Reinforcing its commitment to excellence in research, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Nursing staged its Research Colloquium 2026 on March 23, 2026 at the UNP Auditorium, gathering fourth-year nursing student researchers, faculty, and academic leaders under the theme “Advancing Ethics, Integrity, and Responsible Research.”
In her opening remarks, OIC Dean Prof. Mercedes Anicas emphasized the need to integrate ethical principles at every stage of the research process, stressing that true competence must be grounded in integrity. This message was echoed by keynote speaker Dr. Joel Estacio, who also chaired the oral and poster presentation sessions. In his address, he highlighted the importance of accountability, transparency, and the social responsibility of researchers in an increasingly evidence-driven landscape, reinforcing the event’s call for principled and responsible scholarship.
The colloquium was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Research Coordinator Cherry Banilad and the leadership of Scientific Committee Chair Dr. Matt Joseph Cabanting, whose oversight ensured the rigor, organization, and scholarly quality of the presentations. Supporting the evaluation process were panelists Dr. Jonathan Laranang and Mr. Bhert Keane Pugrad, who provided critical insights and constructive feedback to participating researchers.
Excellence in research was celebrated across disciplines, with standout studies earning top recognition. In the Health and Nutrition category, Romhea Turqueza, Venice Viloria, and Jelene Reg secured Best Presentation for their investigation into the phytochemical composition of Crescentia cujete (calabash) ethanolic leaf extract, underscoring its promise as a potential natural sleep aid.
Meanwhile, in the Social Science category, Allyssa Marie Quilala, Allen Christian Baptista, and Ashley Nicole Busto, garnered Best Presentation honors for “Unspoken Journeys,” a study that delves into the lived experiences and inner narratives of junior high school students navigating teenage pregnancy.
For Best Paper, Summer Joli Ainz Cirilo, Lyan Anthony Poli, and Irish Jade Unciano were awarded in Health and Nutrition for their investigation into the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Jatropha curcas (tuba-tuba) leaf extract using an animal model. Princess Tagelo, Asha Mariel Melendez, and Angeline Kate Tinaza, secured Best Paper in Social Science for their study on clinical cultural competency among student nurses in Ilocos Sur.
Poster presentations also demonstrated strong scholarly engagement. Jaezelle Hannah Tadena, Shainne Gaia Helaena Abajo, Alvin John Pacleb, Faye Angelique Rialubin, and Gwen Myeen Baldo secured first place. Dianne Tolentino and Mariela Somera placed second, while Daniel Giron, Rey Lourence Halagao, Jus Deu Exelcis Azcueta, Rud Marq Fuerte, John Moises Jao, and Mark Justin Leal earned third place.
As the colloquium concluded, it stood not only as a platform for academic recognition but also as a reaffirmation of UNP’s commitment to nurture ethically grounded, research-driven nursing professionals poised to contribute meaningfully to healthcare and society.
