The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), through the University Research and Development Office (URDO), successfully held the 9th Student Research Congress on May 16, 2025 at UNP Tadena Hall.
With the theme “Next Gen Researchers: Leading with Insight and Innovation,” the annual congress served as a culminating platform for graduating students to present their undergraduate research, marking the peak of their academic journey and showcasing their intellectual rigor. The theme underscores the university’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of scholars capable of addressing real-world problems through insightful inquiry and innovative, evidence-based solutions.
This year’s congress featured 39 research entries from 14 participating colleges, represented by a total of 165 student-researchers. The submissions were distributed across five thematic areas: eight in Education, eleven in Social Sciences, nine in Science and Technology, Industry and Energy, five in Health and Nutrition, and six in Agriculture, Fishery, Forestry, and Natural Resources.
The event was attended by UNP’s three Vice Presidents—Dr. Fatima F. Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension; Dr. Rolando B. Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Mr. Albert R. Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration—along with Dr. Aldrin S. Jaramilla, President of the Faculty Union, and Mr. Noriel Jay P. Paino, President of the Student Council.
Dr. Rocamora opened the program by emphasizing the importance of a shared passion for advancing knowledge across disciplines. She acknowledged the role of student-researchers as emerging leaders and urged them to treat the congress as an opportunity to engage, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the academic community.
UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna followed with a message reflecting on his own journey as a student researcher. He spoke about the excitement of discovery and the responsibility to share knowledge. He described the congress as a platform for collaboration and creativity, and shared personal experiences underscoring the importance of curiosity, resilience, and academic community in the pursuit of knowledge.
Ms. Annalie L. Rosales, PFT, the Keynote speaker, former Director of ICIEERD Region 1 and a seasoned food technologist, delivered her talk virtually. Anchored on the congress theme, her message highlighted the importance of curiosity, observation, responsible experimentation, collaboration, and ethics. She called on students to take more active roles in solving national issues and recognize their potential as changemakers.
Throughout the day, parallel research presentations were held in designated venues across the campus. A panel of experts evaluated each entry using criteria that emphasized research content, presentation quality, and impact.
The Best in Research Presentation awards were judged based on coherence, analytical depth, mastery of subject matter, and effective use of visuals. The Best Research Paper awards recognized originality, methodological rigor, relevance, and clarity of writing.
The closing program featured selected student reflections and the awarding of certificates and cash prizes. Each research area recognized one Best Research Paper (₱7,000), one Best in Research Presentation (₱5,000), a First Runner-Up (₱3,000), and a Second Runner-Up (₱2,000). All other qualified presenters received a consolation prize of ₱1,000.
The following are the winning student researchers, their advisers, and research titles in the 9th Student Research Congress:
Education
• Best Presentation – Exploring Narvacan: Place-Based and Culturally Responsive Supplementary Material for English 7 by Wimbledon B. Bosque, Jay-Ar D. Calura, Eusebio Nelson O. Dameg, Danica Ruth B. Della (Adviser: Mark Louie Tabunan)
• First Runner-Up – Komparatibong Pag-Aaral: Simulation Activities at Annie Model sa Paglinang ng Kognitibong Empatiya ng mga Mag-Aaral ng Araling Panlipunan 10 by April Faye U. Puerto, Allison F. Taloza (Adviser: Anastacia B. Joven)
• Second Runner-Up – Tilt-A-Scope: Its Effect on the Performance of Grade 9 Students on the Applications of the Angles of Elevation and Depression by Trisha Mae W. Rioteta, Roselyn Q. Raciles, Casey A. Marquez (Adviser: Christian S. Domondon)
• Best Research Paper – Talentpro Training Center by John Carlo L. Agbisi, Christian Jay B. Corrales, Owen L. Gacusan, Rodalyn R. Mabilog, Lorelyn T. Par, Jessa Mae R. Raceles, Zairyl Lei D. Villa (Adviser: John Wilbert P. Madriaga)
Social Sciences
• Best Presentation – Vigan City’s Localization of Sustainable Development Goals by Clare M. Arce, Shenel Pauline Ricardos (Adviser: Crizzle B. Paz)
• First Runner-Up – Leveraging Data Analytics in Auditing: Assessing Auditors’ Perception and Knowledge by Juliana Marie R. Hidalgo, Lovely Krystal A. Inocencio, Mikaela L. Laborera, Nicole Joyce T. Julian, Pauline Mae C. Floria (Adviser: Mary Ann Dela Cruz)
• Second Runner-Up – Bridging The Gap: Evaluating Vendor-Managed Inventory Practices in Retailer-Supplier Relationships by Rachel Sheimha R. Rabino, Zeryl Mae M. Bañaga, Camila P. Labor, Jahn R. Supnet (Adviser: Princess Neptalia R. Quebral)
• Best Research Paper – Bridging The Gap: Evaluating Vendor-Managed Inventory Practices in Retailer-Supplier Relationships by Rachel Sheimha R. Rabino, Zeryl Mae M. Bañaga, Camila P. Labor, and Jahn R. Supnet (Adviser: Princess Neptalia R. Quebral)
Science and Technology, Industry and Energy
• Best Presentation – TIPON-TIPON: An Immersive Design Approach in the Development of Ilocos Sur’s Cultural Performing Arts Conservation Complex by Jhon Lloyd V. Tipon (Adviser: Charles Angelo T. Andrada)
• First Runner-Up – ARBORE-VAMP: Integrating Responsive Architecture in the Development of an Arboricultural Preservation Facility for Philippine Native Trees by Bnn Anjelo U. Tadeja (Adviser: Charles Angelo T. Andrada)
• Second Runner-Up – iSkolar: Scholarship and Financial Assistance Services Record Management System by Zynhel Ashley F. Catandijan, Amancio S. Quitoriano, Charlie Jake G. Rojas, Denver T. Soliven (Adviser: Honey Girl A. Avo)
• Best Research Paper – ARBORE-VAMP: Integrating Responsive Architecture in the Development of an Arboricultural Preservation Facility for Philippine Native Trees by Bnn Anjelo U. Tadeja (Adviser: Charles Angelo T. Andrada)
Health and Nutrition
• Best Presentation – Isolation and Characterization of Streptomyces spp. from the Mangrove Soil of Dardarat, Against A549 Human Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Cell Line, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, and Evaluation of its Cytotoxic Effect by Gwyneth Angel R. Pe Benito, Rose Joy T. Bayani, Llendrea Jash R. Cabotaje, Sherwin L. Estabillo, Peby Heart G. Gapusan, Allysa Mae G. Ojas (Adviser: Chris Paul P. Pagaoa)
• First Runner-Up – In Vitro Evaluation of the Anticancer Potential of the Crude Ethanolic Extract of Sarsalida Oppositifolia (Slender Carpetweed) Against Hela (Cervical) and MCF-7 (Breast) Cancer Cell Lines by Eingelbert R. Raboy, Blezie Mae R. Garcia, Kenneth P. Ines, Angelica D. Gazmen, Allyza Mae Parada, Charity Anne B. Salvador, Darius Alrich N. Valdez (Adviser: Rex T. Tomas)
• Second Runner-Up – Unveiling Irresistible Truths: A Qualitative Study of the Concerns on the Healthcare Access among the Residents of a Rural Community by Glennford P. Arogante, Rhane Linnea P. Abella, Angelica M. Calaramo, Aindrianne Jane A. Gervacio, Maria Kayla M. Manuel, Shiela Mae F. Peralta, Juliet Aira C. Quibilan, Asharie Lee B. Sarmiento (Adviser: Fe T. Tuzon)
• Best Research Paper – In Vitro Evaluation of the Anticancer Potential of the Crude Ethanolic Extract of Sarsalida Oppositifolia (Slender Carpetweed) Against Hela (Cervical) and MCF-7 (Breast) Cancer Cell Lines by Eingelbert R. Raboy, Blezie Mae R. Garcia, Kenneth P. Ines, Angelica D. Gazmen, Allyza Mae Parada, Charity Anne B. Salvador, Darius Alrich N. Valdez (Adviser: Rex T. Tomas)
Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Natural Resources
• Best Presentation – The Molluscidal Activity of Gmelina Arborea (Yamane) and Euphorbia Splendens (Corona de Espina) Leaf Extracts Against Oncomelania Quadrasi var Hupensis by Jomari E. Arista, Mildred Ann C. Baptista, Adin Anthony C. Galvez, Leiden S. Gascon, Ashley Anne E. Pacubas, Kaylor Jane B. Quatchon, Novelle Angelene E. Tacod (Adviser: Alfredo V. Corpuz)
• First Runner-Up – Assessment of the Socio-Economic Opportunities in Establishing a Mangrove Sanctuary in Barangay Biday, City of San Fernando, La Union: A Basis for Tourism Development Plan by Ricson R. Duclayan (Adviser: Ma. Roxane Villanueva)
• Second Runner-Up – Acceptability of Busbusilak (Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Poir) Extract as an Antibacterial Soap by Danielle Dave Oreal, Lucia Rose P. Raboy, Francis Nino Q. Rabago, Kristine B. Rodillas, Iya Gayle B. Formoso, Cristina Joy T. Soliven (Adviser: Jeffrey Galangco)
In her closing message, Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, URDO Director, thanked the students, faculty, evaluators, and organizers for their contributions and commended the student-researchers’ creativity and commitment. She reaffirmed URDO’s support for student-led research and innovation.
The 9th Student Research Congress reaffirmed UNP’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and empowering students as proactive contributors to knowledge generation, innovation, and community development.
