ComResCon 2025 Equips Students to be Research-Ready, Recognize Student Communication Research

Senior and junior Communication students from Tarlac State University (TSU), along with visiting Indonesian students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA (UHAMKA), participated in the second Communication Research Convention (ComResCon) 2025 held on June 5 in a hybrid setup via Zoom and on-site. Organized by TSU’s Department of Communication in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), the event aimed to strengthen students’ research skills under the theme, “Strengthening Communication Research through Methodological Innovation and Diversity.”

The convention featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Dr. Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), who discussed the significance of mixed-method research in media, health, and crisis communication. Dr. Novi Andayani Praptiningsih from UHAMKA addressed societal perspectives on gay identity through dramaturgical theory, while Ms. Winona P. Arador of York University emphasized the importance of auto-ethnography and ethical, reflective writing in qualitative research.

Asst. Prof. Maria Fermina Joyce C. Nucum, Head of TSU’s Department of Communication, emphasized the university’s focus on academic research, highlighting the curriculum that supports student-led investigations from theory to application.

One of the event’s highlights was the awarding of outstanding student research. The Best Thesis award went to “Evaluation of Crisis Communication Strategies in Managing Social Media Issues of State Universities in Tarlac Province” by Romer Madrid, Jandale Loui Mendoza, and Heleina Anjela Quesada.

Two groups tied for second place:

“Swipe Left, Swipe Right: Factors Influencing the Success of Heterosexual and Same-Sex Connections Originating in Online Dating” by Alexander Adrian Ong, Alner Pineda, John Harvey Pamintuan, and

“An Analysis of Communication Strategies Employed by the BFAR Region 3’s Salt Development Program in Aurora” by Len Filip Rebamonte, Cyril Crisologo, and Renz Custodio.

Third place was awarded to “A Content Analysis of Gloc-9’s Songs in Raising Awareness on Social Issues” by Rosemarie Gueco, Erica Borja, and Jan Michael Montoya.

In the Best Thesis Documentary category, top honors went to “Non-Governmental Organizations’ Communication Strategies for Promoting and Raising Awareness on Sustainable Waste Management” by Thimothy Addelaide Yvonne Perez and team, followed by “Tinta’t Tinig ng mga Komikeros: Exploring Comics as a Medium for Communicating Societal Issues through Art” and “An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center Program in Central Luzon.”

For Best Special Project, “Watch and Learn: Special Project on the Development of Instructional Audio-Visual Materials for the Childcare Program of Tarlac State University” by Aira Francisco and the group received the highest recognition.

ComResCon 2025 successfully showcased the depth and diversity of student research, fostering collaboration and academic excellence among future communication professionals from both local and international institutions.