On June 23, 2023, the Cavite State University – Carmona Campus, through the Research Services Office, successfully conducted the 2nd STAR (Students toward Transformative Academic Research) with the theme “Strengthening Student Research Development through Knowledge, Innovation, and Empowerment.” Held virtually via Cisco WebEx from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the activity served as a strategic initiative to empower student researchers, strengthen their research capabilities, and cultivate a deeper understanding of responsible and transformative academic research.

The program officially commenced with the registration of participants, followed by the invocation, national anthem, Cavite Hymn, and Carmona Hymn. The event was formally opened by Mr. Carlo Emil B. Mañabo, Campus Research Coordinator, who delivered the welcome remarks. He underscored the importance of nurturing research competencies among students as a foundation for academic growth and societal relevance. This was followed by a special message from Prof. Cristina M. Signo, Campus Administrator, who emphasized the role of student research in contributing to community development and institutional innovation.

The first plenary session began with the topic “Basics of Research: Knowledge, Innovation, and Empowerment” delivered by a resource speaker from the University Research Center. The session provided foundational insights on research principles, frameworks, and methods, equipping participants with essential tools for conducting rigorous and relevant research. The open forum that followed allowed student participants to clarify concepts and raise concerns about their current research challenges.

In the second plenary session, Mr. Carlo Emil B. Mañabo introduced the next speaker, the Chairperson of the CvSU Ethics Review Board, who discussed “Responsible Conduct of Student Research.” This session addressed crucial topics such as research ethics, integrity, and the ethical standards set by the university. The speaker also highlighted the importance of safeguarding participants' rights and ensuring compliance with institutional ethical guidelines.

The afternoon session featured department-specific breakout sessions designed to further enhance the academic writing skills of student researchers. Each department focused on the university’s prescribed CvSU Form and Style, particularly in relation to narrative writing, teaching portfolios, thesis writing, and capstone projects. The Department of Teacher Education was led by Prof. Jocelyn Siochi, the Department of Management by Dr. Michael G. Consignado, and the Department of Industrial and Information Technology by Dr. Regene G. Hernandez. Each session was facilitated by an accredited English critic who provided comprehensive guidance on formatting, grammar, structure, and coherence—key elements for developing polished and publication-ready academic outputs.

Throughout the program, students engaged in open forums, asking relevant questions and receiving personalized feedback from their facilitators and guest speakers. These interactions fostered a participatory learning environment that encouraged dialogue, reflection, and improvement. Awarding of certificates followed each session as a token of appreciation for the resource speakers and moderators.

The event concluded with closing remarks delivered separately in each department. Mr. Ronlie RJ Espeleta from the Department of Teacher Education, Prof. Maria Andrea C. Francia from the Department of Management, and Prof. Richard Hernandez from the Department of Industrial and Information Technology expressed their gratitude to the participants and underscored the importance of applying what they have learned to their ongoing and future research endeavors.

In summary, the 2nd STAR program achieved its primary objectives of empowering student researchers, enriching their knowledge on research fundamentals and ethics, and guiding them in producing transformative research outputs aligned with university standards. The event further emphasized the university's unwavering commitment to cultivating a strong research culture among students—one grounded in academic rigor, ethical responsibility, and community responsiveness.