The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region once again invited Saint Louis University (SLU) to participate in the 2025 KABADANG Innovate, a three-day research publication mentoring activity held from 24 to 26 March 2025, at Easter College, Baguio City.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Research and Driving Innovation in the Cordillera Region,” emphasized the importance of fostering a strong research culture, enhancing research capabilities, and facilitating the dissemination of scholarly findings among higher education institutions in the region. The term “Kabadang,” a Cordilleran word meaning “mentor,” reflects the program’s goal of providing research mentorship to faculty members and researchers.
The event was attended by representatives from various private and state universities and colleges across the Cordillera Administrative Region. SLU was well represented by eight distinguished faculty members from different academic units: Prof. Leilani de Guzman, PhD (School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies – SAMCIS / School of Advanced Studies – SAS), Prof. Lorraine B. Ngaosi (SAMCIS), Prof. Dionaida V. Fontanilla, PhD (SAMCIS/SAS), Prof. Sahlee Florendo (School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences – SONAHBS), Prof. Rachel C. Alfonso (SONAHBS), Engr. Allen Rey A. Nierva (School of Engineering and Architecture – SEA), Engr. Maurice Licdan (SEA), and Prof. Marilyn L. Balmeo, PhD (School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts – STELA). The three-day event was structured into a series of lectures, mentoring sessions, and research presentations.
The first day was dedicated to lectures on writing research manuscripts and preparing them for publication. Esteemed speakers from various universities shared their expertise. Dr. Leah Abayao (University of the Philippines, Baguio) discussed the use of frameworks in social science research and publication. Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres (Benguet State University) delivered insights on transforming research reports, theses, and dissertations into journal publications. Dr. Mark Preston S. Lopez (Mountain Province State University) provided guidance on writing the right research design and methodology for publication. Dr. Thelma Domingo Palaoag (University of the Cordilleras) shared knowledge on technology in research publishing, including tools, trends, and best practices for innovation.
The second day focused on mentoring sessions and the presentation of research outputs. Senior and junior mentors engaged with participants, providing guidance on improving their research for publication. The senior mentors were the speakers from Day 1, while the junior mentors were Dr. Laarni Natividad (SLU), Dr. Janet Balagtey, Dr. Jude Tayaben, Dr. Jones Napaldet, and Dr. Pinky Larcelle Gas-ib.
Three participants from SLU—Dr. Balmeo, Dr. De Guzman, and Engr. Maurice Licdan—presented their research outputs.
The final day was dedicated to recognizing the contributions of both mentors and participants. The organizers expressed gratitude for the knowledge-sharing and collaborative efforts that made the event successful.
SLU’s active participation in the 2025 KABADANG Innovate emphasizes its commitment to advancing research and innovation in CAR. Through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, the event successfully fostered a stronger research culture within the academe. Such initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article by Marilyn Balmeo | Photos from CHED-CAR)
