Research at DLSU

Keeping up with the Rise of Retro Gaming and Emulators

A recent study suggests that instead of fighting emulator apps, game developers could actually work with emulator creators to keep retro games alive and accessible for today’s generation. Many Gen Z gamers are using emulators not just because they’re convenient but because of nostalgia. They bring back childhood memories and let the players experience games that are now difficult or expensive to find.

The research also found that young players choose these apps based on enjoyment, accessibility, and personal connection rather than hype or peer pressure. As gaming continues to shift to mobile platforms, collaborations like these could help preserve gaming history while making classic titles easier for new audiences to enjoy.

Read the full study at dlsuresearch.com/RetroGaming

Protecting the Rare Creatures of Palawan

A study on the effectiveness of Palawan’s Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) found a major mismatch between existing protected “core zones” and the actual habitats needed by threatened and endemic species. ECAN serves as Palawan’s main biodiversity protection strategy, but researchers found that many ecologically important areas still fall outside high-protection zones.

The surveys documented 312 species, including 137 plant species and 175 terrestrial vertebrates, reflecting the rich biodiversity that continues to survive despite increasing human pressures and forest loss. However, only 47% of identified critical habitats are currently covered by protected core zones, leaving important biodiversity areas in Balabac, Busuanga, and El Nido vulnerable to threats and habitat degradation.

Based on their analysis, the researchers recommend revisiting and updating ECAN zoning to better reflect actual wildlife habitats, especially in lowland forests where biodiversity is often highest. The study also highlights the need for stronger technical expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and long-term biodiversity monitoring to support more effective conservation planning in Palawan.

Follow the story of this week’s at dlsuresearch.com/ProtectingRareCreatures

What does sustainable leadership look like in Philippine universities?

A study involving higher education professionals across Metro Manila found that the most effective sustainability leaders are seen as inclusive, visionary, collaborative, and morally driven. Respondents also emphasized that sustainability should go beyond policies. Universities need concrete action through curriculum integration, sustainability offices, and stronger investment in sustainability education.

But challenges remain. Lack of funding, limited institutional support, and low engagement from parts of the academic community continue to slow progress. The study reminds us that building sustainable universities is not just about programs or compliance but about leadership, culture, and long-term commitment.

Read the full study at dlsuresearch.com/SustainabilityEducation

Exchange rates alone don’t fix trade imbalances.

Sa isang pag-aaral ng sampung Eurozone countries mula 1995 to 2019, lumabas na ang pagbabago sa real exchange rate ay halos walang epekto kung gaganda o lalala ang trade balance. Ibig sabihin, hindi pala sapat ang pagbaba ng sahod o pag-focus sa price competitiveness para maayos ang problema.

Mas mahalaga pa rin ang mas malalim na factors tulad ng technology, laki ng market, global value chains, at institutions. The takeaway is clear that solving trade gaps requires structural solutions, not just adjustments in prices or costs.

Read the full study at dlsuresearch.com/ExchangeRate

This Labor Day, the DLSU Intellectual Property Office honors the dedication, hard work, and contributions of workers across all fields. 💼🇵🇭

From researchers and innovators to creators and professionals, your efforts continue to drive progress and shape a better future. May we continue to support and empower a community where every contribution is recognized and every innovation is protected. 💚✨

Building Athletes Beyond the Game: Mga Aral mula sa Coaches

Ano ang nagpapalakas ng isang atleta, hindi lang sa laro kundi pati sa buhay?

Ayon sa isang pag-aaral mula sa DLSU, ang coaching ay higit pa sa training at drills. Ipinapakita ng research kung paano hinuhubog ng mga coaches ang kanilang mga atleta sa pamamagitan ng goal-setting, feedback, pag-manage ng burnout, at pagbuo ng supportive environment.

Sa huli, ang mahusay na coaching ay hindi lang tungkol sa performance sa field. Ito rin ay tungkol sa paglinang ng mindset, resilience, at confidence na dala ng mga atleta kahit lampas na sa laro.

Basahin ang buong artikulo sa dlsuresearch.com/CoachingAthletes

Shifting to the Sustainability Mindset: New Directions for the Maritime Industry

What if sustainability in the maritime industry is not just about following rules but changing how people think?

A recent study from the DLSU Department of Marketing and Advertising argues that in the maritime sector, sustainability should not be treated as a checklist or compliance requirement alone. It should become a way of thinking and decision-making that considers the long-term impact of actions on the environment, economy, and society. Sa madaling salita, hindi lang agarang kita ang tinitingnan kundi ang mas malawak na epekto ng bawat operasyon.

The research shows that this mindset can benefit the entire maritime ecosystem, from shipping companies and regulators to port operators, seafarers, and surrounding communities. Kapag isinama ang sustainability sa core strategy, mas nagiging malinaw ang direksyon ng mga desisyon, mas efficient ang paggamit ng resources, at mas lumalakas ang tiwala ng stakeholders.

It also highlights the value of collaboration. Maritime challenges become easier to solve when different perspectives are heard and included in planning and implementation.

Sa panahon ng climate change at mabilis na pagbabago sa global trade, hindi na opsyonal ang sustainability. As the study suggests, real progress happens when business growth, social responsibility, and environmental care move forward together.

Read this week’s at dlsuresearch.com/SustainabilityMindset

DLSU is excited to welcome Dr. Heriberto Cabezas, Professor at the University of Miskolc (Hungary), as one of our Golden Jubilee Honorary Professors.

With expertise in chemical engineering and systems modeling, Dr. Cabezas has authored 70+ peer-reviewed papers and led the development of the Generalized Global Sustainability Model, a long-term research effort that explores how ecology, economy, energy, water, and governance interact in shaping sustainable futures.

His work reflects a lifelong curiosity that began in childhood experiments and grew into a career in understanding complex global systems.

For Dr. Cabezas, collaboration is just as meaningful as computation. During his visit, he looks forward to finally meeting long-time collaborators in person.

What really motivates young people to volunteer?

A 2025 study by researchers from De La Salle University shows that volunteering is not just about being told to help but about believing it matters, feeling capable, and seeing your friends do it, too. Sa madaling salita, mas kumikilos ang kabataan kapag ang volunteer work ay may saysay, kaya nilang gawin, at ginagawa rin ng kanilang peers.

Interestingly, hindi gaanong nakaapekto ang family expectations o pressure mula sa authority. Mas malakas ang hatak ng barkada. For young people, it becomes more natural to take part in volunteer work when it is visible and shared.

The takeaway? If we want more young people to get involved, we need to make volunteering meaningful, accessible, and social. Hindi lang ito panawagan, ito ay isang pagkakataon para gawing mas konektado at mas makabuluhan ang pakikilahok ng kabataan.

Read the full study at dlsuresearch.com/FilipinoYouthVolunteer

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2.0: Using Mobile Games For Learning, Movement and Teamwork

From workouts at home to teamwork in mobile games, a study from a group of researchers from the Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education composed of Dr. Paolo Nino Valdez, Dr. Janet Mariano and Ma. Socorro Gigi Cordova, spotlights how Physical Education (PE) found new ways to move, connect, and learn during the pandemic. When homes became classrooms, teaching PE became a challenge, especially when movement, space, and face-to-face interaction were suddenly limited.

In response, the researchers explored an unexpected approach: integrating mobile games like “Mobile Legends” with guided physical exercise routines. Students were asked to complete and record home workouts, receive feedback from instructors, and then participate in online matches where strategy, communication, and teamwork became central to the learning experience.

What emerged was more than just gameplay. Students stayed engaged because the tasks required coordination, planning, and clear communication to succeed as a team. However, the study also highlighted key challenges, including limited physical movement, risks of excessive screen time, and unequal access to devices and stable internet. Still, it shows that PE can go beyond physical activity alone and embrace interaction, discipline, and strategy, especially in constrained learning environments.

Read this week’s at dlsuresearch.com/DigitalEducation