#ProudViscan IHK faculty bags Best Oral Presentation for fitness study at nat’l research congress

#ProudViscan Dr. Louie P. Gula, a faculty member from the Institute of Human Kinetics, brought pride to Visayas State University after being awarded the best oral presentation during the 2nd Dasmariñas Research Congress held on April 30, 2025, at Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Despite the tough competition and the presence of other noteworthy papers, Dr. Gula’s research on “Investigating Physical Fitness of Students: A Multi-dimensional Analysis of Health-related Fitness Test Metrics” stood out. 

Under the Human Development and Wellness (Professional Graduate Category), the lone VSU representative bested fellow presenters from notable institutions including De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippine-Los Baños, Cavite State University, Universidad de Manila, Department of Education-Division of Cavite Province, and agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

His study explores physical fitness among students utilizing standardized health-related fitness tests.

 “My topic was extracted data from my master’s thesis. I want to enrich my knowledge in this area further. I want to find out the intricacies of the different components of physical fitness within health-related fields and determine whether there are relationships and implications in determining the student’s physical fitness level,” Dr. Gula shared.

Hosted by Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas, the annual research conference welcomed delegates from 94 institutions nationwide, with over 300 participants.

The congress centered on “Discouraging Contemporary Sustainability Issues in Education, Food Security, Science and Technology, and Climate Change for Building Smart and Resilient Communities.”

Sub-themes include food and nutrition security, environment and climate change, social innovations, technology, education and global citizenship, human development and wellness, community engagement, and economic and trade.

A Look into the Promising Research Study 

In his study, Dr. Gula employed a descriptive evaluative methodology to assess and apply health-related physical fitness tests as preliminary tools to gauge students’ fitness levels in an educational environment.

The results reveal a concerning trend involving low fitness levels among both male and female VSU student participants.

“All female participants showed negative results in cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Male participants had mixed results, with a brief positive in cardiovascular endurance before activity, but a sharp decline afterward,” his abstract stated.

The study further highlighted sex-based disparities and emphasized the importance of targeted physical fitness intervention in schools and continuous monitoring to help students achieve better physical outcomes.

Dr. Gula concluded that implementing strategies to enhance cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and endurance can contribute to overall well-being.

Additionally, his study advocates for expanding and refining standardized fitness tests to give a more comprehensive evaluation of student progress over time to promote a healthier and more active student community.

 Road to the Winning Moment

The faculty researcher shared that he learned about the research congress through a referral from his colleagues in research at another university.

Since his topic is aligned with the Human Development and Wellness sub-theme, Dr. Gula submitted a request to participate in the conference to the VSU Scholarship/Fellowship Committee for Academic Staff (VSFC-AS).

Fortunately, the committee approved his request, covering per diem, food allowance, transportation allowance, and accommodation, as the registration fee was free.

“It was my first time attending a national research conference this year, and I am very thankful to the VSU administration and the VSFC committee for approving my request to present at this event.”  Dr. Gula gratefully shared.

During the session, the IHK faculty admitted feeling nervous, especially as he was with other presenters from notable universities.

However, the nerves did not deter Dr. Gula. He confidently presented his study before a panel and audience of presenters in the same field.

“The moment I began presenting, I just felt comfortable as everyone seemed interested in my topic, especially when I delivered my opening remarks saying that physical education is one of the under-represented areas in the education system in the Philippines”, Dr. Gula recalled.

As for Dr. Gula, the recognition was significant for him as it validated his hard work and the relevance of his passion towards physical education.

 “I wasn’t expecting to be called the best presenter, especially since I was with the other UAAP schools, even big schools in Manila. When I listened to their papers, they were also promising. The moment when VSU was called the best oral presentation, I was shocked and fulfilled at the same time, since I am bringing prestige to the university,” he said.

Representing VSU, Dr. Gula’s achievement marked another #ProudViscan moment, demonstrating that meaningful research from the university can compete and thrive nationally.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported his success- the Institute of Human Kinetics, his students, and the VSU administration. He highlighted that the win is not his alone, but for the entire Visayas State University.

Looking forward, Dr. Gula shared his plan to publish his study in a research journal.

“Since my other paper is currently under review for publication, I will wait for that one before I submit this one for publication. I plan to look for a suitable research journal for my study in the near future”, he concluded.

Now in its second year, the Dasmariñas Research Congress brought together scholars, scientists, educators, and advocates from across the country to share innovative solutions and research addressing pressing societal issues.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal Nos. 4 (Quality Education) and 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).

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