From Preparation to Triumph: HUMSS-Athens’ Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey

On March 26, 2025, held in Quezon National High School located at Brgy. Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City, the research defense of the students from HUMSS 12-Athens for Inquiries, Investigations and Immersion (3Is)—a subject administered by their research teacher Doc. Rona Ann Cea, has finally concluded. The student-researchers from the previously mentioned section showcased their innovative minds and their outstanding research presentation, demonstrating the dedication of those who were involved.

Espolon et al. on their final defense (March 11, 2025)

The classroom defense proper started on March 11, 2025, during which the first two presenters, Espolon and Andaya et al., successfully defended their research papers and outputs. The panelists on the board were Ma’am Carmela Ana Tambiloc and Sir Kalvin Tambiloc from the Senior High School department, who provided constructive and valuable feedback to the presenters. The study of Ms. Winpray’s group was about the level of satisfaction of campus journalists in a national high school, specifically focusing on their experiences with the support provided by the school, and the challenges they faced in their journalistic duties.

“The struggles that my group encountered were hectic schedule, a tiring workload, and lack of time to practice for the final oral defense,” Ms. Andaya shares.

Andaya et al. on their final defense (March 11, 2025)

She admitted that her group was not able to prepare properly for the presentation, as they juggled academic works and extracurricular activities–and the least thing that they could do is to study their papers in order for them to answer the questions the panelists might ask. , She added that since they had known about their paper since the first semester, the questions that were thrown at them were not that difficult to answer. With the aid of the literature and related studies that they cited, they answered the panel’s question with all honesty.

“Research is beneficial in making people’s lives and surroundings more improved, so make sure that the study you will be conducting will be impactful in the community,” Ms. Andaya added as their group proficiently finished their defense.

The final oral defense of the section continued on March 14, 2025. Two other groups, Ebuenga et al. and Valdeavilla et al., were successful in navigating the defense, which was overseen by Doc Rona Ann Cea and the panel members, Mr. Renz Raphael Razon and Mr. Jonvi Salvatierra. The researchers underlined the various challenges they faced while preparing for the defense.

Valdeavilla et al. on their final defense (March 14, 2024)

"We had a hard time matching our schedules because each of us had different times when we were most productive, different sleep habits, and other things going on in life," Ms. Valdeavilla stated.

While she acknowledged that they faced additional problems such as keeping focus and financial issues, Ms. Ebuenga emphasized how their group dealt with the pressure and daunting research defense schedule. In defiance of the conflicts, the researchers persisted, highlighting the vital significance of having a strong connection, effective communication, and commitment within the team to ensure the continuing growth of both the study and their social ties.

Ebuenga et al. during their final defense (March 14, 2025)

Following this, on March 18, 2025, Albuñan et al. and Excelise et al. presented their research papers during the third day of their defense. Both groups were guided by the panelists Mr. Jonvi Salvatierra and Ms. Hazel Pielago, whose feedback helped to revise their studies. Ms. Albuñan revealed that her group faced struggles such as handling multiple variables, convincing respondents, and analyzing data but overcame them through preparation.

They reviewed their paper thoroughly, incorporating their 3I’s teacher feedback, and rehearsed their assigned part. Ms. Albuñan shared how they connected their topic to real-life situations and tackled questions about Smart Shaming and their uncommon choice of topic. She encouraged future researchers to choose subjects that hold meaning, check their work for accuracy, and ensure all references are complete. She believes that research has the power to create positive change in communities.

Additionally, Mr. Excelise’s group struggled with time constraints, difficulty finding respondents, and rushing to meet deadlines. These issues resulted in less polished work and incomplete references, but the group pushed through by dividing tasks, practicing their presentation, and carefully reviewing their paper. From the panel’s feedback, they learned to connect missing references and improve visuals to make their educational video more engaging. Mr. Excelise advised future researchers to prioritize their references, start early to avoid delays, respect each other's time, and balance effort between their paper and its presentation. He highlighted the importance of making research meaningful and impactful for others.

Excelise et al. on their final defense. (March 18, 2024)

March 26 marked the conclusion of the four-day oral research defense for 12 HUMSS Athens. The two remaining groups, Aguilar et al. and Noble et al., took the stage to present and defend their research. Their research adviser, Ma'am Rona Ann Cea, was accompanied by the sole panelist that day, Mr. Ronald Abesamis. The presentation went smoothly as each group showcased their study, findings, and results.

According to Mr. Aguilar, the process wasn’t easy at first, as they struggled to find necessary resources, such as a laptop, which was a challenge similar to that faced by Noble et al. Both lead proponents shared that they had to borrow a device to properly and successfully substantiate their papers. Following the presentations, the researchers reflected on the remarks, areas for improvement, and instructions given by their panelist, recognizing their significance.

"After hearing the feedback and suggestions, we gained strategies and insights on how to improve our research paper, making it more effective and practical. This has helped us acknowledge the evaluation and ensure we adapt these suggestions for future academic purposes," Mr. Aguilar expressed.

Not only did this final oral defense marked the end of the chapter of their academic journey as this school year is bound to end in a month, but it will also be a foundation potentially for future researchers and academic achievement. As the student-researchers from HUMSS-Athens can state that this defense was a resounding success, they acknowledge the invaluable additional experience and lesson it provided. The efforts that they had to give before defending the paper, the breathtaking seconds that they dealt with to answer the panel’s probing questions, and the relief that those seconds brought after they had confirmed that their research was successfully defended—all of it served as pivotal moments in their academic journey.