June 11, 2025 — University Research Office, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
The Higher Education Research Committee (HERC) and the Basic Education Research Committee (BERC) of Ateneo de Zamboanga University held a meeting on June 11, 2025 at the University Research Office to revisit their shared purpose, review recent accomplishments, and plan strategic directions for the upcoming academic year.
The HERC meeting took place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN and was attended by the current committee members: Ms. Daisy Quisel (School of Education), Ms. Ericha Bernaldez (School of Management and Accountancy), and Dr. Paulino Acebes (College of Science, Information Technology, and Engineering). The BERC meeting followed from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, with members Ms. Mercibel Fegarido (Grade School), Ms. Esther Mondido (Junior High School), and Ms. Jenalyn Manolis (Senior High School) in attendance.
Opening the meeting, Ms Perla Ledesma, Director of the University Research Office, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the two committees to ensure consistency and synergy across research initiatives in both Higher and Basic Education Units.
The first part of the agenda focused on revisiting the expected roles and functions of the Research Committee. Members reaffirmed their mandate to provide guidance in evaluating research proposals, monitoring research progress, and promoting a culture of scholarly excellence aligned with the university’s research agenda.
Updates on accomplished activities from the previous year were also presented, highlighting successful project completions under the Research Chair Program, University-wide Research Colloquium was conducted per college, a Research Agenda per college was also drafted.
The committee acknowledged the growing engagement of faculty in research activities and noted the value of inter-unit collaboration.
Looking ahead to School Year 2025–2026, both HERC and BERC outlined their plans and priorities. These include expanding research mentoring efforts, encouraging more interdisciplinary studies, and conduct a multidisciplinary Regional Conference. The HERC also discussed plans to host a University Research Conference in the last week of February 2026, showcasing faculty and student research outputs across disciplines.
A proposal to initiate a series of capacity-building workshops was also raised, with the aim of strengthening research capabilities in both Higher and Basic Education Units. To ensure continued progress and regular communication, the committees agreed to implement a fixed schedule for monthly meetings beginning in July 2025. This will help improve coordination, monitor deliverables, and address challenges promptly.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion on other concerns, such as the restructuring of review processes, more capacity building for the faculty and staff , and revisiting the policies of the Research Chair Program.
This productive meeting reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing a research-driven academic culture. With both committees aligned in their mission and priorities, the University Research Office looks forward to another year of meaningful, relevant, and impactful research endeavors.
