The Department of Languages and Humanities (DLH) of the College of Arts and Sciences successfully conducted a Research Dissemination Program at Balaleng Elementary School in Bantay, Ilocos Sur on November 20, 2024.

The event was attended by 11 teaching personnel from Balaleng Elementary School and 18 faculty members from the Department of Languages and Humanities, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two academic institutions.

The welcome of Mrs. Emelita R. Arizabal, head teacher of Balaleng Elementary School, highlighted the significance of fostering a culture of research and continuous learning in the teaching profession.

Following the opening remarks, Dr. Esperanza Marites V. Marinas, the DLH faculty-in-charge on research, presented the rationale for the activity. She emphasized the crucial role of research in addressing contemporary educational challenges and in empowering educators and learners alike.

Three significant research studies were presented during the dissemination. The first study, titled “Pagsusuri at Pagsasalin sa mga Piling Tula at Awiting Nailathala sa Panahon ng COVID-19,” was authored by Prof. Charito R. Alconis, Dr. Mae Oliva M. Piano, and Prof. Ma. Ines B. Pastor.

This research analyzed poems and songs published during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing both positive and negative themes. Positive themes included hope, resilience, bayanihan, faith in God, and the willingness to sacrifice for others. Conversely, negative themes such as fear, anxiety, fatalism, and lack of discipline were also evident. The findings demonstrated how creative expressions mirrored the complex emotions and responses of Filipinos during the pandemic.

The second presenters of the study, titled “Sosyo-Kultural na Paggalugad sa mga Piling Pagsasao iti Ilokano: Basehan sa Pagbuo ng Kagamitang Pampagturo,” was conducted by Dr. Evelyn P. Amano, Prof. Emely R. Rapacon, and Prof. Jocelyn F. Vitudes.

This research delved into Ilokano proverbs, identifying themes related to behavior, lifestyle, and beliefs. The study underscored the educational value of these proverbs, emphasizing their potential to shape character, instill values, and guide proper conduct among students and the youth. The researchers highlighted the importance of incorporating such cultural elements into teaching materials to enhance their relevance and impact.

 The final study, titled “Assessment of Training Needs of Grade School Teachers in a Coastal Community: A Basis for an Adopt-A-School Extension Program,” was authored by Dr. Miriam N. Javier, Dr. Jose P. Pichay, Prof. Irene T. Aguilar, and Prof. Mamerto S. Panay. This research assessed the training needs of grade school teachers in Puro, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. The findings revealed that most teachers preferred training in income-generating activities such as baking, meat processing, and native food production. Additionally, training programs focused on enhancing teaching skills, such as instructional materials creation, PowerPoint presentations, and grade computation using MS Excel, were also highly sought after.

Impressions on the research dissemination program were shared by Mrs. Evelyn D. Pagaduan, a master teacher from Balaleng Elementary School. She expressed her appreciation for the insightful studies presented and their potential applications in teaching and community development.

The program concluded with closing remarks delivered by Prof. Nolito R. Ragunjan, the unit extension coordinator. He commended the collaboration between the two institutions and emphasized the importance of continued partnerships in research and professional growth.

The activity was organized by Dr. Esperanza Marites V. Mariñas and Dr. Francisco R. Quelnan under the leadership of Prof. Allen Magdaleno A. De Vera, the department head.

Article by Esperanza Marites V. Mariñas and Francisco R. Quelnan.