After taking a break in 2020, the Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON’s annual Conference for Basic Education Researchers has returned.
With the theme Remaining Relevant: Education Research and Innovation Practices in DepEd 4A Towards the Realization of One Region, 22 Solutions, the 2021 Virtual Conference of Basic Education Researchers (VCBER) became an avenue for researchers to promote and strengthen the culture of research in the Region even in the new normal through virtual platforms from November 23 to 25.
The conference further aimed to provide a network for education researchers to tackle various issues, challenges, and trends affecting the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan; intensify collaboration and expand partnerships to pursue an education for sustainable development; and share best practices and innovations towards transformative basic education across borders in the new normal.
Undersecretary Diosdado M. San Antonio for DepEd Curriculum and Instruction, the father of CBER in the Region, thanked DepEd CALABARZON for continuing the implementation of his initiative in the Region. Usec. San Antonio was previously the Regional Director of IV-A from 2013 to 2019.
“It is very important that in the midst of the challenges we are facing, we were able to demonstrate that we are able to remain relevant in coming up of researches and innovations practices in CALABARZON, the Region where excellent is a culture and quality is a commitment,” Usec. San Antonio said during his keynote address.
On the other hand, Regional Director Francis Cesar B. Bringas lauded the participants for being future thinkers and addressing the current pandemic through their researches.
“Indeed the pandemic has presented so many challenges and so many obstacles. We need research findings to back up whatever policies, whatever guidelines the Department should initiate. It is time to keep your adrenaline running and to use your vivid imaginations for a successful future on what you want to happen for School Year 2022 to 2023,” RD Bringas said.
Meanwhile, in her welcome remarks, OIC-Assistant Regional Director Cherrylou D. Repia thanked the participants for continuing to do research even during the pandemic.
“Remaining relevant in the midst of a pandemic is a tall order. But is also a call of duty…. Many of you have made great fforts in order to join the conference. We are deeply appreciative. You are definitely in the right place and at the right time because this Region is the home of researchers,” OIC-ARD Repia expressed.
The three-day activity saw 200 oral presenters, 600 infographics video presenters, and 747 research bulletin presenters logged in to different breakout rooms of Zoom or Google Meet to showcase their researches to research panelists and enthusiasts. Hundreds of viewers also tuned into the plenary sessions streamed on the official Facebook pages of the Region.
Director Roger B. Masapol of the DepEd Planning Service Division was the first plenary speaker for the conference. He discussed Data-driven Decision Making in Schools.
On the second day, Education Program Supervisor Riza D. Soberano of Cavite Province expanded on “Research Usability in the Educational Setting. Lizan while Principal Mark Airon P. Creus of Juliano C. Brosas Elementary School discussed Linking Research with the Pedagogical Practice.
For the last day, Adjunct Professor Genesis Julyus T. Agcaoili of Southside Virginia Community College presented a walkthrough on creating Innovative Classrooms while Project Development Officer IV Emiljohn B. Santillas of DepEd Planning Service Division discussed Linking Research and Policy.
Participants will be given Certificates of Participation for their appreciation and support. A separate awarding ceremony to recognize the best research and presenters will be conducted on a different date. A memorandum will be released to announce the schedule.
(Ma. Joan Paula D. Dino, DepEd CALABARZON – Public Affairs Unit)
