On March 12, 2026, St. Dominic College of Asia successfully conducted the 6th International Multidisciplinary Research Conference with the theme SPARK: Sustainable Partnerships for Academic Research and Knowledge Engagement. The event gathered scholars, professionals, and students, highlighting the value of research-driven innovation and collaboration.
A key highlight was the STARDOM Awards 2026, which honored outstanding journalists, newscasters, and media professionals for their contributions to communication and public service. The awarding also featured innovative projects developed by SDCA students, showcasing their research capabilities and creativity. Together, these segments emphasized excellence in media and the institution’s commitment to advancing research and innovation for society.
The following are the distinguished awardees of the STARDOM Awards 2026:
STARDOM Best Documentary for Research and Social Impact
• I-Witness
STARDOM Best Educational Television Program
• Born to Be Wild
STARDOM Best Investigative Journalism Program
• I-Witness
• CJ Hirro
STARDOM Best Public Affairs and Social Impact Program
• Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho
STARDOM Best Research-Based Television Program
• The Atom Araullo Specials
STARDOM Best Use of Digital Platform for Knowledge Dissemination
• GMA Integrated News
STARDOM Excellence Award in Media and Research Communication
• Jessica Soho – Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho
• Kara David – I-Witness, GMA Public Affairs
STARDOM Excellence in Creative Media for Advocacy
• Celine Murillo – Biodiversity storytelling and education on local flora and fauna
STARDOM Excellence in Digital Media for Community Engagement
• Rappler – Civic Engagement
• ABS-CBN News Digital – Social Issue Reporting
STARDOM Excellence in Science and Research Journalism
• Kim Atienza – Kuya Kim Ano Na? / Public Service Info
• Kaladkaren (Mrs. Jervi Wrightson) – Segment Anchor, K-Alaman, Frontline Pilipinas
• Raymor Cuevas – Fact-checking using verifiable data
• Martin Javier – Segment Anchor, 24 Oras “Game Changer” segment
STARDOM Grand Impact Award
• GMA Network
• STARDOM Innovation in Media Award
• GMA Network (Mainstream Media)
STARDOM Lifetime Achievement Award in Media, Research, and Public Service
• Vicky Morales – 24 Oras, Wish Ko Lang
STARDOM Outstanding Digital Influencer for Educational Content
• Dr. Kilimanguru – Health Advocate
STARDOM Outstanding Field Reporter for Community Impact
• Oscar Oida – GMA Integrated News
STARDOM Outstanding Intellectual Property Rights Partner
• Accolade ACCL
• Hechanova & Co., Inc.
STARDOM Outstanding News Anchor in Research Communication
• Pinky Webb – Bilyonaryo News Channel
• Karen Davila – ANC, TV Patrol
STARDOM Outstanding Television Network for Research and Public Education
• GMA Public Affairs
Complementing this recognition was the Innovation Recognition Award, which acknowledges significant contributions to product innovation in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
The following student-developed innovations were recognized:
• Mango Seed Drip Coffee (Product)
• Preparation Method for Producing Mango Seed Drip Coffee (Process)
• Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Scale Salt (Product)
• Preparation Method for Producing Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Scale Salt (Process)
• Guyabano (Annona muricata) Leaf-Honey Butterscotch Brownies with Black Sesame Seeds (Product)
• Process of Producing Guyabano (Annona muricata) Leaf-Honey Butterscotch Brownies with Black Sesame Seeds (Process)
• Dalandan (Citrus aurantium) and Mint Tea (Product)
• Process of Producing Dalandan (Citrus aurantium) and Mint Tea (Process)
• Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seed Spread (Product)
• Process of Producing Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seed Spread (Process)
• Chicken Feet Gummy Candy (Product)
• Process of Producing Chicken Feet Gummy Candy (Process)
• Talisay (Indian Almond, Terminalia catappa) Spread Enhanced with Chocolate (Product)
• Process of Producing Talisay Spread Enhanced with Chocolate (Process)
• Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Bread with Mango Filling (Product)
• Process of Producing Ampalaya Bread with Mango Filling (Process)
• Ceramic-like Green Mussel (Perna viridis) Shell Plates (Product)
• Method of Producing Ceramic-like Green Mussel Shell Plates (Process)
• Water Bottle Boot from Water Lily (Industrial Design)
• Sa Inaliping Dagat (Audio-Visual Work)
• Discomfort Room (Audio-Visual Work)
Through these recognitions, the STARDOM Awards 2026 underscored the vital role of media in advancing research communication, public education, and social impact, while also highlighting innovation, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships in knowledge development.