By Esther T Bajuyo
Design by Kevin Matthew Pacana
The City Tourism Hall was alive with vibrant academic energy as Cagayan de Oro hosted its inaugural International Research Conference alongside the 2nd Higalaay Multidisciplinary Research Festival. Organized through a collaborative effort between the City College of Cagayan de Oro, the City Government, and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) Region 10, the event showcased the region’s emerging research talent and innovative ideas from across the Philippines and beyond.
More than 60 researchers from various colleges and universities competed in three categories, vying for the prestigious Research Poster Presentation titles. The competition underscored the growing importance of multidisciplinary research and academic excellence, with participants demonstrating cutting-edge insights across fields ranging from education to science and technology.
Distinguished international speakers graced the event, including Professor Dr. Darren Hawkins of Brigham Young University (USA), Ms Nabiilah Aziizah Tjandra of Indonesia’s Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Dr Ronald C Donceras from Montana, USA, and Mr Say Sokunpharoth of Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. The conference also featured the Geneva Office of Human Rights Education (GO-HRE), with representatives Melanie Shatzer and Chris Fletcher participating and exchanging ideas on global human rights issues.
Amidst these global exchanges and academic exchanges, a local story of triumph emerged that captured the hearts of attendees—one that underscored Xavier University’s continued commitment to research excellence. Mr Jet Hokin Paclar, Assistant Principal for Administration at Xavier University Junior High School (XUJHS), secured first place in Category A: Graduate and Professional. His research titled "Beyond Stage Fright: Unmasking the Link between Self-Esteem and Public Speaking Anxiety in a Post-Pandemic World" outperformed 21 competitors from esteemed institutions such as the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, University of Cebu, Mindanao State University Buug, Iligan Institute of Technology, UP Mindanao, and Liceo de Cagayan University.
What makes Mr Paclar’s victory particularly noteworthy is that he was the sole representative from Xavier University across all categories, which also include High School & Undergraduate Research and Innovations. His research, which has previously garnered recognition at the Xavier University Basic Education Research Conference and the XU Research Month Quick Fire Research Pitching Contest, exemplifies the university’s dedication to nurturing research talent at every level.
A proud alumnus of Xavier University’s School of Education, Mr Paclar received a certificate and cash prize from Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy and ALCU in recognition of his outstanding achievement. His victory continues a string of successes of Xavier Ateneo. Last year, Ms Adeva Jane Esparrago-Kalidas, then the Junior High School Research Coordinator, also claimed top honors at the Higalaay Festival’s Oral Presentation Contest, further cementing the university’s reputation as a leading hub of research and innovation.
University officials and faculty expressed pride in the accomplishments of their faculty and students, emphasizing that these victories are Xavier’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of research, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Ms. Kalidas, Mr Paclar’s research adviser and a former research coordinator, reflected on the significance of these achievements, noting that they inspire the entire Xavier community to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers.
The event not only highlighted the region’s academic potential but also reaffirmed Cagayan de Oro’s status as a vibrant center for multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative research. As Xavier University continues to produce outstanding scholars and researchers, its role as a catalyst for academic excellence in Mindanao and beyond becomes ever more evident.
With the success of this inaugural conference and the remarkable accomplishments of its participants, Xavier University sets a compelling example of how dedication, talent, and collaboration can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. The university’s continued pursuit of research excellence promises a bright future—one where walls are broken, barriers are overcome, and new horizons are constantly discovered.