STUDENT RESEARCHERS. Xavier Ateneo students show their certificates after presenting their Filipino psychology study, “A Case Study on the Life Experiences of Talaandig Child Spouses,” at the 1st International Psychology Research Forum. Supplied photo.
By Rio Rosal B Baliling
Representatives from different colleges and universities in the Philippines drew together at the 1st International Psychology Research Forum, held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City on November 28 and 29.
Organized by the Association of Philippine Private School Administrators and Mentors (APPSAM), “an organization of academic leaders, educators, and researchers committed to the undertaking quality researches,” the said gathering provided student participants the avenue to present their insights on various psychology disciplines and the findings of their respective studies.
Bearing the theme of “Advocating a Culture of Creativity and Innovation through Multidisciplinary Research,” the organizing body carefully screened and selected student researches from the junior and senior high level, tertiary level, and graduate studies.
The research output titled “A Case Study on the Life Experiences of Talaandig Child Spouses,” which was authored by Marie Loraine G Bacungan, Rio Rosal B Baliling, Peter Chrysologu D Dagok, Diovince Paulo H Kinaging, and Glydelle Mae G Peduche, represented Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan at the said research forum.
Leaning towards the discipline and concepts of Sikolohiyang Pilipino wherein Filipino concepts were identified and looked into, this research study explored the life experiences of the Talaandig tribe members who were married before reaching the legal age of 18. Their research adviser, Janet O Ibale said that having the chance of presenting to a wider audience is a good opportunity for Sikolohiyang Pilipino to be better known to the public.
XU College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr Juliet Q Dalagan and Psychology Department chairperson Jason O Manois were supportive in sending the students to the event with the thought that the event would give the students the opportunity to grow as researchers.
In the keynote speech of the APPSAM president Dr Loureli C Siy, she stated that this research forum was organized to provide a venue for students to present their innovative, scholarly, and multidisciplinary researches. She noted the need for continuous research and stated how the students are exposed to real-life issues by engaging in multidisciplinary studies.
Siy then congratulated the attendees for making the decision of conducting a research and the courage to present them. Her speech ended with a message to everyone: “Do not lose heart if faced with difficulties and challenges in doing research.”
She also thanked the students for finding the courage to present their research papers, as well as the university moderators, advisers, and chaperones for their presence and encouragement. She expressed her realizations after listening to all presenters and informed all the attendees about how the 2nd International Research Forum would be next year.
Siy also said that APPSAM together with the Department of Science and Technology will fund interesting, innovative, and creative student researches. They are still in the process of ironing out the guidelines.
APPSAM director Marinel R Bagasala shared an advice to the attendees: “Research is indeed a journey of indefinite opportunities and a journey to knowing the unknown.”
The success of the event ended with a closing prayer and a community singing of “Ang Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” ∎