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SMU Faculty Research Utilization Presentation and  Launching of  SMU INSPIRE(Impacting Nations through Sustainable Projects, Innovation, Research, and Engagement)

The Faculty Research Utilization Presentation and Launching of SMU Inspire was conducted by the University Research Center on December 10, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Georges de Busschere Function Hall, Saint Mary’s University.

The activity commenced with an opening prayer led by Engr. Gerene Leigh C. Almazan, SEAIT Research Coordinator. This was followed by the introduction delivered by Ms. Ivonny Lorvin M. Adducul, STEH Research Coordinator, who stated that the activity brought together the Saint Mary’s University academic community to celebrate research that leads to action, service, and innovation. She also emphasized that the event highlighted the University’s continuing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education, good health and well-being, sustainable communities, climate action, responsible consumption, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals. Furthermore, she mentioned that the program would feature the launching of SMU INSPIRE, marking an important milestone in further strengthening SMU’s research culture and SDG-driven innovations.

Following the introduction, Dr. Melanie G. Gurat, Director of the University Research Center, delivered her opening remarks. She stated that the gathering will mark an important milestone for Saint Mary’s University as it highlighs the utilization of faculty research and formally will launch SMU INSPIRE. She emphasized that the initiative reflects the University’s continuing commitment to ensuring that research outputs are not only produced but also translated into meaningful applications that benefit instruction, extension, and the broader community. The statement of purpose was presented by Ms. Rhodora M. Aquino, University Statistician, which included the following:

  1. To showcase the collaborative research initiatives of faculty members that translate empirical evidence into actionable strategies within the academic and administrative contexts of the University;
  2. To facilitate the dissemination and utilization of research findings to inform policy formulation, institutional planning, and instructional innovation;
  3. To promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement among educators and University stakeholders; and
  4. To strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing to ensure that research outputs contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education, governance, and community engagement.

The program then proceeded with the research presentations, wherein 19 research teams presented their respective studies, highlighting the utilization and application of faculty research aligned with institutional and community needs. The presented projects included:

  • Project GREEN MIND: Generating Responsible Environmental Education for Nurturing Minds in Nature and Development
  • A Tapestry of Faith: The Stories of Our Lady of Victory Pilgrimage Site through a Coffee Table Book
  • Re-appropriating and Recalibrating Learning Packets on Diversified Planning and Design Initiatives Towards an Enhanced Internship Program in a University
  • Capacity Building for SDG Integration in Business: A Coffee Table Book Showcasing Localized Impact through Stories and Testimonials
  • Enhancing Bayombong Daycare Teachers’ Pedagogical Skills: Bridging Implications for a Relevant Extension Program
  • Innovative Science Instruction: Creating Enrichment Modules to Elevate Junior High School Education and Advance Curriculum Development
  • Project PEACE HUB: Promoting Empathy, Acceptance, and Civic Engagement by Harnessing Unity and Building Belongingness among Marians
  • Beyond the Classroom: Empowering Leaders through SDG-Focused Advocacy and Project Development for Real-World Impact (Seminar-Workshop with a Student-Led Project Proposal)
  • Project ALLIES: Advancing Links for Learning, International Engagement, and Support
  • Project 360 Branding FEAT: A Digital Marketing Feedback and Assessment Tool for Philippine Higher Education
  • Digital Discipleship: Shaping Critical Minds and Joyful Gospel-Based Values in Youth (A School-Parish-Based Youth Encounter Project)
  • Science-Math Educators’ PRESENT (Promoting Resilience through Diverse Experience, Academic Support, Excogitation, Exploring Notions, and Providing Educational Training)
  • Project STEP: Shaping Tomorrow’s Environment through Pathways for Wellness (A Seminar-Forum with IEC Materials)
  • Project NURTURE: Navigating Unified Responsible Parenting Towards an Upgraded Resilient Education System
  • Assessing and Refining the Policy on Responsible AI Use in Research, Instruction, and Extension: A Collaborative Approach
  • TALAS (Tulong at Alaga sa Lahat ng Estudyante): A TeleSupport Program for Empowered Student Wellness
  • Project CITRUS: Collaboratively Implemented Technology in Robotics Utilized for Satsuma Citrus Post-Harvest
  • STEP UP WELLNESS: A Research-Based Brochure for Mental and Social Fitness among HEI Dance Troupe Members

After the research presentations, the launching of SMU INSPIRE (Impacting Nations through Sustainable Projects, Innovation, Research, and Engagement) was conducted by Dr. Melanie G. Gurat, Director of the University Research Center. The project aims to enhance the research culture of Saint Mary’s University by producing research that is useful, publishable, and sustainable. Specifically, it seeks to:

  1. Align research initiatives with faculty expertise, institutional priorities, and national and international research agendas;
  2. Encourage high-quality research for publication in Scopus, Web of Science, or CHED-recognized journals;
  3. Increase SMU’s visibility and international ranking through impactful publications and alignment with WURI categories;
  4. Ensure that research results are applied and sustained through programs linked to instruction, extension, and community engagement; and
  5. Require research publication and utilization as prerequisites for future funding to promote commitment and accountability.

In her closing message titled “A Day of Inspiration and Action,” Mrs. Cathelyn C. Mariano, SHNS Research Coordinator, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the University Research Center and highlighted the faculty’s strong commitment to impactful research addressing community needs such as elderly care, mental wellness, technological innovation, and ethical AI. She emphasized that the event went beyond presenting research findings by laying the foundation for research utilization and action aligned with the University’s mission, and she underscored the launching of SMU INSPIRE as a key milestone in fostering creativity, collaboration, and forward-looking initiatives. She concluded by recognizing faculty researchers as the core of the University’s academic excellence and encouraged them to view the event as a starting point for new partnerships and applications, while thanking all contributors for making the activity a success and urging everyone to carry forward the spirit of INSPIRE toward real-world impact

10
9
11
SAB- 2
HIGH SCHOOL- 7
ELEM- 6
8

Good Health and Well-Being(SDG 3)
Quality Education (SDG 4)
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure(9)
Reduced Inequalities(SDG 10)
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Responsible Production and Consumption(SDG 12)
Climate Action (SDG 13)
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Written by: MRS. ANGELA C. GARRA, MBA
Research Coordinator, SAB

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