More than 200 scholars from all over the world gathered in Tagaytay City, Philippines to attend the 2nd International Conference of Qualitative Research presented by the Asian Qualitative Research Association (AQRA) from April 25-27, 2017.
The conference consisted of 22 concurrent sessions, 1 keynote session, and 4 plenary sessions. Dr. John Wesley Taylor V, Associate Director of Education, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Maryland, USA, graced the occasion by delivering a keynote session entitled, “The Shifting Future of Qualitative Research” and a plenary session entitled, “Deconstructing Myths in Qualitative Research”.
“I just want to congratulate you for making a wise selection to come here and join others with the kind of desire to have quality education, quality research in a qualitative way,” said AIIAS President, Dr. Stephen Guptill, as he graced the occasion with his presence.
Topics related to business, education, culture, health, language, literature, and other various issues in the global scale were discussed as well as explored down to the depths. The theme “Exploring the Depths” gave the scholars a richer perspective required by qualitative research.
Attendees of the conference included students from the 11th grade, college level, post-graduate level, and a majority of professors and PhD holders who have published their research in various journals and publications.
“AQRA provided us a great opportunity to learn about qualitative research… The atmosphere is so encouraging and the comments that are given to us make us feel that we can improve and that together we will be able to take the steps toward learning more in qualitative research.” said Dr. Maricel Gomez, associate professor of the Leyte Normal University and an associate member of the National Research Council of the Philippines.
“It is a great experience that we are exposed to this kind of environment and we are able to mingle with professionals at an early age,” commented a 17-year old student from Manila Science High School who wishes to remain anonymous.
AQRA presently has more than 700 members from over 60 higher education institutions in the Philippines and abroad. The leadership of AQRA consists of Dr. Safary Wa-Mbaleka as the founding president, Dr. Arceli Rosario as executive secretary, and Dr. Sunia Fukofoka as chief financial officer. Professor David Lumowa will take the place of Dr. Fukofoka as chief financial officer starting May 1, 2017. The vision of AQRA is to empower scholars in touching lives through research.
Photo credit: David Sailo
