On June 28, 2026, teachers, educational leaders, and student-researchers gathered online via Google Meet for the 2nd Philippine Student Thesis and Capstone Competition (PSTCC) and the 2nd International Conference on Special Needs and Inclusive Education (ICSNIE) with the theme, “Advancing Equity and Belonging: Innovations and Practices in Special Needs and Inclusive Education.” Bryan B. Amaranto, a Master in Education major in Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education) candidate, along with his special project adviser, Dr. Ma. Jeanette O. Naval, won the Best Abstract award. Also, Mr. Amaranto proudly bagged the Best Presenter award in his breakout room.
Central to the winning of two awards by Mr. Amaranto is an Atenean heart dedicated to helping young learners with special needs. The award-winning paper, titled “Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Special Education: A Phenomenological Exploration of Teachers’ Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities,” provides a critical view of the reality of what early childhood special education teachers have to go through in an inclusive classroom setting. This study served as the foundation for his special project, Supplemental Activities using the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Framework, an instructional guide for teachers on integrating SEL activities into daily classroom routines.
Sharing the virtual stage with researchers from institutions such as San Pablo Colleges, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, and the Western Mindanao State University, Mr. Amaranto underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Despite a strict 10-minute presentation limit and a demanding 5-minute question-and-answer segment with a panel of academic examiners, he effectively articulated the salient points of his study. The conference was organized by the International Society of Transdisciplinary Researchers, Educators, and Leaders, Inc., in partnership with the St. Vincent College of Cabuyao, Taguig City University, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Guindulman Municipal College, San Pablo Colleges, After-Class Learning Center, and the M.B. Raquel Law Office, which attracted enthusiastic participants and student researchers from 19 countries.
This dual recognition is more than an academic victory; it is a vital win for advocates of inclusive education. Their achievement underscores the critical need to weave social-emotional learning into the very fabric of special education curricula, ensuring that every young learner is supported, valued, and empowered.
Prepared by:
Dr. Ma. Jeanette O. Naval
Grade School Principal/Graduate School Faculty
