FICS Student Papers

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Research outputs by graduate students and selected Capstone Project Reports by undergraduate students of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.

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    Impact Assessment of SciTech Superhighway Program on Intellectual Property Registration
    ( 2026) Malaay, Richelle C.
    The time factor is a critical indicator of the translation of innovation investment to Intellectual Property (IP). When IP rights are granted within predictable and reasonable timeframes, inventors and creators gain legal certainty, allowing research outputs to move more efficiently toward commercialization and enabling the innovation ecosystem to function more effectively. This study examined the effect of the Science & Technology (SciTech) Superhighway program on the processing time of IP applications by comparing the average/minimum duration from application to grant before and after the program implementation. The analysis covered the four (4) types of IP rights namely, Invention/Patent, Utility Model, Industrial Design and Trademarks. The results show a clear and consistent narrative that the SciTech Superhighway Program has contributed to measurable improvements in the efficiency of intellectual property processing in the Philippines. Descriptive comparisons between non-SciTech and SciTech-assisted applications revealed substantial reductions in mean and median processing times across most IP types, supporting the program’s intended objective of administrative acceleration. Tests conducted for separate data per IP type provided different and mixed results regarding the significant impact of the assistance to both the speed of processing time and likelihood of grant. The results consistently showed a reduced processing time across IP types assisted through the SciTech Superhighway program. However, statistical results revealed insignificance of the difference for some IPs which suggested that the reduction of processing time may not be directly associated with the assistance as there are variations in the data. Taken together, these findings indicate that acceleration is not merely a policy promise but an operational capability achieved through improved workflow quality, guided applicant support, and strengthened inter-agency coordination. The program’s impact is most evident in the reduction of extreme delays and the improvement of processing time consistency, outcomes that directly address long‐standing administrative inefficiencies. The synthesis therefore supports the validity of the program’s design logic and provides empirical grounding for its continuation and enhancement.
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    Analyzing the Creative Freedom in the Age of AI and 3D Animation: A Qualitative Study of Animators in the Animation Industry
    ( 2026) Lopez, Joel Ramon L.
    This study examines how AI-assisted tools and 3D technologies influence animators’ creative freedom. Specifically, this study focuses on the shift to 3D workflows and the integration of AI, and how these influence animators’ creative decision-making. For this study, animators working locally in the Philippines were interviewed to provide their thoughts and overall experience to both AI and 3D animation. In addition, these animators were asked how the studio they work for has adapted in response to these changes and how they see the future of animation now that these changes are in effect. The results of the study show that while AI tools improve efficiency, they also limit aspects of creative control. Meanwhile, the 3D animation workflow process reshapes the artistic decision-making. Despite these changes to the creation of animated media, animators continue to adapt their methods in order to maintain the creative expression. The study in this paper highlights the evolving balance between technological advancement and artistic freedom in contemporary animation practice
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    Design and Development of the UPLB Vehicle Sticker Management System
    ( 2024) Moldez, Abril A.
    The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) aims to revamp its Vehicle Sticker Application system through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs and the Security and Safety Office. The existing online platform, developed hastily during the pandemic, has proven inefficient and user unfriendly, leading to user dissatisfaction. Operating on outdated technology (CodeIgniter v3), the system faces security and functionality issues. This project proposes a redesign and technology update to enhance the application process, making it accessible, efficient, and secure. The new system will streamline the registration, payment, and appointment processes by transitioning to a modern technology stack, such as Laravel and FilamentPHP. It aims to provide a user-friendly interface, real-time tracking, and improved management functionalities. This initiative addresses current system inadequacies and aligns with UPLB's commitment to campus security and efficient traffic management.
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    Exploring The Perception of UPOU Students in Using Note Taking Applications on Academic Productivity
    ( 2024) Geva, Ashley Jade R.
    This qualitative study examines the perceptions of students at UP Open University (UPOU) regarding their use of note-taking applications and the perceived impact on their academic productivity. The research investigates the factors that motivate UPOU students to prefer digital note-taking applications and notebooks over traditional methods, highlighting the perceived advantages and limitations of these tools, as well as their perceived necessity for UPOU students and distant learners in general. Utilizing thematic analysis, the study draws on data from surveys and interviews conducted with 16 UPOU students who regularly use digital note-taking applications for academic purposes and found various general themes that align with the participants’ answers. The findings indicate a strong preference among students due to its convenience, accessibility, and efficiency. Features such as synchronization across devices and organizational tools are identified as particularly beneficial in enhancing productivity. However, challenges such as technical issues, subscription costs, and health-related concerns are also found. The stud concludes that while digital note-taking applications provide substantial benefits for improving academic productivity, their use should be customized to individual preferences and needs. Recommendations for future research include expanding the sample size, assessing the long-term effects of digital note-taking on academic performance, and evaluating the effectiveness of specific application features.
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    Go Guro Mobile Application Built with Android and Firebase
    ( 2018) Ermitano, Jeano Frederick U.
    In universities or colleges, most students have control of their class schedule. There's also instances of irregular students, whose class times are different, depending on what's available during enrolment. Hence, there are times a student needs help with a lesson, making a project, or reviewing for exams, but there are no available professors or classmates. To find help, one must roam the campus and ask other students face-to-face. Often, they will be discouraged to ask because of fear of rejection or that they're too shy to ask. The proposal is Go Guro, a mobile application for students who need help quick. The tutee selects the subject they need help and with a press of a button, the app instantly searches for nearby people who also have the app. The tutors can choose to accept or decline the tutee's invitation. Once accepted, a map shows the location of both which can be used to find each other. Once they meet in-person, the study session can now be started by the tutor. Mobile devices using Android 4.0.3 "Ice Cream Sandwich" up to Android 8.0 "Oreo" was targeted. Android Studio was used for development with Java as the programming language. Firebase was used to provide backend services. Testing resulted in satisfactory remarks from end-users, indicating that it is practical to use in their college. They would also like to see it published on Google Play for every student and teacher to use, regardless of school. The application lessened the user's rejection fears by making the invitations anonymous, meaning the tutee cannot see the name and face of the tutor and vice-versa. Only when the tutor accepts the invite will they see each other's names and faces. Go Guro does not show the tutors who have rejected the invite, but only those who accepted.