SMU Research Center

19/10/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. John!

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻!

Saint Mary’s University extends its warmest birthday greetings to our University President. May you be blessed with good health, wisdom, and continued success as you lead the University toward greater achievements.

15/10/2026

𝗨𝗥𝗖 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲)

Saint Mary’s University continue to strengthen its capabilities in the field of research as the University Research Center held another undertaking to continuously promote and manifest excellence. On October 7, 2026, URC staff conducted and facilitated Presentation of Finished Research (Project Inspire) at room AP 202 (Computer Laboratory).

The activity started with a meaningful prayer and opening remarks by Dr. Monaloufel Rosario F. Jasmin, SAB Research Coordinator formally opened the day’s undertaking.

The ten minute presentation on “Burnout and Coping Strategies Among Math Teachers in Nueva Vizcaya: Basis for an Assistive Plan” was done by Mr. Domingo Guntalilib. The research study discusses about the significance of giving attention to the teachers well being and the factors contributing to the burnout of teachers specifically focusing to the Secondary Math Teachers in Nueva Vizcaya. These factors include high volume of workload, time constraints, needs shifting and recruit demands among others. The study used a quantitative and qualitative approach and questionnaire content was carefully validated by guidance counsellors.

The findings of the study shows that burnout is generally low which means that math teachers show low overall burnout and remain engaged, though lingering fatigue and emotional exhaustion underscore the need for regular wellness initiatives and support of the institutions. For adaptive coping, teachers primarily rely on proactive coping strategies such as problem solving, strategic planning and positive reframing which should be reinforced through peer support and favorable working conditions. In response to these findings, the MATHWELL plan was created to support teachers across five key domains: Meaningful Teaching, Accessible Resources, Workload Management, Holistic Wellness and Collegial Support. In conclusion, the study’s goal is not only to respond to burnout but to prevent it. Finally, a time was allotted for the Q and A.

After the Q and A portion, Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, Director of the University Research Center made a proposal that the Research Council will serve as co-authors for papers not finished after the day of the training. Researchers will still submit the papers and the research coordinators will have a division of labor for the other steps to complete the paper until publication but only if the researchers will consent.

Another highlight of the day’s activity was a short talk delivered by Ms. Geraldine Yuzon, SHNS Research Coordinator about Research and Publication where an article will be critique and commented supported by references which may be done in a week or so.

A closing remark finally wrapped up the very informative activity.

Written by: Engr. Rojan I. Reyes, SEAIT Research Coordinator

13/10/2026

12/10/2026

Happy birthday, Ma'am Rhodora!

08/10/2026

𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐆. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞, 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐑𝐂𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, Project Director of the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME) and Director of the University Research Center of Saint Mary’s University (SMU), served as a member of the Technical Committee for the Oral Paper Presentations during 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.

As a member of the Technical Committee, Dr. Sarmiento reviewed and assessed oral research presentations, thereby contributing to the conference's quality and scholarly standards. She also assisted at the awards night, helping to recognize researchers and participants during the culminating ceremony.

Her active involvement reflects her commitment to research quality, academic service, and the advancement of science and mathematics education.

Congratulations, Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, for representing SMU and contributing her expertise to the 12th NRCSME! 👏📚🔬

08/10/2026

𝗦𝗠𝗨 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘂𝘀-𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝟭 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) proudly congratulates Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento for co-authoring a research article published in Workplace Health & Safety, a Scopus-indexed Q1 journal in Nursing (Miscellaneous). Dr. Sarmiento is listed as Melanie Gurat in the published article. The article was first published online on September 24, 2026.

Entitled “Beyond Healthcare Facilities: Strengthening Preventive Care Equity Among Healthcare Educators and Academic Health Workers in the Philippines,” the study examines preventive care equity among healthcare educators and academic health workers, highlighting the importance of strengthening preventive health services beyond traditional healthcare facilities.

The publication brings together researchers from higher education institutions and organizations across the region and is one of the scholarly outputs generated through Project COLLAB (Collaborative Opportunities for Linkages, Learning, and Advanced Research Breakthroughs), a component initiative of Project GIGIAMMUAN, the flagship regional research and innovation program of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office II (CHEDRO II).

The article’s collaborators are Darin Jan Tindowen, PhD (Commission on Higher Education–Region 2); Madeilyn Estacio, PhD (University of La Salette, Inc.); Melanie Gurat, PhD (Saint Mary’s University); Jonalyn Santos, MSN (University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao); Benjamin Jularbal, PhD (St. Paul University Philippines); Pilar Acorda, PhD (Commission on Higher Education–Region 2); Rhean Joy Acupido, PhD (University of Perpetual Help System–Cauayan); Mark Kevin Astrero, MAEd (Northeastern College); Ma. Leodevina Batugal, PhD (Lyceum of Aparri); Djovi Durante, DPA (Batanes State College); and Ruel Flores, MBA (Our Lady of the Pillar College–Cauayan, Inc.).

Project COLLAB brings together researchers from participating higher education institutions to develop collaborative studies and pursue publication in internationally indexed journals. With four additional HEIs joining in August, including Saint Mary’s University, the initiative has grown to 15 participating institutions.

Dr. Sarmiento’s publication highlights SMU’s commitment to research excellence, collaborative scholarship, and international research engagement, while demonstrating the value of regional partnerships in generating research that contributes to health, education, and societal well-being.

The University Research Center congratulates Dr. Sarmiento and her co-authors on this achievement and recognizes their contribution to strengthening the visibility and impact of Philippine research in the international academic community.

Citation
Tindowen, D. J., Estacio, M., Gurat, M., Santos, J., Jularbal, B., Acorda, P., Acupido, R. J., Astrero, M. K., Batugal, M. L., Durante, D., & Flores, R. (2026). Beyond healthcare facilities: Strengthening preventive care equity among healthcare educators and academic health workers in the Philippines. Workplace Health & Safety.

Written by: University Research Center

08/10/2026

𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐣𝐮𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐑𝐂𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞

Dr. Elsa Cajucom, Director of the Center of Natural Sciences at Saint Mary’s University (SMU), served as a judge for the poster presentations under Category B: Artificial Intelligence, Educational Technology, and Digital Learning during 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.

Drawing on her academic and professional expertise, Dr. Cajucom evaluated research posters examining the evolving roles of artificial intelligence, educational technology, and digital learning in education. Her participation provided an avenue to recognize innovative research and engage with emerging ideas shaping the future of STEM education.

Her role as a poster presentation judge reflects her contribution to the scholarly evaluation of research and highlights the expertise of SMU’s academic leaders in national research and education initiatives.

Through her active engagement, Dr. Cajucom continues to contribute to meaningful conversations on innovation, technology, and the advancement of science and mathematics education.

Congratulations, Dr. Elsa Cajucom, for sharing your expertise and representing SMU on the national research stage! 👏🤖💻📚

08/10/2026

𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐑𝐂𝐒𝐌𝐄

Dr. Analyne Guevara, Program Chair of Science and Mathematics at Saint Mary’s University (SMU), brought her expertise to the national research community as a judge during the research presentation sessions of 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.

Entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating research presentations, Dr. Guevara contributed her academic expertise and professional perspective in assessing studies presented by fellow educators and researchers. Her role as a judge reflects the confidence placed in her scholarly experience and her contribution to maintaining the quality of research discourse in science and mathematics education.

Held under the theme “One Voyage, One Rhythm: Navigating New Frontiers in STEM Education,” the conference served as a national venue for sharing research and exploring emerging directions in STEM education.

Dr. Guevara’s participation as a research judge highlights not only her academic leadership but also SMU’s contribution to the culture of rigorous, meaningful, and quality-driven research in science and mathematics education.

Congratulations, Dr. Analyne Guevara, for sharing your expertise and representing SMU in this national scholarly gathering! 👏🔬📐

08/10/2026

𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐂. 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Bringing her expertise in research and quality assurance to a national scholarly platform, Dr. Dominga C. Valtoribio, Quality Coordinator of the School of Advanced Studies at Saint Mary’s University, served as both judge and moderator during the research presentation sessions of the 12th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics Education (NRCSME).

Held on September 30–October 3, 2026, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City, the conference carried the theme “One Voyage, One Rhythm: Navigating New Frontiers in STEM Education.”

In her role as a judge, Dr. Valtoribio provided critical scholarly assessments of research presentations, contributing to the recognition and refinement of research in science and mathematics education. As moderator, she guided the sessions and encouraged productive scholarly exchange between presenters and participants.

Her involvement highlights the value of SMU’s academic expertise in advancing research conversations beyond the University while strengthening professional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the national research community.

Congratulations, Dr. Dominga C. Valtoribio, for bringing SMU’s culture of research and quality to the national stage! 👏📚