University Research Office - ADZU

𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐂 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

The University Research Office (URO) convened the Higher Education Research Committee (HERC) for School Year 2026–2027 for its first meeting on August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the URO Conference Room.

The meeting’s agenda are as follows: (1) Discuss the roles and responsibilities of Research Coordinators, (2) Orient the Research Agenda to the Research Coordinators, and (3) PAASCU Self-survey for Graduate School.

The discussion also highlighted HERC’s role in fostering a strong culture of research and scholarly publication across the Higher Education Unit. Through coordinated programs and initiatives, the committee aims to strengthen research engagement, support knowledge generation across disciplines, and contribute to academic and educational excellence.

The meeting brought together the seasoned and newly appointed HERC members:

• Perla S. Ledesma – URO Director
• Dr. Ma. Christina Celdran – Research Coordinator, College of Nursing
• Dr. Maureen Olive B. Gallardo – Research Coordinator, College of Science, Information Technology and Engineering (in absentia)
• Dr. Melophyl C. Baguio – Research Coordinator, School of Liberal Arts
• Jose Journal A. Pangan – Research Coordinator, School of Management and Accountancy
• John Thronn A. De Jesus – Research Coordinator, School of Education

Through clear research directions and strengthened collaboration, the HERC hopes to continuously support a research culture that advances research and development, innovation, knowledge generation, and excellence in education.

𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐬. 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚

The University Research Office (URO) congratulates Dr. Maria Rosario Romero and Ms. Annalie M. Mitra for the successful presentation of their Initial Concept Paper on August 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at the URO Conference Room.

The study aims to examine the behavioral and nutritional practices of faculty and staff and determine how participation in the AdZU Dance Fitness Program influences their health behavior, wellness, and motivation. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights that can guide the continuous improvement of wellness initiatives and intervention programs in the University.

The Research Review Committee was composed of Ma. Cristina B. Celdran, Ph.D., Norma A. Baluca, Ph.D., and Grace Ann L. Lagura, Ph.D. Also present during the initial concept paper presentation was Ms. Perla S. Ledesma, URO Director.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗮!

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

Continuing its commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration, the University Research Office (URO) had another collaboration meeting with the CSITE 3rd Year BSIT students from the Human-Computer Interaction and Web Systems classes of Ms. Precious T. Opinion and Ms. Cristel Jade Tan. On August 3, 2026, at the URO Conference Room, the students met with Ms. Perla "Arlene" S. Ledesma, URO Director, to discuss the development of an Ethics Clearance Management and Tracking System.

The meeting focused on understanding the current ethics clearance process and exploring system features that can enhance the monitoring and management of ethics review applications.

This initiative is part of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Service Learning Program, providing students with meaningful opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in addressing real institutional needs through technology and innovation.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐬. 𝐅𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨, 𝐌𝐬. 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐬. 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬!

The University Research Office (URO) proudly congratulates 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗙. 𝗙𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗼, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗡𝗶𝗺𝗳𝗮 𝗙. 𝗠𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗼𝘁, and 𝗠𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗙. 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀, Grade School faculty members, for completing their research study entitled: “𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗗𝗭𝗨 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀”.

The study aimed to assess the implementation of the AdZU Grade School blended learning modality during the COVID-19 pandemic and develop an improved instructional framework for future emergency learning plans. Using a qualitative approach, the researchers gathered insights from Grade Six students, teachers, and parents through focus group discussions and interviews. The results showed that while blended learning promoted flexibility, accessibility, and continuous learning, it also revealed challenges in internet connectivity, workload, lesson pacing, motivation, assessment, and home support. The findings informed recommendations for a more flexible, inclusive, and sustainable instructional framework to strengthen learning continuity during future emergencies.

The research is conducted under the AdZU–URO Research Chair Program (RCP), was awarded a ₱50,000.00 cash incentive, tax included, on July 28, 2026.

URO extends its gratitude to the Research Review Committee (RRC) Members—Jocelyn D. Partosa, Ph.D., Robin A. De Los Reyes, Ph.D., and Teresita G. Montaño, Ph.D.—to their Research Coach, Marjorie Emmanuel, Ph.D., for their guidance and support, and to Ms. Perla S. Ledesma, URO Director, for her mentorship that facilitated the completion of the study.

Ms. Maria Doriza L Faunillan, Assistant Principal for Academics, witnessed the awarding ceremony on behalf of Ms. Grace Forniza, Grade School Principal.

Warmest congratulations to our researchers and the Grade School Unit for this commendable accomplishment!

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 (𝐔𝐑𝐎)

As part of the Human-Computer Interaction and Web Systems class of Ms. Precious T. Opinion & Ms. Cristel Jade Tan, the CSITE 3rd Year BSIT students visited the University Research Office (URO) for an initial collaboration meeting with Ms. Perla "Arlene" S. Ledesma, URO Director, held on July 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the URO Conference Room

This collaboration is also part of the initiative of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Service Learning Program. The meeting focused on the development of an automated monitoring and management system to help transform URO's manual processes into a more efficient and streamlined digital system.

𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐨

The University Research Office (URO) congratulates Mr. Philip Harun Rosco, Grade School TLE Teacher, for the successful presentation of his Concept Paper on July 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the URO Conference Room.

The proposed action research aims to explore strategies to boost and enhance SEB (Social, Emotional, and Behavioral) engagement among Grade 5 learners during Robotics classes. Furthermore, the research aims to identify effective instructional approaches that promote active participation, motivation, and meaningful learning experiences. The findings are expected to contribute to the continuous improvement of Robotics instruction and support the holistic development of elementary learners.

The Research Review Committee was composed of Mr. Precious T. Opinion, Ms. Diane S. Candido, and Ms. Mercibel F. Fegarido. Also present during the paper presentation were Ms. Perla S. Ledesma, URO Director; Mr. Gerald James Ebal, URO Research Associate; and Ms. Sheila Era Villaflores, Grade School TLE Subject Area Coordinator.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗿. 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼!

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 under the URO-Research Chair Program

The University Research Office (URO) Congratulates the College of Nursing faculty members, Ma. Christina B. Celdran, RN, PhD, Glenrose L. Fernando, RN, MN, and Floribel P. San Luis, RN, MN, for the successful presentation of their research proposal on July 13, 2026, 10:00 A.M to 12:00 noon, at the URO Conference Room.

Focused on Rabies Prevention among High-Incidence Barangays of Zamboanga City, the study seeks to better understand community knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to risk factors, and health-seeking behaviors concerning animal bite incidents. Through its findings, the research aims to support evidence-based community interventions, improve access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and encourage timely and appropriate responses following animal bites to help prevent mortality caused by rabies.

The Research Review Committee (RRC) is composed of Dyana Marcia M. Saplan, RN, Ph.D., Grace Ann L. Lagura, Ph.D., and Kreanne F. Diaz, Ph.D., with Ms. Perla S. Ledesma, Ph.D. Candidate as the URO Representative.

The University Research Office commends the researchers for their commitment to advancing public health research and wishes them continued success in the next stages of their study.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘀. 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝘂𝗶𝘀!

𝐌𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐬. 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲

On July 8, 2026, at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon, despite the cancellation of classes and work due to inclement weather, the final paper presentation of Ms. Sharmaine Bulaong and Ms. Emma Langki, faculty members of the Languages/Filipino Department School of Liberal Arts, pushed through as scheduled, reflecting the commitment and dedication of the researchers, Research Review Committee (RRC), and the University Research Office (URO) when it comes to enhancing the culture of research in AdZU.

The study made used of Descriptive Qualitative Research Design, which aimed to identify the challenges encountered by AdZU Basic Education Filipino teachers during class instruction. The study also sought to determine the effects of these challenges to teaching and learning Filipino, and identified practicable strategies used by the teachers to address instructional challenges.

URO genuinely appreciates the commitment and presence of the RRC members—Ms. Raissa Ponce-Austero, Ph.D., Ms. Cristina Brizo, MA, and Ms. Perla Arlene Ledesma, PhD Candidate. We are also grateful to Ms. Liza Garrido, Ed.D., who served as the team’s mentor.

𝗨𝗥𝗢 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝘀. 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘀. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲!

𝐊𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐒𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 | 𝐔𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The University Research Office (URO) officially commenced the new academic year with its first monthly staff meeting on July 6, 2026, facilitated by URO Director Perla Arlene S. Ledesma.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯?

𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴: Celebrated the highlights of SY 2025-2026 and individual achievements and contributions from April to June.

𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘔𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨: Outlined goals for the upcoming year guided by the 𝗔𝗗𝗭𝗨 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 and the 𝗨𝗥𝗢 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 & 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻. With key focus on Purpose, Process, and Product.

𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Revisited basic office courtesy and protocols from the Administrative Manual, and discussed updates for the ADZU Online Journal of Diverse Disciplines, URO Dashboard, Collaboration work with other offices in ADZU and external partners, ongoing institutional research studies, among others.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵: The team will reconvene on Friday, July 10, 2026, to finalize the review and updating of personnel job descriptions for relevance, updating, and rebooting to help boost office productivity and beyond.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿!

𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬

The University Research Office (URO) congratulates Dr. Michelle Reyes for the successful presentation of her GenAI research proposal under the URO Research Chair Program last July 6, 2026.

The study is an Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods that seeks to understand how higher education faculty members utilize GenAI in teaching. It aims to understand the purposes, challenges, and necessary guardrails to help improve academic processes and instruction regarding GenAI usage.

The panel of examiners or Research Review Committee (RRC) were Dr. Claribel C. Concepcion, Mr. Romeo Rabajante, Ms. Precious Opinion, and URO Representative: Perla Arlene S. Ledesma

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲!