Benguet State University’s Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) successfully organized the fourth Educators’ Forum or “Tongtongan” on November 13-14, 2025. The event was held to bridge gap between research and policy implementation, with the theme, “Redefining Education: Bridging Innovation, Research, and Policy for Impact.”
The event was in partnership with the College of Teacher Education (CTE), Office of Extension Services (OES), Department of Education (Dep-Ed)-Benguet Division, Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTE)-CAR, and State Universities and Colleges Teacher Education Association (SUCTEA)-CAR.
The forum addresses the research outputs in not reaching policymakers and those who need the information. This also promotes knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and partnerships to enhance educational practices and achieve learning outcomes.
The presentations were organized into four strands to address key areas of development and innovation in learning. The first strand included digital transformation and emerging technologies in education. Second strand is on the emerging practices in curriculum assessment and instructional support. The third strand covered the 21st-century learner in dynamic learning environment. The fourth strand was dedicated to leadership for educational transformation and innovation.
In her opening remarks, CERI Director Janet Lynn M. Balagtey shared the history of “tongtongan,” explaining that it means conversation, dialogue, or meaningful exchange. She emphasized that the forum was intended to be more than an academic conference, but a venue for educators, researchers, and policymakers to engage in reflective discussion on research.
Balagtey urged participants to maintain the event as a venue for engagement. “Let us continue to make this forum a space for authentic engagement where studies, programs, and ideas truly connect with the needs of the field,” she said.
Next, BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan said that as educators, researchers, and policy advocates, we are challenged to innovate and research to make difference in the lives of the communities. He also reminded the participants to go beyond the publication and transform their efforts into policies and practices.
“Let us continue to redefine education, not just for relevance, but for resonance, for kind of learning that truly changes lives.” he said.
VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres also reminded the participants that to translate science into policy is to work with the Local Government Units and policymakers. He added that it is not just about research but the impact to the society and transforming the communities.
The first day of the event was highlighted with a plenary talk by Odicar Joice F. Chavez, Teacher III of Dep-Ed-Baguio City.
Chavez’s message centered on the topic of digital transformation in education. To emphasize the necessity of technological integration, she shared a quote from Ray Kurzweil, “technology will not replace teachers, but teachers who use technology will probably replace those who don’t.”
She further explained that technology does not replace the educator but serves as a tool for empowerment. She shared that technology enhances teaching and it make it more effective and engaging.
“Technology doesn’t take our role, it amplifies it. It gives us tools to make our learning more effective,” she said. Chavez also expounded that digital transformation is more than just using gadgets; it is about making learning effective and it doesn’t make someone less human.
Following the plenary message, the presentation of the first strand started with Jezyl Mae C. Cambato with their study titled “Darting Towards Numerical Confidence: Assessing Integer Skill Development through a Game-based Approach.” Aaron T. Bayangan followed with their work on “Development and Validation of FRACTION-Matiles: A Web-Based Application on Learning Fractions.” Rhea S. Contada also shared their research on “Smartphone Digital-Image Colorimetry: An Education Assistive Tool in PH Indicator Color Chart Reading.”
The second strand presentation featured Imelda G. Parcasio with their research on “Teaching Readiness of College of Teacher Education Teacher Interns,” Wilfred B. Bambico on “Catch-Up Fridays: A Personal Experience,” and Martes D. Dionisio Jr. with his research, “Modeling Cryptocurrency as an Educational Tool Among Mathematics Teachers: An Input to Curriculum Enhancement Vis-a-vis Education 4.0.”
The presenters engaged in a conversation and sharing session with the discussants. The discussants for the two strands were Divina M. Yango, Regional President of the SUCTEA and Dean of the College of Teacher Education, BSU-La Trinidad; Shakira B. Herman, representing SUCTEA and Dean of the College of Teacher Education, BSU-Bokod; and Dina Teresita P. Balaan, Regional Chairperson of the PAFTE and Dean of the College of Education, King’s College of the Philippines.
The second day of the activity was highlighted with the keynote message of Estela P. Leon-Cariño, Regional Director of DepEd-CAR. She emphasized that the forum is not just an academic gathering but an important step to transform lives in the region, especially the lives of the learners.
“This challenges us to close the persistent gap between knowledge and practice, between data and decision, and between research and reform,” Cariño stated.
She also shared her personal experiences as a DepEd teacher, where she was assigned to teach subjects outside her specialization. Drawing from these experiences, she stressed the importance of conducting research to support the department and those in need.
While researches are funded, Cariño said that challenges arise with the liquidation procedures. She then expressed hope that by inviting counterparts would help in identifying research projects that can be utilized by the DepEd-CAR.
In a plenary talk, BVS Colleges’ Schools of Arts and Sciences Dean Percyveranda A. Lubrica shared insights into the role of institutional research. She highlighted that researches support the status and quality assurance of the institution and the community.
“While research has been existing all along, it plays a major role in our lives as educators and members of the academy,” she added.
She also identified the existing problem of functional literacy among students that requires improvement. She said that addressing this gap is helpful for enhancing the overall performance of students and learners.
Following the messages, strand three began with the presentations: Kara S. Panolong presented their research on “CAH-DOE Re Mi: College of Arts and Humanities-Department of English Reading Milestone with Department of Education: Benguet Schools”; Roselle Kristine D. Waguis shared her research on “Prevalence of Bullying Behaviors Among Elementary Learners in the Schools Division of Benguet”; Leonora B. Wanawan discussed “Attitude of 15-year-Old Students Toward Mathematics: An Exploratory Factor Analysis as a Foundation for Teacher Strategies to Enhance PISA Mathematics Achievement”; and Vanderlee M. Batalier presented findings on “Language Retention of Foreign Language by Filipino Learners.”
The presenters for strand four included J-lyn C. Espiritu who discussed “Successional Plan: A Bridge to Leadership Pipeline for Private School Heads in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet”; Steve Solano on “Driving Transformation Through Digital Leadership”; Nancy Costina presented “Teachers’ Participation, Effect, Barriers, and Needs Toward Learning and Professional Development Activities”; and Corazon C. Quipot on “Perception of Stakeholders on the Implementation of School Program Implementation Review (SPIR) in the Schools Division of Benguet.”
The sharing of experiences, challenges, and impact continued with the discussants.The discussants for the strands three and four were Jardon S. Onio from the DepEd Schools Division Office of Benguet; Cesar S. Martin from DepEd Benguet; and representing the DepEd-CAR Regional Office are Crisanta P. Pantaleon and Elvernice Salda-Fanged.
The event also included a workshop focused on formulating evidence-based policy recommendations and implementation strategies. The outputs were also presented by the participants.
In her closing remarks, Office of Extension Services Director Cheryll C. Launio thanked everyone who participated in the forum. She also emphasized that the knowledge gained should not simply end with the forum, but must be translated into policy or practice.