Yvon Fernel Deniz De Guzman, a Development Communication student, garnered First Place in the Cultural Category for the research paper titled “Cultural Spaces on Tiny Pages: Multiculturalism through Philippine Children’s Picturebooks” at the 15th Multidisciplinary International Research Conference, held in Da Nang, Vietnam, on December 18–22, 2025.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Teofilo Esguerra Jr., the study earned multiple distinctions, including Best Research Paper, Best Presenter, and Best Abstract.

Presented under the conference theme “Functional Literacy in the 21st Century: Innovations for Inclusive and Lifelong Learning,” the research highlights the role of children’s literature in promoting multicultural understanding and inclusive education. The paper was recognized for its scholarly rigor, cultural sensitivity, and clarity of research communication.

Organized by the International Cross-Cultural Exchange and Professional Development (ICEPD), based in Thailand, the conference brought together researchers and educators from various disciplines to engage in global academic discourse.

Reflecting on the significance of the work, De Guzman shared, “I write for classrooms without walls—supporting stories that move education closer to inclusivity.” This perspective underscores the study’s contribution to advancing functional literacy and inclusive learning beyond traditional educational settings.

This achievement affirms AUP’s commitment to research excellence and its advocacy for advancing cultural understanding and educational equity on a global scale.