GSC staff recognized as Best Presenters at Global Teacher Education Conference
Silliman University’s Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center received another recognition for its continuing advocacy in digital inclusion after Alfie Quinamot Arcelo and Dr. Dave E. Marcial were named Best Presenters during the 3rd Global Conference on Teacher Education, Research, and Innovation, hosted by Mariano Marcos State University on April 28–30, 2026 via online.
Arcelo and Marcial were recognized for their research presentation titled “Effectiveness of the Free Computer Education Program for Senior Citizens: Implications for Advancing Digital Inclusion.” The award acknowledged their outstanding presentation skills and exemplary delivery during the international conference, which carried the theme “Convergence for Excellence: Integrating Teacher Education, Research, and Global Engagement.”
The recognized study is anchored on the long-running community extension advocacy of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center, particularly through the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Innovation, Creation, and Invention Laboratory. Launched in 2019, the initiative has provided free computer education to senior citizens and other lifelong learners, supporting digital literacy, inclusion, and community empowerment.
“This recognition is another harvest from our advocacy in digital inclusion,” said Marcial. “The project may be small in scale, but it continues to create meaningful impact, especially among senior citizens who deserve opportunities to participate in the digital world.”
The latest award adds to the growing recognition of the Center’s technology-enhanced community engagement initiatives, which have also been acknowledged through award-giving bodies such as the eLearning Forum Asia Award and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
Marcial also expressed appreciation to the team behind the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center for sustaining the program despite challenges. He likewise acknowledged Dr. Mariano C. Lao for his continued support, as well as the mentors and partners who have helped strengthen the project over the years.
The recognition also highlights the Center’s effort to mentor emerging researchers. Dr. Marcial noted that Arcelo’s involvement in the study reflects how advocacy work can be transformed into classroom learning, research productivity, and scholarly contribution.
Through this recognition, Silliman University continues to affirm its commitment to service-learning, lifelong learning, and digital inclusion, particularly among sectors that are often left behind in the digital transformation process.
