong partnership between Saint Mary’s University and the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao in promoting academic excellence, research productivity, and innovation within the academic community.

Congratulations to Saint Mary's University for this meaningful recognition and continued commitment to research and academic partnership.

𝗦𝗠𝗨 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗠𝗢𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀; 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) actively participated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of the AMIANAN Consortium held on May 19, 2026, at Admirals Farm Park, Cordillera Career Development College, La Trinidad, Benguet.

See full story: https://smu.edu.ph/smu-joins-amianan-consortium-moa-signing-and-election-of-officers-strengthens-regional-research-collaboration/

Written by: Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, URC Director

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿-𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆

Last May 2, 2026, the School of Graduate Studies headed by Dean Gertrude G. Danao, successfully conducted the seminar-workshop entitled “Innovate, Protect, Commercialize: A Seminar-Workshop on Patents and Intellectual Property” at the APO Pilo Building, AP 202. Computer Laboratory Room.

See full story: https://smu.edu.ph/school-of-graduate-studies-conducts-seminar-workshop-on-patents-and-intellectual-property/

Written by: Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, CBPSME Project Director