Research Congress 2026: Redefining Tomorrow
Research does not end with drawing conclusions; it fully commences with the dissemination of these discoveries. Through Research Congress 2026, the Grade 12 students convened on March 19 for such a purpose.
Anchored in the theme “Redefining Futures: A Glimpse into Tomorrow,” the organizers (HUMSS and TVL 12) of the Research Congress truly redefined what a typical research conference looks like. Even before the start of the event, the Grade 10 audience was already amazed by the music videos the Grade 12 batch produced for their Media and Information Literacy (MIL) subject. These music video presentations transitioned to the official start of the conference through a video prepared by the organizers. The video showed select Grade 12 students and Mr. Alfredo Palma Jr., a research adviser, flying a paper plane. This symbolized the journey the researchers embarked on.
The event formally launched with a few special messages. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Palma regarded the Research Congress as a celebration of innovation and collaboration, and a testament to the power of research in shaping the future. “We gather to share knowledge, findings, challenges, existing paradigms, and push the boundaries of human knowledge. Our conference is a testament to the power of research to shape the future, addressing some issues and improving lives,” he said. On another special message, Hope Alumna Ms. Patricia Kirsten Go imparted more practical tips on doing research. As she recounted her experiences, Ms. Go encouraged everyone to propose a research topic even if there is only a little existing literature about it. She also posed two questions that researchers should ask: what do you want to study, and who do you want to help?
Opening ceremony
With the inspiring opening addresses, the conference moved forward to the introduction of the panel of judges. SHS Academic Supervisor Mr. Arvie Ubarro, MYP Guidance Counselor Ms. Precious Salaysay, and MYP Individuals & Societies Subject Leader Ms. Sharmaine De Jesus led the deliberations of the presentations. They gave comments and asked questions about the research presentations from each of the strands. TVL student Adriel Cudia kicked off the presentations. In his research entitled “Determining to What Extent the TVL Strand Equips SHS Students with Needed Skills for Future Career Success,” he examined four skill areas: employability skills, communication skills, facilities and institutional support, and teaching and curriculum. His findings indicate effective digital and technical skills in the research setting but call for improvements in developing soft skills among students, curriculum flexibility, and institutional support. In the Question and Answer portion of the conference, the panelists pressed how the new curriculum might affect the findings.
Research Presentations and Q&A portion
As the panel deliberated on the presentations, a special portion was given to the showcase of MIL short film projects. The Theater Hall turned into a cinema as all the lights were turned off for the viewing of the films. The audience could not help but react with delight to the projects written and produced by the Grade 12 students. Some film titles shown were the following: Comet, Over October, Multo, and MA. The high-spirited atmosphere brought by these films lingered as the program moved to the awarding ceremony. The panel of judges was first given certificates and tokens of appreciation for their valuable insights. Then, the research presenters received certificates of participation. Yet, among the presentations, three entries stood out. Carissa Fernandez’s Filipino research took the Best Presentation, Alexa Samson and Theresa Siy of HUMSS received the Best Poster award, and ABM’s Samantha San & Ranmaie Cariño won the Creative Presentation award.
Awarding ceremony
Beyond such research accolades, the real reward is the glimpse of tomorrow redefined by the insatiable pursuit of knowledge. So long as inquisitive minds pursue research and dare to offer it to the world, it promises a future full of discoveries.