With a vibrant research culture as one of the hallmarks of a university, a student research congress spearheaded by the University Research and Development Office (URDO) was held on June 15, 2023 to provide a platform for emerging researchers to showcase their mettle.

Dr. Pio Ferdinand Lamarca discusses the place of research in undergraduate studies.

With the theme “Exploring Opportunities for Knowledge Generation and Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Student Research,” the event convened researchers from the different undergraduate programs in the University for them to disseminate findings of their theses.

Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, URDO Director, is at the helm of the event, including others such as the Regional Research Congress for graduate students and faculty and seminar-workshops on research methodologies.

In the same manner, part of the program is also the opening of the research poster exhibit, which is different from the oral presentation. This year’s iteration is the tilt’s second.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna emphasized that research events “expand our intellectual horizons, foster collaborations, and contribute to the broader academic response to share and propagate new and useful knowledge.”

“Today, we celebrate the significant findings from your own studies. We will tell others the significance of knowledge sharing for personal growth, academic development, and the advancement of society,” he added.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna commends the researchers’ eagerness in pursuing interesting and valuable studies. 

He also commended the researchers for their intuitive mind because they are still at their prime. Accordingly, engaging in knowledge sharing allows individuals to explore diverse perspectives and gain insights beyond their expertise.

The program’s keynote speaker was Dr. Pio Ferdinand J. Lamarca, Vice President of the UNP Federated Alumni Association and member of the Board of Directors of the Ilocos Sur Cooperative Medical Mission Group and Hospital. 

He also served as Vice President for Research and Extension and OIC in the Office of the President in the University.

Thirty-six papers were presented orally along four categories, namely: Natural Resource Management and Product Development (10 papers); Science, Technology, and Industry Energy (nine papers); Social Science (nine papers); and Business and Culture (eight papers).

Meanwhile, the poster exhibit has 31 entries, which are available on the URDO Facebook page until June 23.

The closing program in the afternoon was slated for the awarding of winners. They are the following:

Business, Culture, and Health

Best Student Research: “Itneg Mother’s Concession: Perinatal Beliefs and Practices Unwrapped” by Daryll Jeremy Virtudes & Andrea Janella Labuni

1^st Runner-Up: “Strengthening Panaglaga Culture: Creating Gaynek ta Cabiga-o” by Adrian Keith Serna, James Carlo Asuncion, Revenson Saniatan, Erwin Sumahit, & Charlie Tapuro

2^nd Runner-Up: “A Translated Sarita as a Lesson Exemplar in English 7” by Angela Marie Pacursa, Margie Rosario, Bea Maryse Rosales, & Kylene Ursua

Natural Resource Management and Product Development

Best Student Research: “Biogas Production from Improvised Anaerobic Digester Using Vegetable Wastes and Horse Dung” by Maria Angelica German, Rosaly Paiste & Crissa Mae Rafanan

1^st Runner-Up: “Evaluation of Coral Reef Health Status in the Fish Sanctuary of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur” by Jericho Mendoza & Ashlee Verzosa

2^nd Runner-Up: “Mathematical Modelling and Chaos Testing of Rainfall Climatological Normals in Northern Philippines” by Brent Buv Bautista

Science, Technology, Industry, and Energy

Best Student Research: “Fisda: Smart IoT -Based Fish Farming Monitoring System” by Jayvee Aguinaldo, Mark Anthony Divina & Via Angeline Misanes

1^st Runner-Up: “Development of Non-Load Bearing Three Core Stretcher Concrete Masonry Unit with Polyethylene Terephthalene Waste” by Chavit Abalos, Krisha Mae Jemaima Cabe & EJ Alfred Manglal-Lan

2^nd Runner-Up: “Effect of Centrifugation Speed and Time on the Blood Chemistry Values of Healthy Individuals” by Ariana Sariah Paris Tejano

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Best Student Research: “The Level of Awareness of Tupad Implementation Management among Displaced Workers in Metro Vigan” by Kimberly Anne T. Rin

1^st Runner-Up: “Rediscovering Federalism: Awareness and Acceptability on the Prospective Shift in the Form of Philippine Government” by Jamaica Bautista, Danica Bolanos, & Joseph Nugal

2^nd Runner-Up: “Cyberbullying among Students in one of the Higher Education Institutions in Vigan City” by John Glenn G. Paat