VSU-Devcom faculty wins Best Research Paper at int’l culture, arts & sports conference

Dr. Jude Nonie Sales, an Associate Professor in the Department of Development Communication, and the Director of the Culture of Arts, was awarded with Best Research Paper at the inaugural International Research Conference on Culture, Arts, & Sports Conference (IRCCAS). 

The two-day event, which took place virtually on November 28-29, 2024, brought together experts from around the globe to discuss various interdisciplinary topics. 

Dr. Sales presented his study on “Drawing-based Exploration for Innovative Insights in Sweetpotato Farming,”  a unique approach in understanding the agricultural practices of farmers in Baybay City, Leyte. 

The study analyzed drawings made by farmers from three different barangays which offer a fresh lens on how people visually express their farming experiences. 

What made Dr. Sales’ research stand out was its use of visual social semiotics, a method that decodes meaning from images and symbols. 

While semiotics is commonly used to interpret children’s drawings, Dr. Sales applied this method to adults and even senior citizens to uncover how these generations communicate their knowledge of farming through art. 

“In my research, I wanted to show that drawing is not just for children. Even older generations can convey deep, meaningful stories through art that reflect a strong connection to farming and tradition,” Dr. Sales explained. 

The study revealed an interesting pattern: many farmers still rely on traditional sweetpotato farming methods despite being exposed to modern techniques and attending training sessions from organizations. 

According to Dr. Sales, the farmers blend the old and the new. “It is about honoring what has been passed down through generations. You build on it, but you keep the roots,” he added. 

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges

Conducting this research was not easy. It came at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when physical gatherings were restricted, making it difficult for Dr. Sales to directly engage with the participants. 

Most of the farmers involved were in their 50s and 60s, which meant online sessions were not always an option.

Despite these hurdles, the study went ahead and was ultimately accepted for oral presentations at the IRCCAS conference, which had to shift to an online format due to typhoon concerns.

A Wide-Ranging Conference

The IRCCAS conference, hosted by the College of Culture, Arts, and Sports in partnership with Cebu Normal University and other institutions, covered a broad scope of topics. 

The theme “Intersections of Culture, Arts, and Sports: Exploring Global Narratives and Local Imports” included discussion on everything from Communication and Media Studies to Filipino Studies, Performing Arts, Humanities, and Sustainability. 

Dr. Sales’ paper, initially placed under the sustainability track because of its focus on farming, was later moved to the Communication and Media Studies because of its innovative approach in using visual research methods. 

Practical Applications of the Study

Dr. Sales sees practical potential in his study beyond recognition. He believes that visual methods like drawing could serve as powerful tools for creating more engaging and relatable training materials for farmers. 

These materials could be especially helpful in promoting sustainable farming practices and improving food security in rural areas. 

Dr. Sales remains committed to projects that combine traditional knowledge, visual storytelling, and community development. 

“There is so much untapped potential in the way people express themselves through art. If we take time to listen and truly see, we can find better ways of communicating the ideas that matter,” he said. 

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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