The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology dominated the Edukalidad 2025: Prof Ed Challenge, securing the top three spots in the regional research competition held Monday, April 7, 2025, at West Visayas State University.
The event featured 16 teams from various higher education institutions across Western Visayas and the Negros Island.
The champion team, from the Main Campus–Poblacion Site, was composed of Jade Lyn Buenavides and Razel Marice Antopina, both BSEd-English students, coached by Prof. Glysa Marie Regidor-Bunda.
Their study, Translanguaging: Contextualizing Critical Pedagogy in the English Classroom, impressed judges with its critical examination of how multilingual instruction can empower students and challenge traditional power structures in English education.
Buenavides said, “Seeing our efforts pay off is overwhelming. This victory affirms that ISUFST is not just keeping up but leading the way in research.”
The first runner-up team was composed of Mariam Mae Duque and Honey Lyka Albor from the BSEd-Math program of the Main Campus–Tiwi Site, under coach Dr. Herman Lagon.
Their research, VISME-InteDrills: A Digital Approach in Enhancing Learners’ Four Basic Operations on Integers, was praised for its depth, innovation and real-world applicability in math education.
Duque said, “We did not expect this, but it feels amazing to have our efforts recognized. Embracing a growth mindset—always striving to do and be more—has truly worked for us.”
The second runner-up was May Claire Pajarpa from the BEED program at the San Enrique Campus, coached by Dr. Emelyn Ligasan.
Her study, Crafting Comprehension: Designing Dynamic Worksheets for Learners Using Comic Strips, contributed to literacy development by creatively improving reading comprehension through visual storytelling.
Pajarpa said, “I am grateful for this fantastic opportunity to present our research at this regional event. This moment is a reminder that every effort counts, no matter how small.”
Other universities also performed well in this highly competitive field.
University of St. La Salle–Bacolod placed fourth, while Filamer Christian University in Capiz and Iloilo Science and Technology University–Miag-ao tied for fifth place.
Edukalidad 2025, organized by the WVSU College of Education and its Education Student Council, promotes educational innovation and debuted this year with plans to return in 2026 with greater emphasis on collaboration and academic excellence.
ISUFST’s Research Excellence
Fresh from inaugurating its PHP25-million Research and Extension Hub, ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. praised the students and mentors for their research success.
“We are headed in the right direction to be one of the leading and empowering research universities in the country and beyond,” Siason said.
“This appreciation strengthens our will to strive more and motivates us to keep stretching the boundaries in research and education.”
Siason emphasized that the university’s commitment to research goes beyond awards, encouraging faculty and students to focus on solutions to real-world challenges.
He expressed hope that more learners and educators will join ISUFST in its mission to be a regional leader in research, innovation and leadership development.
ISUFST also performed well in other events at Edukalidad 2025.
In the Demo Teaching competition, BSEd-English student Dierdre Kaye Diaz from the Dumangas Campus, coached by Dr. Mary Ruth Diamante, placed second runner-up.
“Despite the time constraints, we gave our best, and I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Diaz said.
Jolly Mae Magallon from the San Enrique Campus, also a BSEd-English student, finished in the top four under the guidance of Instructor Russel Yamit.
Magallon said, “It was an unexpected but rewarding experience. I’m proud to represent ISUFST and grateful for the opportunity to grow through this competition.”
In the Quiz Bee competition, the Main Campus–Tiwi Site placed eighth among 19 participating teams, despite limited preparation time.
The team included Leslie Billones (BSEd Filipino), Catherine Bama (BSEd Social Studies) and Michelle Dollete (BSEd Math), coached by Dr. Edmer Bernardo.
As ISUFST continues to shine in regional competitions, it remains committed to producing educators and researchers who will make meaningful contributions to society. (Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)