Student and faculty research addressing real-world issues and advancing academic discourse took center stage during the 13th School of Liberal Arts (SLA) Undergraduate Best Papers Presentations and the 4th SLA Research Colloquium on April 27, 2026, an exchange of ideas spanning diverse disciplines and contemporary issues, underscoring the growing impact of undergraduate scholarship in shaping socially relevant knowledge.
In his inspirational message, the University President Fr. Ernald M. Andal, SJ, reminded students to find value not just in the finished paper, but also in the process of getting there, as difficult as it may have been. He encourages them, saying that great ideas already exist within them and that they have all the capacity to draw them out.
For the morning’s session, four of SLA’s faculty presented their theses to the assembly. Fr. Joel Liwanag, SJ, shared an intimate and personal paper titled “Playing with Shadows and Silences: A Creative-Relational Self-Inquiry”. Mr Joel C. Porras paid tribute to a great Atenean philosopher’s legacy with the paper titled “Compañerismo as Living I-Thou: The Philosophical Convergence of Michael D. Moga, SJ, Martin Buber, and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Tradition”. Ms. Jufranz Sweet K Faustino explored the intricacies of relationships with her paper titled “Gender Dynamics in Intercultural Marriages: Filipino Women’s Experiences with Indian Spouses. For the last presentation, Ms. Sharmaine P. Bulaong, LPT, shared the results of her and Ms. Emma B. Langki, MA, research titled “Mga Estratehiya sa Pagharap sa Hamon ng mga Gurong Nagtuturo ng Asignaturang Filipino sa Batayang Edukasyon ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Zamboanga,” outlining the challenges of teaching the Filipino subject in these changing times.
An open forum followed, allowing participants to engage critically with the presentations and share insights.
In the afternoon, undergraduate students presented their research, reflecting a wide array of interests and analytical approaches. These titles and presenters stood out:
Best Student Poster:
Rhey John O. Punding
Best Student Paper Presenters:
1st – Vann Louis S. Burias
2nd – Egidio B. Sua
3rd – Adrian Jay Abat and Mikahel Mendoza
4th – Gabriel Martin C. Elagao
Best Student Research Paper:
Justice Diplomacy as a Vector of the European Union’s Soft Power: An Analysis of the Zamboanga City Justice Zone
Presenter: Vann Louis S. Burias
The event’s evaluation panels included Ms. Arlene Ledesma, Ms. Chaldeanne Wee, and Dr. Melophyl C. Baguio for poster presentations, and Fr. Joseph A. Liwanag, SJ, Dr. Michael Vincent P. Caceres, and Dr. Abee Eijansantos for research papers. Judges provided their expert inputs and constructive remarks in choosing the best titles and presenters this year and also guided the students to further enhance their studies in the future.
Research is a vital part of education in AdZU, driving meaningful discourse and enriching the overall pursuit of knowledge. In SLA, this culture is actively nurtured through strong mentorship and the application of Ignatian values, inspiring students to bravely tackle issues that can have a real impact on society.
