The University Research and Development Office, headed by Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, held the 8^th Student Research Congress at the UNP Tadena Hall on June 18, 2024, with the theme “Sustainability in Focus: Advancing Research Through Interdisciplinary and Innovative Approaches.”

This year’s congress brought together a diverse selection of student researchers to inquire into innovative and sustainable solutions through groundbreaking research. The research presentations were divided into five research clusters, namely: Education, Social Sciences, Science & Technology, Industry and Energy, Health and Nutrition, and Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Natural Resources.

Dr. Corazon G. Pardo, the coordinator of the In-House Review Researches Office, welcomed the participants and guests of the congress.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, emphasized how research is a powerful force that can shape people’s understanding of the world and our place. He stated that research is about being curious and about being willing to challenge the status quo; it is about embracing the unknown and being willing to take risks to find answers to complex problems.

The keynote speaker of the congress, Engr. Jordan L. Abad, the Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation as they would help in terms of the protection and preservation of resources and in addressing current societal and environmental problems. He shared how innovative solutions developed through research are significant to the growth of society.

Also present during the research congress were Dr. Rolando B. Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Fatima F. Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension; Mr. Albert R. Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Hon. Jhunel F. Tanurio, President of the Student Council, the deans of academic units, and faculty members.

The following student researchers and advisors are the winners of the 8^th Student Research Congress:

Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Natural Resources

Best Research Presentation: “Bioconversion of Food Waste as Organic Fertilizer using Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illlucens) Larvae and African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus euginiae)” by Ethan John R. Peruna (Adviser: Jill Ann R. Paranada)

First Runner-Up: “Agricultural Services in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur” by Marc Adrian L. Tabisula (Adviser: Joselito D. de la Rosa)

Second Runner -Up:  “Enhancing Sustainable Waste Management: Exploring Barangay Government Engagement in Implementing R.A. 9003 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur” by Jeric C. Alcantara (Adviser:Ma. Roxane T. Villanueva

Education

Best Research Presentation: “Pagpapaunlad sa Kakayahang Umunawa ng mga Mag-aaral sa Araling Panlipunan 10 Gamit ang Artificial Intelligence Learning Tools” by Daph-Red Neo B. Raquepo & April Mae T. Vega (Adviser: Aaron Noel F. Taloza)

First Runner-Up: “Assessment of Financially Challenged Students: A Basis in the Establishment of ‘KUMUN’ in the Student Government” by Angelica Mae P. Tabion, Adrianne R. Tan, Jhunel F. Tanurio, & Maridel A. Yagui (Adviser: Melvin S. Laureta)

Second Runner-Up: “Contextualized Modeling-Based learning (CMBL): Effects on Learners’ Performance in Projectile Motion” by Renalyn V. Perez & Renzo Benedict N. Tabunan (Adviser: Melody Marquez)

Health and Nutrition

Best Research Presentation: “Anti-Angiogenic Property of Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle Berry) Ethanolic Leaf Extract Using In-Ovo Anas Platyrhynchos (Duck) Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay” by Mylie Joy H. Aguila, Immanuel L. Dickson, Genesis Bigie L. Gaspar, Jeza Lauren V. Pilarta, Roshine Joy G. Queddeng, Kayla Mae R. Querubin & Rheidhel John P. Recaido (Adviser: Matt Joseph T. Cabanting)

First Runner-Up: “Eichhornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth) Ethanolic Extract as an Anticoagulant on the Complete Blood Counts of Healthy Individuals” by Maria Lourdes M. Aquino, Lord Kent G. Collado, Trisha Jae P. Javier, Nathaniel Genesis I. Rabilas, Kayrlle Anne R. Razonable & Dianne Ces Marie G. Valledor (Adviser: Alfredo V. Corpuz)

Second Runner-Up: “The Prenatal and Postnatal Cultural Care Practices of Mothers in San Emilio, Ilocos Sur” by Maricar U. Andres, Jessica D. Agcaoili, Hazel C. Hagacer, Bernadette A. Refuerzo, Roby Hamizie P. Retoria & Jessa Angelica T. Tabbada (Adviser: Romelia P. Tamayo)

Science & Technology, Industry & Energy

Best Research Presentation: “Juana-Be-Safe: A Knowledge-Based Digital Assistant and Menstrual Cycle Tracker App” by Vanessa E. Tabalan, Jason King A. Ramos, Airis Ellaine C. Pichay & John Kenneth R. Superable (Adviser: Noel S. Rafanan)

First Runner-Up: “HUBITUS: A Modular Architecture for a Sustainable Co-living Hu” by Trishia Mae P. Quiming (Adviser: Giuseppe Fidel Noe R. Alonzo)

Second Runner-Up: “Development of an Innovative and Sustainable Biodiesel Reactor: Mitigating the Adverse Effects of Waste Cooking Oil to Produce Renewable Diesel” by Jansen John U. Costales, Edzel Keneth P. Flojo, & Mike Dane T. Salvador (Adviser: Vincent P. Pilien)

Social Science

Best Research Presentation: “Beyond Prison Walls’ Light in the Dark: Lived Realities of Persons Deprived of Liberty” by Arjhon B. Mungcal, Carylanne P. Bernabe, Jolinah A. Martinez, Eloisa Marie P. Quisias, Mark Julius M. Rabor & Jasper Wayne B. Remular (Adviser: Raymund Christopher Dela Peña)

First Runner-Up: “Public Fiscal Administration and Good Governance among the Sangguniang Kabataan Officials of Sinait, Ilocos Sur: A Basis for Extension Activity” by Vic Awdrey Y. Baris (Adviser: Mae Angelie V. Salvador-Garcia)

Second Runner-Up: “Senior High School Students’ Purchase Intention on Impulse Goods” by Nur Hanifa Binte R. Zulkifli, Jemina Ruth P. Arances, Rhea Jane P. Urias, Zsarina Angelika A. Laniog, Aizle Jenni F. Raguindin & Czarina Kristine R. Tibuc (Adviser: Christian S. Domondon)

Article by Bianca Pajaro.