Article by Ricardo Saronias Jr.
La Union, PHILIPPINES—Samar State University (SSU) proudly celebrates another landmark achievement as COED Prof. Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, Research Executive Director, secured both the Best Paper in Education (Human Capital and Impact Track) and the Overall Best Paper in Education Award during the 3rd International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering, and Agriculture, held on December 3–5, 2025, in Bauang, La Union, Philippines.
The winning study, titled “Beyond Free Tuition: An Equity-Based Mixed-Methods Analysis of Barriers to College Completion in Philippine State Universities,” presents a rigorous and equity-focused examination of why many students in State Universities and Colleges continue to struggle in completing their degrees despite the benefits of Republic Act 10931. Through its mixed-methods approach, the paper uncovers persistent financial, institutional, academic, and social barriers affecting student success, particularly among disadvantaged learners.
The research was authored by the SSU Research Executive Director together with a multidisciplinary team composed of Redentor S. Palencia, Ariel B. Mabansag, Mae V. Cañal, Abegail G. Bordios, Jake Boy D. Carbonquillo, Lovely Rose A. Bolante, Marilyn D. Cardoso, Ma. Andrea C. Del Rosario, Norberto E. Milla, Jr., May A. Cabañing, Junelle R. Guerra, Ricardo Saronias Jr., and Michael Hendrix T. Casama.
This paper forms part of the ₱5-million commissioned research project of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), underscoring its national importance and policy relevance.
This recognition not only highlights the strength of SSU’s research community but also reaffirms the university’s vital role in shaping equitable, evidence-based reforms in Philippine higher education.