The ambiance was formal, solemn, and sober, yet, the jauntiness of program hosts Dr. Allan Julius N. Baggayan and Mrs. Ma. Teresa DL Manansala blanched a lighter mood to the expressions of the joining teacher-researchers, schoolheads, guests, division supervisors, and specialists in corporate attire filling the audio-visual room of PNHS Main and all eager to witness the highlight of the Division Research Congress – the Awarding Ceremony, March 13.

Beaming with pride as escorted by their respective schoolheads and district supervisors on stage, the 60 researchers received a certificate of completion and recognition, which marked their accomplishment and the prize for rigorously working on their research endeavors. 

But who could be the happiest but the distinct research finalists and best researchers of the event? 

Grand winner Princess P. Cruz of Sun Valley Elementary School, with action research, “Utilization of Creative Online Interactive Video Lessons to Improve the Multiplication Skills of Grade Two Pupils in Mathematics,” earned her the 2022 Best Researcher. 

Meanwhile, Richard A. Sucgang, Freddie C. Aguilar, and Christine Grace A. Sucgang of Sampaloc Site II Elementary School ranked second (Utilization of Classpoint in Improving the PEMDAS Rule of Grade V: Basis for ICT Integrated Lesson); Marie Louise F. Miranda, Nesslee W. Ramos, and Kris Carla Arogante of San Antonio National High School ranked third (Project Salitala: Ang Bisa ng Integrasyon ng Talasalitaan sa Ikapitong Baitang Gamit ang Tiktok); Jeremiah Paul G. Manuel and Mark Paulo A. Tajanlangit of Fourth Estate Elementary School-BF Homes, fourth (Enhancing the Proficiency Level of the Non-GCE Teachers vis-a-vis the Google Workspace for Education Using GWAPO; and Janel E. Encarnacion, Jennie A. Macatuggal, and Eugenia R. Oshima of San Antonio Elementary School, fifth, (Improving the Reading Skills of Full Refresher Learners in Grade Three School Year 20220-2023 through the Project I-READ).

Other research finalists were:  Mary Wienlylyn P. Tibayan, Loremie S. Mejares, and Joel M. Patacsil of San Antonio National High School; Noriel P. Pujante and Karen L. Tapec of Moonwalk National High School; Ma. Eunice M. Dalina, Joan C. Dacoco, and Eva Carmela C. Escasa of San Antonio National High School; Karen A. Abocado of San Dionisio Elementary School; Leonida L. Raden, Ma. Luisa D. Lecaros and Catherine A. Santos of Paraǹaque Elementary School – Unit II; Irene B. Japlos, Lyndy G. Pantao, and Christian G. Martin of Parañaque National High School-Main; Rodel N. Vaflor of Parañaque Science High School; and Angelo S. Cammarao, Ramon M. Castellano, and Emerson S. Lazaro of San Antonio National High School.

The excitement heightened with Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Violeta M. Gonzales announcing the Special Awards granted by the Office of the Superintendent: Mrs. Wilma T. Loria, Public Schools District Supervisor of District IX, the district with the most completed action research produced. Other special awardees were schoolheads Dr. Leonisa Romano and Mrs. Lilibeth D. Santamaria of Moonwalk National High School and La Huerta National High School, respectively, to have produced the most completed action research.  

Schools Division Superintendent Evangeline P. Ladines conveyed her appreciation to all researchers and those behind their achievements. “After a year of endurance, patience, hard work, and exercise of limited knowledge, skills in conducting research, collaboration, rendering and acceptance of the technical assistance, we now come to this moment where you finally harvest the fruit of your labor,” she said.

Superintendent Ladines shared her thoughts about the importance of research. According to her, it (research) is an avenue to contribute innovative ideas that may close the gaps and losses in the learning outcomes of learners. 

“It may seem a burden, but as we move on, we may discover that it answers the challenges in the classroom, short of saying this is the answer to the long-time problem of teaching, so the learners learn better,” she said.

Dr. Ladines encouraged the researchers to continue what they have started, not to get tired, and said she would pray for them to attain a higher level of patience and endurance.

Moreover, the superintendent advised the schoolheads, supervisors, and specialists to sustain their support of the research endeavors, which indirectly back the MATATAG agenda to the Basic Education (BE) challenges of Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sarah Z. Duterte.

The Division activity facilitated by Senior Education Program Specialist for Research Evangeline C. Dabuit promoted and strengthened the research culture in BE as specified in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 (Research Management Guidelines).

(by Reena G. Orquina)