TSU Communication Department Holds 1st Undergraduate Research Conference in Communication Studies and Media Literacy

The Communication Department, together with the TSU Communicators’ Guild, organized the 1st ComResCon: Undergraduate Research Conference in Communication Studies and Media Literacy on June 24, 2024, at the Theatre Room, Smith Hall Building.

The event aimed to strengthen the research capability skills of communication students in choosing topics and to showcase and promote undergraduate research in the field of communication, providing a platform for students to present their work and engage with peers and experts.

Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, Vice President of Academic Affairs, opened the event, expressing hopes that this research conference would be the first of many to come. Following her remarks, Asst. Prof. Maria Fermina Joyce C. Nucum, Chairperson of the Communication Department, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Jose Reuben Q. Alagaran II, the Director of the Research Publications Officen and incoming dean of the College of Communication at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Dr. Alagaran emphasized the significance of research in everyday decision-making and its role in informed judgments. He provided examples of research topics, discussed their parameters, and explained methods for expanding existing knowledge. He also discussed media literacy from the perspective of Gen Z, highlighting "media mindfulness" and the importance of accountability in media consumption. He addressed the impact of media on physical and mental health and the need to prioritize privacy to avoid issues like scamming.

The afternoon session featured presentations of the best theses, best documentaries, and best special projects, reviewed by Dr. Bryan R. Realgo, a professor of Communication from Mariano Marcos State University. Each presentation was followed by Dr. Realgo's comments and suggestions for improvement.

The event concluded with a brief message from Dr. Aloysius T. Madriaga, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, who congratulated the faculty members of the Department of Communication on the successful conduct of the 1st Communication Research Conference of the department.