Still part of PNU’s 33rd Universityhood celebration, the annual University Research Forum (URF) was held on January 22, 2025, at the Geronima T. Pecson Hall. Centered on the research and creative outputs of Sabbatical Leave Program grantees, the URF featured three faculty members from different academic units.
The first presenter, Dr. Nina Christina L. Zamora of the Faculty of Languages and Literature, showcased Digmaan ng Utak, Puso, at Salita, her book of flash essays, short fiction, and rhymes. Written during a time when she was grappling with health challenges, the book chronicles her journey to reclaim wellness and document her experiences through creative writing.
The second presenter, Dr. Tito Baclagan of the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, discussed one aspect of his research on the Effectiveness of Psychotherapeutic Interventions, focusing on students experiencing mental health challenges. In his study, he analyzed the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for students, as narrated in 23 studies conducted across twelve countries. His research revealed that academic issues such as burnout, stress, and test anxiety were the most common reasons for seeking psychotherapeutic help. Among the students who sought intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy with contextual adjustments emerged as the most widely used therapeutic approach. Dr. Baclagan, a well-known Guidance Counselor at PNU, also identified other techniques that could be contextualized for the Philippine setting. These included systemic family therapy, attachment and biobehavioral catch-up, and arts therapy.
The third and final presenter, Dr. Merry Ruth M. Gutierrez, a reading specialist at the College of Advanced Studies, introduced a reading instruction model designed for teachers. In her study, Development of a Reading Instruction Model for Emergent Readers, Dr. Gutierrez assessed the Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of Key Stage 1 teachers and examined the instructional approaches and strategies they employed. She found that early-grade teachers who participated in the study faced challenges with PCK in teaching informational texts, composing and text creation, and narrative poems. Despite the integration of technology, the majority of these teachers still relied on the phonics approach. Dr. Gutierrez also highlighted areas that need improvement to enhance reading literacy instruction.
The well-attended event was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Quality Assurance, led by Dr. Teresita T. Rungduin, in collaboration with the Office of Student Success and Stakeholders Services, headed by Dr. Denmark L. Yonson.
