MANILA, Philippines, October 26, 2026 — The Association of Training Institutions for Foreign Trade in Asia and the Pacific (ATIFTAP) recognized researchers, academic mentors, institutional leaders, and higher education institutions during the Research Excellence Gala 2026 on October 17 at The Bayleaf Manila in Intramuros. Held in conjunction with the 20th Global Business Conference, the event acknowledged achievements in research, scholarly publication, mentorship, institutional development, and academic service while emphasizing the importance of making research more inclusive and accessible.
The gala featured a retrospective titled “Celebrating 20 Years of Legacy,” reflecting on two decades of scholarly collaboration, research engagement, and contributions to knowledge development. The recognition program included individual research awards, institutional distinctions, honorary fellowships, and the conferment of GBC and ATIFTAP Research Fellows.
Recognizing leadership and scholarly service
A special recognition segment acknowledged individuals who contributed to ATIFTAP's institutional development and academic activities.
Dr. Luz T. Suplico-Jeong, past chair and member of the Board of Trustees; Minda V. Escobar, Board of Trustees member; Bienvenido Lorenzo C. Encarnacion, chair of the Global Business Conference; and Dr. Nelson B. Guillen Jr., editor-in-chief of the Journal of Global Business, were recognized as ATIFTAP Honorary Fellows.
Rechelle B. Bagaforo received a Certificate of Appreciation for her contributions as an ATIFTAP officer and editorial assistant.
Honoring research excellence and mentorship
Matthew Faith S. Somera of Saint Louis University, Baguio City, received the Outstanding Young Researcher Award, recognizing promising early-career scholarly achievement.
The GBC Outstanding Researcher Awards recognized Christian Paulo O. Guanzon, Dr. Ezekiel Edison U. Nemis, Dr. Ken Paul M. Espinosa, and Gerald S. Sapinoso for their scholarly contributions and research achievements.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jerry C. Cocabo-Yao of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Manila and Dr. Virgilia J. Arispe of Pambayang Dalubhasaan ng Marilao received Distinguished Research Mentor Awards for their contributions to research guidance and the development of emerging scholars.
Recognizing institutions that advance research
Holy Angel University received the GBC Research School of the Year award, while Polytechnic University of the Philippines–San Pedro Campus was named first runner-up and Pambayang Dalubhasaan ng Marilao second runner-up.
The institutional recognitions acknowledged efforts to strengthen research culture, encourage scholarly participation, and support knowledge development within higher education.
Conferment of Research Fellows
The gala also recognized scholars through two fellowship distinctions intended to encourage sustained engagement in research and scholarly collaboration.
The GBC Research Fellowship, conferred for three years, recognizes individuals whose research involvement and contributions support the Global Business Conference's scholarly community.
Recipients included Dr. Antonio E. Etrata Jr., Dr. Jayvie O. Guballo, Karla Michelle Salvador Barrameda, and Dr. Eric Santos Parilla.
The ATIFTAP Research Fellowship, conferred for five years, recognizes sustained commitment to scholarly publication, research development, and service to the wider research community.
The publicly recognized ATIFTAP Research Fellows included Dr. Dennis L. Berino, Dr. Cristina Teresa N. Lim, Dr. Daisy H. Estrada, Dr. Danzen B. Olazo, Dr. Froilan S. Labausa, Dr. Guillermina C. Vizcarra, Dr. Janine Sato-Betonio, Dr. Jeanet E. Parreño, Dr. Judy A. Catalo, Dr. Nickie Boy A. Manalo, Dr. Sharon Candy Manguerra-Mahusay, Dr. Edwin B. Valeroso, Atty. John Evan C. Miguel, Mary Rose Maharlika P. Cruz, Atty. Romeo A. Sustiguer Jr., Dr. Ryan D. Bastareche, Dr. Vicente E. Montaño, Dr. Ricarte Q. Pinlac, Dr. Francia R. Santos, and Dr. Maria Victoria P. Tibon.
Additional fellowship recipients elected to keep their recognitions private. ATIFTAP has respected their preferences by excluding their names from the public announcement.
Advancing a more inclusive research community
Beyond recognizing individual accomplishments, the fellowships reflect ATIFTAP's broader commitment to encouraging meaningful participation in research.
Central to this initiative is the belief that research should not be confined to educators, established academics, or individuals affiliated with universities. Students, independent researchers, industry practitioners, professionals, and community members can also contribute valuable knowledge, perspectives, and practical insights.
Through its fellowship initiatives and scholarly activities, ATIFTAP seeks to encourage collaboration across disciplines, institutions, professions, and career stages. The objective is to help cultivate a research community in which opportunities for knowledge creation, scholarly engagement, and professional development become more accessible.
The three-year GBC and five-year ATIFTAP fellowships provide a framework for continuing scholarly engagement, recognizing that meaningful research contributions can develop through sustained participation and collaboration.
Continuing the commitment to research excellence
The Research Excellence Gala 2026 highlighted the importance of recognizing scholarly achievements while strengthening connections among researchers, mentors, institutions, and professionals.
As ATIFTAP continues its academic initiatives, the organization seeks to support a culture in which research is valued not only for publication and recognition but also for its potential to inform practice, address societal concerns, and contribute to community development.
About ATIFTAP
The Association of Training Institutions for Foreign Trade in Asia and the Pacific (ATIFTAP) promotes scholarly engagement, professional exchange, and research collaboration through initiatives that include the Global Business Conference and related academic activities. Its recognition and fellowship programs acknowledge research excellence, mentorship, institutional contributions, and service while supporting broader participation in knowledge development.
