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Adventist Academy Bacolod Inc. hosted the 'Central Philippine Union Conference-Wide Research Training and Workshop' on Oct. 1-3, 2024, to equip students with essential research skills.

The event, themed "From Question to Conclusion: The Journey of Research with God," featured a distinguished research team from the South Philippine Adventist College.

This research team from SPAC shared their expertise with the AAB Senior High School and selected Junior High School students, Adventist Academy Iloilo Inc. Senior High School representatives, and Northern Iloilo Christian School representatives. Due to scheduling conflicts, other educational institutions within the CPUC could not participate.

Dr. Ranzolin G. Bayeta, SPAC research director, spearheaded the event alongside Dr. Karel Mei N. Banay, SPAC Teacher Education Department chairperson; Dr. Reggie R. Mativo, college research instructor; and Kaizer Iris L. Banay, senior academy research instructor.

During this three-day workshop, the program opened daily with a morning devotional, emphasizing the importance of making God a priority in this event. The speakers were Pastor Joebert Arroz, newly elected Negros Occidental publishing director; Pastor Joy Cantela, NOC communication director; and Pastor Jophone Galanza, NOC president.

All these devotional and research speakers explained that while research can be challenging, having God as a partner in the research journey is vital.

The workshop included intensive lectures on research concepts and hands-on sessions for writing various parts of a research paper, from formulating research questions to drawing conclusions.

On the third day, a simultaneous research defense was held, with the research team and selected AAB teachers serving as panelists. Notably, the approach to all lectures and workshops aligned with the Seventh-Day Adventist educational philosophy, integrating faith and learning throughout the event.

Dr. Bayeta and Dr. Banay noted the impressive eagerness of the participants, who continuously sought suggestions to improve their research papers.

Furthermore, the head of the research team stated that these young researchers demonstrated a strong willingness to write, even within a short timeframe. The speakers expressed their hope that these young researchers would maintain a positive perspective on research and continue to let God guide their journey.

Jared D. Angulo, a Grade 12 student from AAI, remarked, "The training was tiring yet enlightening. It inspires me to continue my research as it pushed me to my limits as a growing researcher."

Moreover, Mark Kevin Ibañez, a Grade 12 student from AAB, shared that he felt overwhelmed but learned a lot, realizing many new things.

The research training and workshop concluded with a closing program that followed the research defense. As part of an assessment of learning, selected students shared their insights and experiences during a designated reflection time.

Ma. Flosie T. Abibuag, AAB principal, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the research training and workshop.

"This event ignited the dedication of the students to pursue their research journeys grounded in faith. Moreover, it provided a rare opportunity for our students to be equipped with essential research skills."

Furthermore, Mrs. Regina G. Daz, the vice president for Academics at Adventist Academy-Iloilo, shared how she always wanted her students to be in this kind of training. She believed it was significant for their future research requirements.

"The learning our students gained from this activity will be a significant lifelong experience as they pursue their education. I hope there will be more training opportunities in the future so that all students can participate and benefit from such activities."

By Mhedyn Hope T. Repolidon

The original version of this article was published on the official Facebook page of the Adventist Academy Bacolod