Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) proudly celebrates Charlene Joy T. Saligumba, LPT, Faculty and Research Ethics Committee Head, and Rio Chrizl M. Nerecina, LPT, Information Officer, for bringing their research on technology-supported English learning to the international academic stage at the 9th Bandung Annual International Conference (BAIC) 2026 held on September 10, 2026.

Titled “Talk at Your Fingertips: A Phenomenological Study of Senior High School Students' Experiences Using Duolingo for Effective English Communication,” the study explored the lived experiences of six Senior High School students who used Duolingo, a Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) application, to develop their English communication skills. Through semi-structured interviews, the researchers examined how the digital language-learning platform shaped students' experiences in learning and using English.

The findings revealed that Duolingo supported students in developing their vocabulary, sentence construction, comprehension, and confidence in English communication. However, the study also identified challenges, including limited opportunities for real-life interaction, repetitive learning activities, and technical difficulties. These findings provided valuable insights into the potential of digital language-learning tools while emphasizing the continuing importance of meaningful opportunities for actual communication.

As part of the research presentation, Nerecina was recognized as Best Presenter, adding a notable achievement to the duo's international research participation. The recognition reflected the effective presentation of their study and further highlighted HCCCI's growing engagement in the international academic community.

The 9th BAIC 2026, hosted by Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) in Indonesia, brought together approximately 90 research presenters from participating institutions in the Philippines, India, and Malaysia. With SoRes (Social and Humaniora Research Symposium) and SiRes (Science and Technology Research Symposium) as co-organizing tracks, the conference carried the theme “Green Halal Economy and Innovation: Advancing Circularity and Community Resilience.” The event provided an avenue for researchers to present their studies, exchange scholarly perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to sustainability, circularity, and community resilience.

HCCCI was among the participating Philippine institutions alongside Urdaneta City University, Golden State College (GSC), Santo Niño College Foundation, Inc., and New Hope School of Agriculture and Fishery, Inc. International participants included Universitas Islam Bandung, MES College Marampally in Kerala, India, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, and Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, India.

Through their study, Saligumba and Nerecina demonstrated how students' experiences with educational technology can become meaningful sources of academic inquiry. Their research contributes to the growing conversation on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning and supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by exploring innovative approaches to language learning and communication and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through this international research engagement, HCCCI continues to strengthen its culture of research, innovation, and academic collaboration, providing its researchers with opportunities to bring meaningful educational studies beyond the classroom and into the global academic community.