2nd ComRescon 2025 highlights Methodological Innovation in Communication Research

Report by Mandie Asejo | Photos by Antonio Joaquin Umali

The Second Communication Research Convention (ComRescon) 2025, themed 'Strengthening Communication Research through Methodological Innovation and Diversity,' was held on June 5, 2025, at the Tarlac State University Theater Room, Smith Hall, Main Campus, in a face-to-face and hybrid setup.

Dr. Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna, Executive Director of DEM, DR\&DM at PUP, opened the morning session by discussing mixed-method research applications in media effects, health, crisis, and organizational communication. He emphasized the importance of interpreting findings with depth, especially in areas like religious conflicts using explanatory mixed-method approaches.

One of the most talked-about moments came from Dr. Novi Andayani Praptiningsih, Associate Professor at Universitas Muhammadiyah in Indonesia, during her presentation on gay identity formation. She framed her perspective through dramaturgical theory, addressing themes of gayphobia and heterophobia, which sparked considerable discussion among attendees.

Moreover, Asst. Prof. Maria Fermina Joyce C. Nucum from TSU aligned the conference theme with TSU’s own research efforts, emphasizing the role of Comm 108, Comm 112a, and 112b in balancing theory and practice.

Ms. Winona P. Arador of York University as the final keynote speaker also discussed autoethnography, ethical writing, and social media ethnographic methods, while emphasizing responsible qualitative interviewing and offering writing tips.

Student researchers of COMM were also recognized in the event, leaving with best thesis Award to Romer L. Madrid, Jandale Loui M. Mendoza, and Heleina Angela M. Quesada for Evaluation of Crisis Communication Strategies in Managing Social Media Issues of State Universities in Tarlac Province, as judged by an academic panel and media practitioners.

Meanwhile, Alexander Adrian S. Ong, John Harvey P. Pamintuan, and Alner Christian F. Pineda tied for second place with their study “Swipe Left, Swipe Right: Factors Influencing the Success of Heterosexual and Same-Sex Connections with Origins in Online Dating,” alongside Len Fillip A. Rebamonte, Cyril B. Crisology, and Renz C. Custodio for “An Analysis of Communication Strategies Employed by the BFAR Region 3’s Salt Development Program in Aurora.” Third place went to Rosemarie Q. Gueco, Erica T. Borja, and Jan Michael B. Montoya for “A Content Analysis on Gloc-9’s Songs in Raising Awareness on Social Issues.”

For Best Thesis Documentary, Irene N. Bagayas, Althea Louisse D. Pangan, Thimothy Addelaide Yvonne G. Perez, and Myra M. Pesquera won first place for their study “Non-Governmental Organizations’ Communication Strategies for Promoting and Raising Awareness on Sustainable Waste Management,” followed by Maria Rose M. Utal, Pia Nel A. Yambao, and Gerald James A. Valdez in second place for “Tinta’t Tinig ng mga Komikeros: Exploring Comics as a Medium for Communicating Societal Issues through Art,” and Angilene B. Dableo, Irish Kate M. Landigan, Mark Adrian “Aya” Metiam, and MJ M. Sembrano in third place for “An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center Program in Central Luzon.”

For the Special Project Award, Aira S. Francisco, Erika Cess S. Rodrigo, and Christian Justin D. Tañedo won first place for Watch and Learn: Special Project on the Development of Instructional Audio-Visual Materials for the Childcare Program of Tarlac State University, while second place was awarded to Emoji Code: Usage and Interpretation in Digital Communication” by Nancy Manzano, Katrine Martinez, Christina Gascon, and Rhoda Mae Romero.

Furthermore, During the panel discussion, Mr. John Eumer Yanga of GMA Integrated News and former Editor-in-Chief of The Oracle, the official student publication of College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), emphasized the importance of emotional resonance in documentaries.

“So dapat, when you do a documentary, may kinakapitan emotionally yung mga manonood. Kung ito ay isang panlipunan, simulan mo kung sino ba yung apektado. Dito sa documentary na ito, ang apektado ay ang mga tao,” he said.

Dr. Faridah Haryati, also from Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, joined the panel to contribute an intercultural perspective, enriching the international tone of the convention.

Organized by the Communication Department, ComRescon 2025 served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and research recognition in the field of communication.