Communication and Journalism Department faculty Dr. Marco M. Polo recently represented De La Salle University-Dasmariñas at two prestigious international research conferences, showcasing the university's commitment to academic excellence and scholarly engagement at the global level.
AMIC Conference in Mumbai, India
From October 9-11, 2025, Dr. Polo participated in the 31st Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) Conference held at the SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai, India. The conference, themed "Navigating Digital Transformation in Media, Public Relations, and Advertising," brought together leading scholars, practitioners, and researchers from across Asia and other parts of the world to discuss critical developments in media and communication.
At this conference, Dr. Polo presented three research papers:
"Digital Communication and Donor Engagement in Philippine Higher Education: Strategic Insights for Fundraising and Institutional Identity" – Co-authored with Ma. Nornelyn Cachuela, DCOmm. This University Research Office (URO) funded study explores how DLSU-D leveraged digital platforms for donor engagement and institutional branding.
"From Campus to Career: Bridging the Skills Gap in Communication Curricula" – is co-authored with Ms. Isolde E. Valera, who received URO support for this research, the paper examined the alignment between communication education and industry requirements, offering insights into curriculum enhancement.
"Dissecting the Buzz: Listenership Analysis of PRSP Podcast Series" – This research provides valuable data-driven insights into podcast audience engagement and content performance.
World Anthropological Union Congress in Guatemala
Dr. Polo's scholarly contributions extended beyond Asia when he presented at the World Anthropological Union Congress 2025, held in Antigua, Guatemala from November 3 to 8, 2025. The congress, themed "Unearthing Humanity: Critical and Urgent Epistemic Redefinitions in World Anthropologies," gathered anthropologists and interdisciplinary scholars from around the world.
His presentation, titled "A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Practice of DLSU-Dasmariñas' Care-Centered Education Framework (EduCARE) in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Technologically Driven Learning Environment," highlighted the university's innovative educational approach during the pandemic. The research employed phenomenological methods to understand how DLSU-D's distinctive EduCARE framework operated within the challenges of technology-mediated learning during COVID-19.
His presentation was supported by the URO and the Office of the Vice Provost for Academics.
Recognition of Institutional Support
The presentations underscore the critical role of the University Research Office in supporting faculty research endeavors. The URO-funded project demonstrates DLSU-D's commitment to fostering a research culture and enabling faculty to contribute to international scholarly conversations.
Dr. Polo's participation in these conferences not only brings recognition to DLSU-Dasmariñas but also strengthens the university's international research networks. His work spans diverse areas—from digital communication and education to anthropological perspectives on pedagogy—reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary scholarship.
These international presentations contribute to DLSU-D's strategic goals of research excellence, global engagement, and the advancement of knowledge that serves both academic and societal needs.
SDGs:
