Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) Social Studies Department of the College of Education marked the second phase of “Project DECIPHER—Driving Excellence through Capacity-building, Innovation, and Publication of High-quality Evidence-based Research” with a Research Colloquium for the teacher-researchers of Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS), Pasig City.
Held on September 11, 2026, the event served as the culmination of continuous online mentoring in research proposal development, which began immediately after the project’s first phase on research capacity-building. The program commenced with the opening remarks of Dr. Lorna Rodriguez, SLHS Principal.
Through the facilitation of Instr. Kate Azucena-Viñas and Instr. Hazel S. Delgado, and moderation by Instr. Zernan Gumban Jr., a total of 15 proposals were presented by teacher-researchers from the Senior High School, English, Filipino, Mathematics, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Science, and Technology and Livelihood Education departments of SLHS. The studies covered research writing, work immersion, career decision-making, learning recovery, digital assessment, alternative delivery modes, social awareness, reading intervention, learners at risk, least-mastered competencies, learner monitoring, assessment development, nutrition, academic performance, and student engagement.
With 10 minutes allotted for the presentation and 5 minutes for questions and answers, the SLHS researchers proudly presented to a Panel of Experts composed of research experts from RTU. Dr. Melvin N. Ambida chaired the panel, while Dr. Irene G. Ambida, Dr. Samuel A. Balbin, and Instr. Dexter O. Andal served as panel members. Among the featured initiatives were Project BTS or “Basa, Tuto, Sanay”, Project ALARM or “Addressing Learners at Risk in Mathematics”, Project AGAD or “Agarang Sagip sa Grado, and Project Resiliency.
The panel examined each proposal’s relevance, feasibility, and methodological soundness, including the alignment of its research problem, objectives, methods, data-analysis procedures, and expected outputs. The experts also assessed whether the proposed studies were anchored in the Department of Education (DepEd) Research Agenda and responsive to the needs of the school and its learners.
Towards the conclusion of the event, Instr. Gumban Jr. delivered the program synthesis, highlighting the panel’s key recommendations and the next steps in refining the proposals. In her closing message, Dr. Marieta M. Limbo, Public Schools District Supervisor of Cluster V, emphasized that research enables educators to provide students with meaningful opportunities to learn. She underscored how well-designed school-based studies can help teachers better understand learners’ needs and develop appropriate interventions.
As the presentations reflect the progress made by the proponents through sustained online consultation and mentoring from the Project DECIPHER extension team, the colloquium concluded with a renewed commitment between SLHS and RTU’s Social Studies Department to continue strengthening the proposals and advancing them toward implementation.
