ACC faculty researchers celebrate publication success in FRAMEwork The Asia-Pacific Journal of Communication by Jonalyn Eman
Alvin Advincula and John Paul Adtoon both faculty researchers from the Abuyog Community College (ACC) have achieved a significant milestone with the successful publication of their research paper in the maiden issue of FRAMEwork The Asia-Pacific Journal of Communication of Far Eastern University Manila Philippines.
The FRAMEwork: The Asia-Pacific Journal of Communication was launched on April 25, 2024, during the opening program of the 2nd FRAMEwork Asia-Pacific Communication Conference held at the University Conference Center at Far Eastern University Manila, Philippines.
Their paper, titled “Narratives of Campus Publication Advisers: Challenges, Adaptations, and Student Engagement in the Post-Pandemic Times,” explores the evolving landscape of campus journalism and media education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study delves into the experiences of campus publication advisers and the unique challenges they faced during a period of unprecedented change. It also highlights the adaptations made by these professionals to engage students and maintain the quality of campus publications amid a rapidly shifting educational environment.
“This publication is a testament to the dedication, hard work and resilience of our campus paper advisers,” said Mr. Alvin Advincula, the lead author of the paper.
“We set out to explore how campus publications and advisers adapted during the post-pandemic era, and we’re thrilled to share our findings with the wider academic community.”
The researchers examined various factors that impacted campus publications, including remote learning, digital communication, and the changing dynamics of student engagement. They found that while the post-pandemic period presented significant challenges, it also opened up new opportunities for creativity and innovation in campus publication organization and management.
“Our goal was to provide valuable insights that could help other educators and publication advisers navigate similar challenges,” Advincula added. “We hope that our work will encourage further research and inspire others to explore new approaches to communication and student engagement.”
Present during the symbolic launching were ACC research director, Engr. Juancho Tesado and The Honeycomb coordinator, Mr. Alvin Advincula.
Overcoming Desk Rejection and Revisions
Getting a research paper published in a reputable journal is no easy feat. The process is notoriously competitive, with many submissions facing immediate desk rejection due to various factors, such as lack of alignment with the journal’s scope or perceived methodological weaknesses.
Advincula and Adtoon experienced this firsthand when their initial submission was rejected, but they didn’t let this setback deter them.”I submitted the paper on November 2023 and was disappointed to know that the paper needs total overhauling and revised, but I knew that rejection was part of the journey,” Advincula recalled , the lead author of the paper. “Instead of giving up, I took the reviewers’ feedback to heart and worked diligently to address every comment and suggestion.”
The team spent months revising their manuscript, carefully considering each piece of constructive criticism from the double blind peer reviewers. They restructured sections, added more robust evidence to support their arguments, and refined their methodology to ensure the paper met the high standards of the journal.
This commitment to excellence and attention to detail eventually paid off, as their revised submission was accepted for publication on March 2024.The researchers’ dedication to quality and their ability to adapt to feedback demonstrate the importance of resilience in the academic publication process.
“We learned a lot through this experience, and it made our research even stronger,” Advincula noted. “The revisions allowed us to present a clearer and more compelling narrative that resonates with other educators and communication professionals.”
Their successful publication in FRAMEwork Asia Pacific Journal of Communication is a testament to the persistence and hard work of the ACC faculty researchers. It also underscores the importance of collaboration and support from peers, mentors, and the journal’s editorial team.
The researchers expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to the paper’s success, emphasizing that the rigorous process ultimately led to a better outcome.
The ACC faculty researchers hoped that their journey will inspire other researchers facing similar challenges.
“Rejection is not the end; it’s a stepping stone to improvement,” Advincula highlighted. “We’re excited to share our findings and to continue exploring new directions in communication and education.”
Navigating New Horizons in Research
The 2nd Asia-Pacific Communication Conference held at Far Eastern University (FEU) on April 25-26, 2024 brought together faculty members and students from universities across the Asia-Pacific.
The two-day conference was a hybrid event with online and onsite presentations, focused on the theme “Shifting information order in the region.” ,it was organized by Far Eastern University Institute of Arts and Sciences, through its Department of Communication.
Representatives present were from esteemed institutions from Ateneo De Manila University, University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle College of St. Benilde, University of Santo Tomas, Abuyog Community College, Cagayan State University Carig Campus, Amity University Haryana, and Sharda University.
The conference featured plenary talks, roundtable discussions, parallel sessions, special lectures, and best paper presentations both for faculty and students.
The event is in partnership with Cavite State University, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Mass Communication, UP Mindanao, Amity University, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Visayas State University, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.
Formally commencing the event was the ceremonial hitting of the gong followed by a welcome message from the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of Far Eastern University, Dr. Maria Teresa Tinio. Opening remarks were also delivered by some of the university partners.
As the event progresses, Dr. Ana Serrano, one of the keynote speakers from Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University Canada, talked about centering grassroots in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Following Dr. Serrano’s address, the Communication and Coordination Officer for the Multi-Donor Fund for Aceh, Dr. Nia Sarisnatiti provided insights in evaluating Southeast Asian environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The discussion was continued by Dr. Juanito Anot, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Dr. Ma. Theresa Rivera.
To conclude the 1st day of the conference, a special lecture on “Breaking transnational barriers through artificial intelligence in the workplace” was thoroughly discussed by Ronaldo Jabal, DPA, APR of PAGEONE Media and Communication, while Dr. Randy Jay Solis engaged in a plenary talk and dialogue on “Turning the Gaze on Asia: Asianizing Communication Theory and Scholarship,” with Karen Panela as the adept moderator.
On the second day, Co-Covener Dr. Augustus Caesar Latosa started the day with a comprehensive overview of the events of Day 1 of the conference. Following Augustus’ recap, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Chorale performed their rendition of Dambana, extending their heartfelt welcome to all the guests.
Furthermore, multimedia producer Noel Ferrer shared an informative keynote lecture about Philippine cinema and its ongoing pressing problems, followed by Seymour Sanchez’s engaging response and a Q&A session with participants led by Christina Stella Ustaris as the moderator.
A stimulating roundtable discussion about forging community and academic relations towards indigenized communication was led by Maria Rita Cucio of FEU, John David Moncada of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and Raquel Agustin of Cavite State University, and moderated by Irish Talusan of the UP Diliman.
Following the round table discussion, Bettina Joyce Ilagan from Cavite State University led a plenary talk about the evolving discourse on higher education leadership in Southeast Asia. Sumit Narula of Amity University, India, talked about media production, consumption, and ethics in the age of the digital economy in Southeast Asia with Joven Castro as moderator.Flordeliz Abanto from FEU’s Department of Communication led a roundtable on strengthening university integrity through research.
Afterwards, delegates from FRAMEwork Days 1 and 2 gathered at the Arts Building UCC for the awarding ceremony, recognizing the contributions and achievements throughout the event.
Co-Convener Augustus Ceasar Latosa announced the awardees for the Top 3 Best Papers from the students and faculty category. The winners are as follows:
Top 3 Best Paper (Student Category)
1st- I draw my paper: Unraveling the Narratives of Children on Flood Through Narrative Inquiry by Jackilou T. Tumaliuan, Cagayan State University
2nd- A Discourse Analysis on Fox News’ Coverage of China’s Technological Rise in the Post-Pandemic Setting: A Techno-Orientalist Approach by Elyza Cordoval and Mikaela Gabrielle de Castro, University of Santo Tomas
3rd- Seventeen Fanboys and the Emergence of Soft Masculinity: A Descriptive Critical Study by Hannah Almadin, Joella Vlen Camique, Jhoanna Kylle Ragasa, Justine Jaerigg Tan, and Humphrey Mark Gian Torcuator, Far Eastern University Manila
Top 3 Best Paper (Faculty Category)
1st – Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Exploring Technology and Empowerment through Khabar Lahariya’s Lens by Dr. Esha Jainiti, Dr. Udaya Narayana Singh, Ubair Showkat, and Tamanna Hooda, Amity University Haryana-
1st- Nag-usap, Kinilig, Nabasa: A multimodal critical discourse analysis of queer representations in Karlo Victoriano’s comic series, Sari-Sari Story by Kyle Patrick de Guzman, Far Eastern University Manila
2nd- Amplifying voices from the margins: A phenomenological study of communication experiences in a university extension project by Jan Justin C. Rodriguez, Cagayan State University
Concluding the program was Dr. Rowena Capulong Reyes, FRAMEwork convenor delivered a heartwarming closing remark. Reyes thanked everyone who made the 2nd FRAMEwork successful: the partner universities, FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences, FEU IAS Department of Communication, Faculty, Admin, FEU Media Center and the Student Volunteers.