The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) Graduate School, through the Center for Policy Research and Development Studies (CPRDS), successfully held the 2nd Recoletos Graduate Research Congress (RGRC) 2026 at the USJ-R Quadricentennial Building, gathering scholars, researchers, faculty members, and innovators for two days of academic exchange and research collaboration.
Anchored on the theme, “From Knowledge to Impact: Bridging Innovation, Sustainability, and Community,” the congress provided a platform for presenting research, exchanging ideas, and exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Persiuz Joseph M. Decena, OAR, Vice President for Academics and Research, emphasized the importance of socially relevant and ethical research that promotes sustainability and community development. He also highlighted the university’s values of Caritas et Scientia—love and knowledge.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ionell Jay Terogo, Graduate School Director, underscored the role of research in developing evidence-based solutions, informing policies, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
The pre-conference featured four lecture-workshop sessions on research communication, statistical analysis, social science data analysis, and the use of generative artificial intelligence in research and publication.
Plenary talks by Prof. Tanveer Zia of the University of Notre Dame Australia and Dr. John Paolo Rivera explored advances in artificial intelligence, innovation, business, and sustainable development.
Parallel research presentations across seven tracks showcased studies in education, artificial intelligence, business, health, philosophy, communication, and public policy. The three-minute Policy Pitch Competition also highlighted how research can be translated into practical solutions for societal challenges.
The competition recognized the following winners:
· First Place: An Assistive Learning Application for Memory Reinforcement in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease by Temothy C. Homecillo
· Second Place: Exploring and Harnessing Mangrove-Associated Actinomycetes in Cebu, Philippines for Ecosystem Health and Natural Product Discovery by Carl Raymond D. Consuegra
· Third Place: Navigating the Rise of AI-Generated Art: Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Digital Illustrators in Cebu by Janson T. Toledo
The congress also recognized outstanding research presentations across its seven tracks.
Furthermore, in recognition of research excellence, the following presenters were conferred the Best Paper and Special Awards in their respective tracks:
· Track 1: Education, Learning Innovation, and Human Development for Inclusive Futures
Beyond Financial Assistance: SIKAP Scholars' Experiences, Challenges, and Transformative Outcomes in Graduate Education (Authors: Junaida M. Bula, Wardah D. Guimba, Minerva-Saminah M. Naga, and Lotis B. Daguisionan; Mindanao State University, Philippines)
Awareness and Stigma as Predictors of Senior High School Students' Acceptance of Biotechnology Products (Authors: Joev Keir M. Lebumfacil, Hazel Mae L. Cabalida, and Nikko C. Catarina; University of Southern Philippines–Foundation)
· Track 2: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development
Best Paper: Geospatial System Dynamics for Adaptive Mangrove Restoration Management in Tawsan Ecopark Philippines (Author: Donald R. Lalican; Cebu Technological University–Danao Campus)
Special Award: Portable Solar-Still Desalination Device With Integrated Reflectors And Manual Sun-Tracking (Authors: Kent Anthony Co, Ryan Alen Kwan, Robert Lala III, and Joselito Kuizon Jr.; University of San Jose-Recoletos)
· Track 3: Business, Management, and Enterprise Development for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Best Paper: Middle Manager Leadership as a Catalyst for Employee Retention: The Mediating Roles of Employee Experience and Employer Brand Authenticity (Author: Rotsen E. Bulan; University of San Jose-Recoletos)
Special Award: Currency Depreciation and International Tourist Arrivals: Comparative Evidence from the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia (Author: Reo Yamuta; University of San Jose-Recoletos)
· Track 4: Health, Well-being, and Community Care
Research Title: Evaluating the Discriminant Utility of the Disease-Prone Behavior Patterns (DPBP) Scale: A Known-Groups Comparison of Psychological Distress among Cebuano Working Adults (Authors: Reymart R. Luspe of Cebu Doctors' University; Judy Ann O. Ferater-Gimena of University of Cebu–Banilad; and Felciana E. Cardente-Yap of University of Cebu–Banilad)
· Track 5: Religious Education, Ethics, Philosophy, and Human Formation
Best Paper: Decolonizing the Pax Silica Discourse in the Philippines: A Grassroots Ethics Alternative (Author: Charles Jone M. Rosales of University of San Jose-Recoletos)
Special Award: The Ontological Inadequacy of AI-generated Music against Live Music through Nietzschean Philosophy of Music (Author: Ma. Christina V. Barayuga of University of San Jose-Recoletos)
· Track 6: Language, Literature, Media, and Communication for Social Transformation
Research Title: Charting Convergent Diffuse Authority: A Diachronic Ideological Framework for Madness in Literature (Authors: Arnie A. Valera of Davao Oriental State University, and Joanna Z. De Catalina of University of San Jose-Recoletos)
· Track 7: Governance, Political Science, Public Policy, and Community Development
Research Title: Biocultural Utilization and Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems in Southeast Asia: Evidence from Philippine Coastal Communities (Author: Eden Grace V. Tabanao of Negros Oriental State University–Guihulngan Campus)
Beyond the research sessions, delegates participated in cultural visits to heritage sites in Cebu and a fellowship night, which provided opportunities to build professional connections and exchange experiences.
Through RGRC 2026, USJ-R continues to promote a research culture that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and advances sustainable development for the benefit of society.
