2 USM Personnel Make a Mark on Different Fields

Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, a professor emeritus of the University of Southern Mindanao, was recognized as the 2023 National Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Agriculture by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); meanwhile, Associate Professor Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita, The Mindanao Tech Adviser, won Best Research Paper in his research titled, “Framing Marcos Jr.’s SONA: Comparative Study of Online News in the Philippines” during the 1st International Campus Media Research Conference held on November 8-9, 2023 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Dr. Barlaan’s recognition is the highest award bestowed by the PRC. His peers endorsed hum for exhibiting appropriate professional competence and integrity in his professional practice. He will be conferred on December 10, 2023, in Metro Manila.

In his Facebook post, Professor Emeritus wrote: “Double Blessings.” referring to his recent victory for winning Best R&D Paper in the Research category awarded by DOST-PCAARRD.

Meanwhile, Prof. Colita utilized content analysis techniques to examine news articles corresponding to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA). The research paper merged the five new frames outlined by Semetko and Valkenburg, focusing on the attribution of responsibility, human interest, conflict, morality, and economic consequences.

In an online interview, Prof. Colita highlighted that he did not expect to win the best paper since other papers presented were excellent and carefully chosen by the organizers.

“…But looking back, my paper presented the news media landscape of the Philippines since I looked into 20 news articles from all over the country. In this day and age of digitalization, we can combat fake news through evidence-based research.” He concluded.

Indeed, USM pursues excellence in different fields and continually provides rich exposure for professional development .