The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), through the University Research and Development Office (URDO), held the 10th Student Research Congress on April 23, 2026, at Tadena Hall, gathering student researchers, faculty advisers, research evaluators, and university officials in a major showcase of undergraduate research and academic inquiry.
Guided by the theme, “Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Research, Inspiring Future Leaders,” the congress underscored the University’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable research while encouraging students to grow as future leaders in their respective fields. It also served as a university-wide platform for graduating undergraduate students to present their theses, feasibility studies, capstone projects, and action research.
This year’s congress featured 44 research titles across five major research clusters: Education, Social Sciences, Health and Nutrition, Science and Technology, Industry and Energy, and Agriculture, Fishery, Forestry, and Natural Resources. The range of topics reflected the breadth of student inquiry at UNP, from artificial intelligence in education and cultural heritage studies to public health, environmental resilience, and technological innovation.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna and the University’s three vice presidents: Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension; Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Mr. Albert Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration. Also present were Dr. Aldrin Jaramilla, President of the Faculty Union; Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, Director of the University Research and Development Office; and Mr. Jake Axel Tacadena, President of the Student Council.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Fatima Rocamora welcomed the participants and stressed the important role of budding and emerging researchers in shaping the nation’s future. She said the congress nurtures the academic and professional growth of student researchers while strengthening the University’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and community relevance.
In his inspirational message, Dr. Erwin Cadorna described research as a potent instrument for transformation, one that becomes more meaningful when guided by inclusivity, sustainability, courage, and innovation. Anchoring his message on UNP’s mantra, Manus Cor Mens, he said that hand, heart, and mind must work together in research: building solutions to real-world problems, grounding discovery in compassion, and pursuing truth and intellect in ways that bridge knowledge and development.
A major highlight of the congress was the keynote address of Dr. Dina Grace Banguilan, a distinguished alumna of UNP and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Laser Science Laboratory of Toyota Technological Institute in Japan. In her talk, “Shaping Light, Shaping the Future,” she shared her work in optics and laser science, including pulsed lasers, light patterns, and her current brain imaging research focused on developing an ultrafast laser system that can see deeper into tissues, capture clearer images, and generate flexible light-beam patterns that can target many brain cells simultaneously. She also reflected on her experiences as a scientist in Japan, encouraging students to stay curious, believe in their work, keep improving through hard work, and build networks by asking for help when needed.
Following the keynote address, student presenters proceeded to their respective parallel sessions, where they presented and defended their studies before panels of evaluators. The presentations demonstrated how undergraduate research can engage both disciplinary questions and real-world issues—from instructional innovation and community development to health studies, cultural preservation, and science-based solutions to pressing challenges.
The congress recognized both the quality of the paper and the effectiveness of its presentation. Awards were given for Best Research Paper, Best in Research Presentation, First Runner-Up in Research Presentation, and Second Runner-Up in Research Presentation in each cluster. All participants and their advisers also received Certificates of Appreciation, while winners were awarded cash prizes and Certificates of Recognition.
The following are the winning student researchers and research titles in each area of the 10th Student Research Congress:
- Education
Best Research Paper – “SpectraUNO: Development of a Card Game in Physics to Improve Students’ Engagement” by Alvin Lloyd Gampayon
Best Research Presentation – “SpectraUNO: Development of a Card Game in Physics to Improve Students’ Engagement” by Alvin Lloyd Gampayon
First Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Effect of Trighouse Tangrams on the Mathematical Ability of Grade 9 Students in Trigonometric Ratios” by Diana Rose Eligio and Donna Larraine Almazan
Second Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Awareness, Acceptability and Usage of Artificial Intelligence Tools Among Students of the University of Northern Philippines” by Cyril Rose Villanueva, Mhica Tabutol, and Aron Ace Piano
- Social Sciences
Best Research Paper – “An Integrated Barangay Resource Center for the Coastal Community of Puro, Magsingal: A Design Response to Spatial Stagnation” by Jovi Anne Haduca
Best Research Presentation – “Democratic Participation and the Lived Experiences of Selected Political Activists in the Ilocos Region” by Jake Axel Tacadena
First Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Spreadsheet-Based Inventory Management System for Vigan City Souvenir Shops” by Ronel Guzman, Erl Zigfrreid Nalundasan, Noreen Alia Pacano, Gemma Louise Ramos, and Jasmine Nicole Raposas
Second Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Pamana a Namnama: Integrating Ilocano Contemporary Design in the Interior Renovation of the Gregoria M. Rivera Memorial Library, Enhancing its Cultural Heritage” by Princess Ericriss Guiterrez
- Science and Technology, Industry and Energy
Best Research Paper – “BantayBaha: An Arduino-Based Flood Risk Management System” by Jericko James Tano, Diana Mae Acena, Paul Jonrry Cabalar, and Daniela Gaspar
Best Research Presentation – “Mathematical Modeling and Wind Tunnel Testing of the Aerodynamics of Paper Airplane Models” by Immanuel Alonzo
First Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “BantayBaha: An Arduino-Based Flood Risk Management System” by Jericko James Tano, Diana Mae Acena, Paul Jonrry Cabalar, and Daniela Gaspar
Second Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “ISEM: Records Management System for Dental Clinic using Greedy Algorithm” by Ram Jaurigue, Rhino Adame, John Dave Foronda, and Mark Hosea Medina
- Health and Nutrition
Best Research Paper – “Phytochemical Composition of Crescentia cujete (Calabash) Ethanolic Leaf Extract and Identification of Sedative Compounds for Potential Use as a Natural Sleep Aid” by Romhea Matmyr Turqueza, Chzenlie Janine Gadia, Jana Faye Lopez, Jelene Mary Reg, Ma. Teresa Suero, Sheena Genovahope Valdez, and Venice Kristine Myr Viloria
Best Research Presentation – “Development and Evaluation of Antibacterial Deodorant Stick from Bixa Orellana (Annato) Leaf Extract Against Staphylococus epidermis and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa” by Crishamay Avery Caoagas, Alexandre Agatha Cambay, Amery Myles, Jefferson Cariño, Bryden John Gasmen, Lemor Justine Perdon, and Trisha Jane Turqueza
First Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Unspoken Journeys: Exploring the Inner Worlds of Teenage Pregnancy Among Junior High School Students” by Allyssa Marie Quilala, Ashley Nicole Busto, Allen Christian Baptista, Zciane Thrixcelle Cipriano, and Reycel Paner
Second Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Clinical Cultural Competency Among Student Nurses in Ilocos Sur” by Princess Tagelo, Kathleen Mave Angco, Asha Mariel Melendez, Alyssa Jae Ravago, and Angeline Kate Tinaza
- Agriculture, Fishery, Forestry, and Natural Resources
Best Research Paper – “Acceptability of White Yam (Dioscore ooposita Thumb.) Peel Starch-Based Biopplastic” by Jera Margareth Montero, Anjel Rhada Mae Estoesta, Xandra Nichole Quitoriano, and Geonalyn Trisha Gaspar
Best Research Presentation – “Development of Flood Evacuation Route Map for the Municipality of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur” by Ronel Ian Cabanas, Nicolette Cortez, Summer Esquita, and Michella Dione Rivel
First Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Investigating the Potential of Roselle Calyx as a Sustainable Sour Seasoning Mix” by Arlyn Guba, Benydick Manzano, John Michael Palacio, Nichole Palapala, Aivan Jasper Villamor, Alicia Daphne Navarro, Vanessa Gutierrez, and Cielo Bea Ines
Second Runner-Up in Research Presentation – “Towards Resilient Communities: A Participatory and GIS-Based Flood Susceptibility and Risk Management Assessment in Barangays Palao, Santa Rosa, and Cabuloan, Bangued, Abra” by Joy April Batalon
In her closing remarks, Prof. Bonna Mae Gorospe, Chief of the Ilokano Studies Center and co-chair of the congress, said research becomes meaningful when it responds to real lives, real communities, and real possibilities. She added that the studies presented during the congress may serve as foundations for future programs, policies, and innovations, and she thanked the organizers, University administration, and working committees for the successful conduct of the event.
The congress reaffirmed UNP’s commitment to research excellence and to forming future leaders whose work can contribute meaningfully to society.
