𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

Excellence in research was spotlighted at the 8th Regional Research Congress on August 14–15, 2025, where the best studies across multiple disciplines were awarded. Jointly hosted by the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), and CHED-Region I, the two-day gathering brought together top scholars and innovators under the theme “Connected Minds, Collective Impact: Advancing Knowledge and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”

The event featured parallel presentations across six major research areas, with participants offering innovative solutions to pressing community and national issues. Best Paper winners received plaques of recognition and monetary prizes, while Best Presentation winners received certificates of recognition and monetary prizes.

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐬

• Administration and Supervision: “Digital Leadership Efficiency: Its Role on the Organizational Effectiveness in the Schools Division of ”Abra”—Eugenio P. Millare
• Teaching and Learning: “Development and Evaluation of a Culture-Based Storybook”—Christian P. Peria
• Social Science: “A Work of Heart: Stories from the Last Mile Schools in Ilocos Sur” — Romyr Genesis M. Canaria
• Health: “Air Particulate Matters in Public Hospitals Isolation Rooms in Ilocos Sur: Basis for Archi-Tech Design Innovation” — Ludivina A. Lozano, Hyacinth P. Feliciano, and Rommel F. Feliciano
• Environment and Natural Product Development: “Molluscicidal Activity of Dieffenbachia seguine (Dumb Cane) Leaf Extract Against Pomacea canaliculata (Golden Apple Snail)” — Alfredo V. Corpuz, Carmela M. Florentino, Ace Daneille C. Avero, and Sherwin V. Alvaro
• Business, Technology, and Industry: “Drying Rate and System Efficiency of Photovoltaic Solar Powered Fish Dryer” — Marlen T. Bilog

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

Administration and Supervision
• Best Presentation: Angelica T. Arquines—School Paper Management of Secondary Schools in the Division of Ilocos Sur
• 1st Runner-Up: Eugenio P. Millare—Digital Leadership Efficiency: Its Role on the Organizational Effectiveness in the Schools Division of Abra
• 2nd Runner-Up: Marjorie Janel R. Paguirigan—Development of a Journalism Training Program and its Effect on the Proficiency of School Paper Advisers
Business, Technology, & Industry
• Best Presentation: Luis A. Tattao—Technical Performance of Glass Powdering Machine
• 1st Runner-Up: Richard C. Arruejo—Forest Management System using iD3 Decision Tree Algorithm for Department of Environment & Natural Resources
• 2nd Runner-Up: Mariano T. Romano Jr.—Enhancing Public Sector Service Delivery System through E-Procurement and Document Tracking System
Health
• Best Presentation: Francis Don L. Nero—Assessment on the Competency in Delivering Health Services among Barangay Health Workers in Metro Vigan: Basis for the Conduct of Competency-Based Training Program
• 1st Runner-Up: Ludivina A. Lozano, Hyacinth P. Feliciano, & Rommel F. Feliciano—Air Particulate Matters in Public Hospitals Isolation Rooms in Ilocos Sur: Basis for Archi-Tech Design Innovation
• 2nd Runner-Up: Aisha N. Sevilleja—Assessing School Support for Mental Health: Development of an Instrument for Ilokano Students
Environment and Natural Product Development
• Best Presentation: Jeanina B. Batin—Development of Pukpuklo (codium sp.) Seaweed Ice Cream
• 1st Runner-Up: Kevin Cesar T. Martinez & Rogelio D. Quario II—Development of Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) – Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sp.) Muffin
• 2nd Runner-Up: Rene Boy C. Caasi—Solid Waste Alleviation Program (SWAP) for Tondol National High School
Teaching and Learning
• Best Presentation: Christian P. Peria—Development and Evaluation of a Culture-Based Storybook
• 1st Runner-Up: Roleson T. Gromthom—Adventure-Type Role-Playing Video Game (RPG) in Creative Writing
• 2nd Runner-Up: Christa Jesusa S. Naval—Development of a Worktext in Genetics for Pre-Service Science Teachers
Social Science
• Best Presentation: Kent Alvin L. Guzman—Delivery of Judicial and Non-Judicial Services of the Public Attorney’s Office in Ilocos Sur
• 1st Runner-Up: Ema T. Tiburcio—Cultural Heritage Conservation Programs in the World Heritage City of Vigan
• 2nd Runner-Up: Romyr Genesis M. Canaria—A Work of Heart: Stories from the Last Mile Schools in Ilocos Sur

In her closing remarks, URDO Director Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna expressed gratitude to the organizing committees, evaluators, facilitators, and the URDO family for their tireless work and congratulated all presenters for their contributions to advancing knowledge and promoting sustainable development.
The congress served as a venue in promoting collaboration, sharing ideas, and translating research into real-world impact.

-𝐄𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐌. 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧