Dr. Manuel B. Garcia, the visionary behind the Educational Innovation and Technology Hub (EdITH), has once again been lauded for his groundbreaking contributions to research. During the recent FEU Group of Schools' Christmas Party, themed "La Vie En Rose," held at the esteemed Tivoli Royale Country Club, Dr. Garcia was recognized as a Research Awardee, a testament to his unwavering dedication to academic excellence.

This accolade further solidifies Dr. Garcia's position as a leading researcher within the FEU community. With a remarkable 88 published works and an impressive Scopus h-index of 24, his prolific output speaks volumes about his commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Moreover, his research has garnered significant international attention, boasting over 1,300 citations in Scopus.

This latest recognition adds another feather to Dr. Garcia's already impressive cap. He previously made history as the inaugural recipient of the esteemed Ramon Dimacali Award for Information Technology, bestowed upon him by the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology. Furthermore, his exceptional research prowess has earned him a place among Elsevier's Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide, solidifying his status as a prominent researcher.

A Pioneer in Educational Technology

Dr. Garcia's research has consistently pushed the boundaries of educational technology, exploring innovative approaches to learning and teaching. His ability to integrate diverse academic disciplines seamlessly and translate complex research findings into practical educational solutions sets him apart as a true innovator. This latest award is a powerful testament to the value of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration in scholarly pursuits.

His research has garnered international acclaim, with several papers receiving prestigious distinctions from esteemed awarding bodies worldwide. His groundbreaking work inspires aspiring scholars, demonstrating the transformative power of rigorous research and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

The EdITH Founding Director likewise shared his passion for innovation with other researchers nationwide and globally, collaborating with them on various research projects to discover new solutions or explore the potential of new technologies, one of which is artificial intelligence (AI).

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Garcia's leadership at EdITH has fostered a dynamic and innovative educational research and development environment. He empowers the next generation of educators and learners to thrive in an ever-evolving world by championing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaborations across disciplines.

Looking Back on His Accomplishments

The 2024 Research Awardee recognition allowed Dr. Garcia to end the year with another milestone. However, he achieved many distinctions throughout the year, emphasizing his dedication to education.

In September, the 2024 Elsevier and Scopus citation rankings again named Dr. Garcia, the Founding Director of the Educational Innovation and Technology Hub (EdITH), among the top two percent of scientists worldwide. He ranked 35,182nd worldwide and sixth in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, in August, the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST) named him the first-ever recipient of the Ramon Dimacali Award for Information Technology.

Dr. Garcia was also named a Registered Author/Writer by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), a government agency under the Department of Education (DepEd). This prestigious status is a form of government recognition and can enhance one's credibility within the publishing industry.

These are only a few of the accolades he received throughout the year.

A Life Dedicated to Education

Dr. Garcia's journey exemplifies the power of intellectual curiosity and a lifelong commitment to learning. His unwavering dedication to research and his passion for improving education have made him a true inspiration to the academic community and beyond. As he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, Dr. Garcia's contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, shaping the future of education for generations to come.