Lipa City, Batangas – September 19, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC), through the Research and Publications Office (RPO), successfully held its first Institutional Student Research Colloquium with the theme “Research for a Sustainable Future: Student Research as An Architect of Transformation.” The event followed the success of the UBian Research Proposal Colloquium: Institutional Research Presentation conducted last August 29, 2025.
The colloquium, held at the Tiered Hall, Building C, gathered outstanding research works from various academic programs. It provided a platform for students to showcase innovative studies addressing pressing issues in sustainability, technology, mental health, social sciences, and community development.
The colloquium recognized outstanding research contributions across various fields. The Best Paper Award was given to From Obscurity to Opportunity: Nurturing Wellness Tourism Awareness among Employees at the University of Batangas Lipa Campus, authored by Joshua Ramil D. Katigbak, Miles R. Geneta, Diane S. Agojo, Ahlex Alacarsada, and Glynnie Elaine V. Garcia from the BS Tourism Management program. The Second Best Paper was awarded to Building Blocks of Change: Integrating Blockchain Into Existing Accounting Systems in Lipa City by Reizyll Vanna E. Binay, Avril Joy M. De Villa, Amron Sebastian A. Ignacio, Diohanna P. Ortega, and Kychelle Jilia S. Sibya of the BS Accountancy program. Meanwhile, the Third Best Paper went to Exploring the Suicidal Ideation Among College Students: A Development Programs on Mental Health Challenge by Adrian Gabriel Ariate, Jasper L. Balita, Czareen Faith M. Bancoro, Raizel Anne O. Moster, Daniella Jhynne S. Pose, and Mark Clifford E. Roderno from General Education. In addition, the Best Presenter Award was conferred upon Mr. Joshua Ramil D. Katigbak.
The program was formally opened with a message from Dr. Aurora Tolentino, Vice President for Academic Affairs, followed by presentations of twelve research papers spanning architecture, education, legal management, psychology, information technology, business, and tourism, among others.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Pastor R. Arguelles, Jr., Director of UBLC RPO, commended the student researchers for their creativity, critical thinking, and resilience. He emphasized that the colloquium was “more than just an academic requirement—it is a transformative act and a powerful step in building research confidence.” Dr. Arguelles further announced that the top three best papers will be endorsed to national and international research competitions, affirming the university’s commitment to advancing student research programs.
Dr. Arguelles also encouraged students to pursue future collaborations, highlighting opportunities to participate in the upcoming International Research Conference at the University of Batangas on November 20, 2025, with delegates from countries including Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. The colloquium concluded with a celebration of student achievement and a call to continue nurturing a culture of research that contributes to both academic excellence and societal transformation.
This milestone event underscores the University of Batangas’ commitment to advancing academic excellence and nurturing a culture of innovation, sustainability, and transformation through research. As part of its continuing initiatives, the university remains steadfast in providing platforms that empower students to develop impactful studies and contribute meaningfully to both local and global communities.