Bringing a total of 13 research papers, 36 pioneering students from Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Cultural Studies (BALCS) program at MSU-GenSan were able to present their studies at the 10th Philippine Association for the Study of Culture, History, and Religion (PASCHR) International Research Conference held in Metro Manila on February 22-24.
These students were able to visit De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas as venues for their 1st and 2nd days, while they travelled to Bulacan on their 3rd day for a cultural and historical field trip.
“I was excited and happy because we were given the chance to present our course's Research Papers in an International conference and was given the opportunity to visit 2 prestigious Colleges in Manila,” Ms. Charmaine Rose Santos stated, narrating her emotions before going to Manila.
She was also delighted that the conference gave her many insights relating to research and that it was her first time to ride an airplane, making the trip more memorable.
Challenges along the way
Santos revealed that their biggest obstacle in their journey was a lack of financial resources to cover their trip and other expenses.
“Our research paper was good, the permit was okay, and the other preparations are good. However, when it comes to finances for the Manila trip was a little bit blurry to visualize. The same with my other classmate since I was the representative for my block, I know that some of us were really financially unstable at that time,” she said.
However, they were able to present their research papers on-site with the help of their relatives and the assistance of their family.
As the representative of their block, she led the preparation of the travel permit, budget for accommodation, transportation, registration fee, food, and extra allowance, and even scouted the venue for their accommodation for the said trip.
“Thus, I can say that all of this preparation really helped us understand the hardships of achieving our dream. It had its sacrifices and risks, but it was worth it,” Santos emphasized.
She expressed her gratitude towards Prof. Regie P. Amamio, program head of BALCS, for guiding and supporting them throughout the international conference.
Steering the way
Before the said conference, Prof. Amamio conducted a research colloquium on December 14, 2023, entitled “Voices and Visions” to scrutinize and further improve their research papers that were now presented in Manila.
“They have properly prepared for the conference. As the program head of the BALCS, it is a challenge to handle such big number of students. However, these students have proven many times their sense of responsibility, their respect towards work and others,” the professor said.
She also disclosed that the international conference was important for the BALCS students to expose them to the realities outside the classroom and train them to face and accept positive and not-so-positive criticism.
“The sometimes harsh and constructive criticism will help them build competitive but at the same time humbled character respective of the values of commitment, excellence, and accountability,” Prof. Amamio explained.
She commended the 36 students for taking the challenge and showing extra effort to finish the papers in a very limited time, making them standard role models for younger BALCS students.
The mentioned international conference was co-organized by PASCHR, DLSU-SEARCH, UST CCCPET & CTHM, and BTECH, bearing the theme “Weaving Southeast Asia’s Tapestry: The Philippines’ Integral Role in Exploring Culture, History, and Religion.”
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