University of Cebu–Banilad formally opened its Research Congress on May 6, 2026, bringing together academic leaders, faculty members, and non-teaching department heads as the campus strengthens its push for research, critical inquiry, and academic collaboration.
The opening ceremony began with a ribbon-cutting led by HR Director Atty. Julius P. Paqueo and Research Director Dr. Judy Ann Gimena, joined by deans, department heads, faculty members, and academic leaders from various colleges and offices.
Miss Sachi Xandria de Lara formally opened the program, while Dr. Amabella Grace Siaton presented the rationale behind the Congress, emphasizing the need to move research beyond a requirement for graduation or academic compliance and toward a sustained culture of learning, innovation, and social relevance.
Gimena said the Congress provides students and educators an avenue to view research as more than an academic requirement, highlighting its role in inquiry, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas across disciplines.
The Congress also features the presentation of scholarly studies and academic outputs, providing a platform for researchers within the university to share findings and engage with ideas from different fields.
As information becomes increasingly accessible, the activity underscores the importance of critical thinking, disciplined inquiry, and evidence-based learning in higher education.
