Baguio City, Philippines – On February 4, 2025, the Baguio Central University (BCU) Research Development Center held its highly anticipated Faculty Research Orientation at the BCU Function Hall, attended by 52 faculty members, staff, and school employees. With the theme “Building a Culture of Research through Dissemination,” the event underscored the importance of research excellence and ethical practices. The program began with an inspiring welcome address by Dr. Elma D. Donaal, Vice President for Academic Affairs. In her speech, Dr. Donaal encouraged all BCU employees to actively participate in the various activities organized by the Research and Development Center. She highlighted how these initiatives aim to elevate the university’s research culture and enhance its contributions to academic innovation.

“This orientation serves as a gateway to empower all of us as contributors to a vibrant research community. Let us take this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow together. By embracing research and engaging in dissemination, we strengthen our institution’s role in driving innovation and excellence, not just within BCU but in the broader academic landscape,” she emphasized.

The orientation featured two distinguished speakers who delivered insightful lectures designed to enhance participants’ research competencies. Mr. Oliver C. Celi, a RIECO IT Specialist from the University of Baguio, captivated the audience with his lecture titled “IMRaD: The APA 7th Edition Way.” His presentation focused on guiding researchers in mastering the APA 7th Edition format, a vital skill in crafting professional and standardized academic papers. By breaking down the structure of Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD), Mr. Celi emphasized clarity, consistency, and adherence to publication standards. The engaging session included a dynamic Q&A segment, where attendees eagerly sought clarifications and practical tips for applying the format to their ongoing research projects.

Following a brief break, Mr. Francisco L. Soriano Jr., Ph.D., Science Research Specialist from the Philippine Science High School-CAR Campus, took the stage to deliver the second lecture, “Data Management Ethics: Handling, Sharing, and Protecting Research Data.” His session highlighted the ethical responsibilities of researchers in managing data, including proper handling, secure sharing practices, and safeguarding sensitive information. He also discussed strategies for ensuring research integrity and compliance with ethical standards, drawing attention to the long-term value of responsible data management. Both lectures provided invaluable insights that resonated deeply with the audience, equipping them with practical tools to enhance their research practices.

Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research, lauded the speakers for their impactful presentations and reiterated BCU’s commitment to fostering a robust culture of research excellence. As the event concluded with the awarding of certificates, the enthusiasm among participants was palpable. The Faculty Research Orientation successfully highlighted the importance of knowledge dissemination and ethical research practices, solidifying BCU’s role as a hub for academic innovation and global competitiveness.