Home » News

News

CAS Professor wins Best Paper Presenter in international research tilt

Jean A. Arellano, a professor under the College of Arts and Sciences, won the Best Presenter Award in the international-level research contest during the 11th International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Issues in Society held on February 24-25, 2016 at Flora Grand Hotel, Dubai.
The research, entitled “IPODDs Employee Information System,” which Arellano co-authored with Japhet Reyes, Center for Information and Technology programmer, provides a network-based system designed to exhibit accurate, relevant and timely information necessary to facilitate the decision-making process and enable the organization’s management functions to be carried out effectively. The information system was developed with a goal of improving job efficiency and increase productivity.
The competition is sponsored by Global Research and Development Services which is an association that initiates professional conferences in different countries to provide platform for the researchers to achieve academic excellence and knowledge sharing.
With motto, 'Collaborate to Co-create', GDRS organized the 11th International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Issues in Society which primarily aims to provide a platform for researchers, academicians as well as professionals all over the world to present their research results and developmental activities in the field of Information and Communication Technology. This is also to provide opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences face to face, to establish research relations and to find global partners for future collaboration.
Arellano said she did not expect the award especially that the competition was participated by ICT experts around the world.
“I did not expect the award at all. I only gave my best in presenting our research,” Arellano said.
She also noted that she acquired enough confidence in presenting their research from her experience in Singapore where she again presented her thesis in an international forum. She added that the training she obtained in the university also gave her confidence during the presentation.
“My first time to attend a conference out of the country was on November 2015 in Singapore. I presented my thesis. Back then I was really shy and nervous. But after that experience, I saw Filipinos are not left behind when it comes to conducting and presenting researchers internationally. That’s why during my attendance in Dubai, I had enough confidence to go on with my presentation,” Arellano said.
Delegates from Nigeria, Jordan, Oman, Malaysia and India attended the conference. Aside from Arellano, Jose Rodrigo Zubiri from the Department of Communication, Ateneo De Manila University also attended said conference with his study “The Digital Divide in Basic Education and Its Relation to Academic Performance and Aspirations.”
ICT experts served as the evaluators of the researches presented during the conference including Guannu Kuluku Dezon from Cuttington University; Khadga Bahadur Thapa Magar from International Academy of Management & Business; Abba Mohammed Ahmed and Abdullahi Ya'u Mohammad from Jigawa State College of Education; Uday Pal from Central Board of Secondary Education, Computer Faculty; Lokesh Garg of WA Country Health Services and; Abubakar Ishaku from Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State Nigeria.
In an interview, Arellano encouraged the employees of the University to conduct researches that would be beneficial not only to the school alone but also to the society, to the country and even to the international community in order to improve our way of life.
“In order to encourage the employees, I would like to tell them that conducting research is a way to develop our ability to think critically. It is also a way to improve the quality of life,” Arellano said.
“The quotation ‘you will never know you can unless you try’ had been my guiding principle in the conduct of the research. The employees can, I know and I believe they can. They just need a little inspiration and motivation,” she added.
She also said that she became determined to finish her research because NWU Community encouraged and supported her.
“NWU's support was excellent. Dean Guillermo was very supportive all the way in giving her advice and checking my research. Also with Dr. Pilar, Dr. Aurelio and most especially Ma’am Liza for giving me powerful encouragement,” she said.

UCRD's Research Capability Building continues to strengtjen NWU research culture

UCRD’s Research Capability Building continues to strengthen NWU research culture          
            To engage more faculty researchers in the development of the research process and to increase research outputs in the school, the University Center for Research and Development initiated an interactive seminar-workshop on Contemporary Outlining of Research Proposal and Data Management and Analysis on August 28, 2015 and October 15, 2015, respectively, at the Exhibit Room.
            The seminars are part of the Research Capability Building program of the UCRD. It is an initiative which aims to explore new ways, mechanisms, and opportunities to deepen the commitment of faculty members and researchers for them to engage and generate a great number of world-class and high quality studies.
            The RCB started in 2011 as a result and recommendation of the late Dr. Estrella Calixto, former dean of the College of Teacher Education, in her study titled “Research Skills and Attitudes of Faculty of Northwestern University.” The study showed that faculty need need to be assisted in conceptualizing researches, in making research designs, in the preparation of research materials like their data gathering tool, in the treatment and analysis of data, in utilizing the results of finished researches and in managing the conduct of researches.
            The heads of offices, instructors, and faculty researches attended said seminars. Each college/office showed support and interest in the activity by sending their respective representative.
Contemporary Outlining of Research Proposals
            The seminar-workshop was purely interactive and fast phase. Set of photos representing rampant issues and problems on the fields of education, economics, engineering, agriculture, environment, and health among others were given to the participants from which they have anchored their respective research proposals.
            The research proposals included “Strengthening the Ilocano Heritage and History through Arts and Language,” by Dawn Syrell Dalayap, Michelle Domingo, Joseph Marc Miguel and Maria Corazon Retutal; “Social Media as a Means of Education and Public Information to the Students of NWU,” by Alvin John Cariaso, Berlin Dalunag, Maria Theresa Carbonell and John Sinang;
“Development of Low-Cost Wireless Home Security with SMS Monitoring,” by    Engr. Rolly Ramos, Engr. Mildred and Angelica Hernando; “Waste Management Practices of Ilocos Norte,” by Aida Floresita Galapon, Max Rolando Guillermo, Albert Salud, Dominique Tamayo and Edralin Bitanga; and lastly “Physico-Chemical Analysis and Microbiological Testing of Water Sources in Brgy. 16 San Marcos San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte as a Basis for Health Development Program,” by Mary Grace Alejandro, Venus Palting, Cristina Picoc and Fidel Esguerra. 
            Mr. Fidel Esguerra, Area Manager of Nalbo and Piddig farms, said that the program is a speedy and effective way of producing research proposals because employees are properly guided.
            “This program is indeed effective. In just a span of half a day or four hours, we have already produced several research proposals,” Esguerra said.

Data Management and Analysis
            The UCRD held the Data Management and Analysis Seminar on October 15, 2015 to provide participants with in-depth knowledge on interpreting data and applying appropriate statistics in the analysis of gathered data.
            Dr. Lori Marselli L. De Castro, University’s Academic Consultant, emphasized that a researcher can only obtain valuable results if he knows how to manage and analyze data in an accurate and relevant manner. She further explained that correct and precise interpretation can be made through an effective management of data.
            The participants underwent computation and tabulation exercises on the collected data for the purpose of analysis. De Castro guided the participants and explained that they can perform the analysis manually, by using calculator or computer software as per the demand of the problem and the available facilities.

           

NWU community upholds sense of volunteerism

The NWU students, faculty and head of offices proved that their hectic schedule is in no case a hindrance for them to uplift the spirit of volunteerism and unity as they joined the Bayanihan Challenge 2016 which aims to build and renovate houses for the residents of Gawad Kalinga Namnama Village.The Bayanihan Challenge is an annual activity of the Gawad Kalinga Foundation, a Philippine-based movement, which  generally targets to restore the dignity of the poor and give care without leaving anyone behind. As part of the target, the foundation specifically aims to end poverty for five million families until 2024 by employing an integrated and holistic approach empowerment with values-formation and leadership development at its core.
One of the beneficiaries of the said activity are the residents of Gawad Kalinga Namnama Village, Talingaan, Laoag City. Held on May 13-15, 2016, the three-day weekend event comprised of several activities such as cultivating of ornamental plants, rug-making for livelihood, gift-giving for the children and a basketball tournament for camaraderie development. The “Build a House” activity is the highlight of the event which was actively participated by the graduate students and faculty.
The volunteers, as well as Dr. Elsie C. Pilar, the Dean of the VJSSGS and Director of University Center for Research and Development, assisted in carrying and laying out hollowblocks. They also painted the finished houses.
Prof. Imelda Dawang, dean of Student Affairs, spearheaded the cultivation of ornamental plants. Recycled plastic bottles and used car tired  served as the pots for the plants in order promote sustainable waste management.
Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, the University  President, also participated in the undertaking as he stood in a human chain where participants carry and pass hollowblocks to each other until these would reach the endpoint.
Atty. Nicolas said that the activity is an eyeopener to everyone as he and the participants was able to internalized the vision of Gawad kalinga to extend help to the needy. He also expressed his support to the foundation’s tagline, “Walang Iwanan sa Pag-Unlad.”
“Namulat ang aming mata sa lawak ng hangarin ng Gawad Kalinga Foundation para sa bansa dahil hindi lamang pabahay ang kailangan ng ating mga kababayan, kailangan rin ng magandang trabaho at tulong para walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad ng bayan,” Nicolas said.
He also said that Northwestern University, as an educational institution has a purpose to help the students attain their dreams in life, however, he encouraged them to think not only of themselves but also to think of others and extend help to the needy.
“Ang isang sa mga pakay ng Northwestern University, bilang isang educational institution,  ay para matulungan kayong mga estudyante na makamit ang inyong mga pangarap sa buhay. Pero hindi susulong ang ating bayan kung ang iniisip lamang natin ay ang sarili natin. Huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga kababayan na kapus palad. Kaya naniniwala ako sa pilosopiya ng GK na walang iwanan. Kung may pagunlad, dapat walang maiiwan,” he said.
He further emphasized that being an ordinary citizen is not a hindrance to help, thus, encouraged everyone to unite to attain the vision of GK.
“A public official has a big role in the nation building, pero tayong mga ordinaryong mamamayan, ang pagtulong natin, pag-aruga at pagmamahal sa kapwa, hindi nangangailangan ng boto, hindi nangangailangan ng termino, kaya sama sama tayong makiisa sa hangarin ng GK,” he added.
Rodolfo Lanusa, team leader of GK North Luzon, expressed his gratitude to Northwestern University for cooperating with them in the attainment of their vision to end poverty. He said that the activity which was supported by NWU serves as a key so that other schools and universities in Ilocos Norte will also open their doors and join their team in their endevour.
“Inumpisahan na ng Northwestern University ang pagtutulungan at kooperasyon dito sa GK community Ilocos Norte, kaya itong  gagawin natin dito ngayon, ito ang magiging susi para bumukas sa oportunidad ng pagtulong ang ibang eskwelahan at tularan ang NWU. It’s a legacy. Maraming salamat po,” Lanusa said.