Polytechnic University of the Philippines

COED Faculty wins Top Poster in PIDS Public Policy Conference

Shantel R. Ognit, News, Communication Management Office

SDG 4 SDG 8

At the 12th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) on September 17, 2026, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) held the first-ever Emerging Policy Research Poster Showcase and recognized three outstanding student

research posters. The conference theme was “Reshaping Economic Institutions for Transformational Partnerships in Human Capital Development,” with the Filipino adaptation “Matatag na Institusyon, Maunlad na Yamang Tao.”

Inst. Shierland Garcia of the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) - Sta. Mesa Campus won first place for his study, “Challenges Experienced in Implementing

Teaching Internship Program: Insights Across the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers.” The study examines the challenges of implementing teaching internships, as well as the implications for improving teacher preparation and equipping future educators to meet the demands of the profession.

Garcia received a cash prize of Php 15,000.00 and a certificate. Other winning papers include: Danielle Francesca Marie Sanchez and TJ Robinson Moncatar of the University of the Philippines Manila took second place for their paper, “Experiences and Barriers to Healthcare Access Among People with Hemophilia Aged 18 Years and Older in Metro Manila, Philippines: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study.” Dianna Alba, Samantha Caseñas, Mark Rogelio, Raphael

Winpeco, and Marites Tiongco of De La Salle University–Manila placed third for their study, “Beyond Stabilization: Philippine Structural Breaks, Output Scarring, and Sovereignty Constraints.”

Consequently, this accomplishment is directly aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, specifically the goal of increasing the supply of qualified instructors and enhancing learning outcomes through better pre-service training. It is also linked to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, since improved teacher preparation leads to more equitable, high-quality education and stronger pathways from learning to skills and productive work.