Saint Mary’s University (SMU) strengthened its presence in the national research community through the active participation of its academic leaders, faculty researchers, and graduate scholars at the 12th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics Education (NRCSME) held on September 30–October 3, 2026, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.

Anchored on the theme “One Voyage, One Rhythm: Navigating New Frontiers in STEM Education,” the conference brought together researchers and educators to share research, exchange insights, and advance innovations in science, mathematics, and STEM education through oral and poster presentations.

SMU Academic Leaders Take on Key Conference Roles

SMU’s participation extended beyond research presentations, with its academic leaders taking on key roles in evaluating and facilitating conference presentations.

• Melanie G. Sarmiento, Project Director of the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME) and Director of the University Research Center, served as a member of the Technical Committee for the Oral Paper Presentations, contributing to the technical evaluation of research papers presented during the conference.
• Dominga C. Valtoribio, Quality Coordinator of the School of Advanced Studies, served as Moderator/Oral Judge for Category A – Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogical Innovation, contributing her expertise to the facilitation and scholarly evaluation of oral research presentations.
• Analyn A. Guevara, Program Chair of Science and Mathematics, served as Poster Judge for Category A – Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogical Innovation, providing scholarly evaluation of research presented through the poster format.
• Elsa L. Cajucom, Director of the Center of Natural Sciences, served as Poster Judge for Category B – Artificial Intelligence, Educational Technology, and Digital Learning, contributing her expertise in evaluating research at the intersection of education and technology.

The conference featured five major research categories: A – Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogical Innovation; B – Artificial Intelligence, Educational Technology, and Digital Learning; C – Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning Resources; D – STEM Education Research; and E – Teacher Education and Professional Development.

SMU Graduate Scholars Present Research

The conference also provided a national platform for SMU’s doctoral and master’s scholars to present their research and engage with fellow researchers and educators from across the country.

Ph.D. Science Education Scholars

• Allan Gregy Balic – Ph.D. Science Education–Biology
  “A Monograph of Microscopic Images of Selected Philippine Plant and Animal Species as Supplementary Material for Learning Cell Biology”
• Somerson Kis-ing – Ph.D. Science Education–Mathematics
  “Designing an Instructional Guide Integrating PISA Competencies in Teaching Junior High School Mathematics”
• Ella Tricia Aquino – Ph.D. Science Education–Mathematics
  “Problem Solving Skills and Mathematical Mental Structure of College Students toward an Intervention Framework”
• April Tuliao – Ph.D. Science Education–Mathematics
  “Game-Based Activities in Statistics and Probability: Addressing Teacher-Perceived Difficulties through Creation of Lesson Exemplars”

Master’s Scholars

• Christony Duyapat – MST-Mathematics
  “Evaluating Mathematics Content on Social Media Platforms for Crafting Content Creator’s Guidelines”
• Rodolfo Scottie Cordero – MST-Mathematics
  “Conceptual and Procedural Fluency in General Mathematics: A Comparison of Early and Delayed Calculator Use among Senior High School Students”
• Nover Luke Saludares – MST-Mathematics
  “Predictive Role of Motivation, Mathematical Creative Thinking, and Digital Literacy in Pre-Service Teachers’ Problem-Solving Skills: Basis for Intervention Plan”
• Karen Joy Sagabaen – MAT-Biology
  “Digital Innovation in Teaching Senior High School Biology: Utilization, Challenges, and Opportunities”
• Monaliza Pumihic – MAT-Biology
  “Teacher Knowledge, Instructional Preparedness, Attitude, and Challenges in Implementing Indigenous Ecological Knowledge into Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation Lessons: Basis for a Training Intervention Plan”
• Elaine May Magdaraog – MST-Mathematics
  “Students’ Level of Academic Resilience and Performance in General Mathematics: A Basis for Action Plan”
• Rina Guingab – MST-Mathematics
  “Students’ Self-Rated Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving Skills as Indicators of their Strategic Competence in Mathematics: Basis for a Support Learning Material”
• Angelica Battung – MST-Mathematics
  “Mathematics Teachers’ Instructional Practices and Challenges: Basis for Enhanced Lesson Exemplars”

Advancing Research. Strengthening STEM Education.

The participation of SMU’s academic leaders and graduate scholars reflects the University’s continuing commitment to research excellence, graduate research development, scholarly collaboration, and innovation in science and mathematics education.

From serving as technical committee members, judges, and moderators to presenting research studies at the national level, the SMU delegation demonstrated that research is not only produced within the University but also shared, evaluated, strengthened, and brought to a wider academic community.

Through platforms such as the NRCSME, Saint Mary’s University continues to empower researchers and graduate scholars to contribute knowledge and innovative solutions toward a stronger STEM education landscape in the Philippines.

One voyage. One rhythm. One commitment to advancing STEM education through research.