The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), through the University Research and Development Office (URDO), formally recognized the winners of the 4th Student Research Poster Presentation during the awarding ceremony held on Monday morning, May 26, 2025, immediately following the University’s Flag Raising Ceremony.
The awarding was led by University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, together with the three Vice Presidents—Dr. Rolando Navarro, Dr. Fatima Rocamora, and Mr. Albert Tejero, and the Director of URDO, Dr. Edelyn Cadorna.
Themed “Next Gen Researchers: Leading with Insight and Innovation,” this year’s competition drew 39 poster entries from 14 colleges. Students showcased their research in visually compelling formats, promoting public engagement and scholarly communication across campus and online.
The Best Poster award went to the College of Nursing for “Embracing Heritage in Healing: A Phenomenological Study of Postpartum Mothers in Tiagan, San Emilio, Ilocos Sur”, by Remelrose Esguerra, Melrhean Grace Denga-ey, Trixie De Guzman, Hazel Anne Flores, Angeline Tacata, and Andrea Nicole Toquero (Adviser: Mercedes Anicas).
Other major awardees were:
- 1st Runner-Up: Assessment of Biodiversity and Conservation Initiatives in the Mangrove Ecosystem of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
Authors: Rhenz Lee Macabeo, Ganibeth Reotorio, and Joemel Rabang (Adviser: Christy Venezuela – College of Arts and Sciences)
- 2nd Runner-Up: The Practice of Santiguar: A Complementary Approach to Mental Wellness and Healing
Authors: Gio Ferrnando Tejano, Kaylee Marie Basa, Alliah Rabanal, and Carl Vincent Pacpaco (Adviser: Alexandria Blake Cay Real-Pisalbo – College of Arts and Sciences)
- 3rd Runner-Up: Design and Evaluation of a Corn Processing Machine
Authors: Arjay Tabor, John Vince Servania, Ely Joy Ricanor Jr., John Lloyd Talapian, Mark Angelo Valoroso, and Ezekiel Eullysis Sabas (Adviser: George Michael C. Amano – College of Technology)
- 4th Runner-Up: Molluscicidal Activity of Gmelina arborea and Euphorbia splendens Leaf Extracts Against Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Jomari Arista, Mildred Ann Baptista, Adin Anthony Galvez, Leiden S. Gascon, Ashley Anne Pacubas, Kaylor Jane Quatchon, and Novelle Angelene Tacod (Adviser: Alfredo Corpuz – College of Health Sciences)
In addition to the top five awards, the following special citations were given for online visibility and public engagement:
- Most Liked: Regulatory Compliance of Micro and Small Businesses in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur
Authors: Melody Ligawad, Maricar Lorenzo, Isaiah Keith Manzano, Bridgette Nicole Mendoza, and Jessalyn Molina (Adviser: Mac Kerwin Lim – College of Business Administration and Accountancy) - Most Reacted: Attitudes Towards Business Ethics of Hotel Employees in Vigan City
Authors: Henri Carl Dato, Gretchen Halaman, Kim Olamei Baui, Angeline Benigno, Janine Kyla Manegdeg, Crisha Rabot, and Cathline Nina Antonio (Adviser: Jhonniño Serdenia – College of Business Administration and Accountancy) - Most Shared: The Perceived Influence of Parental Involvement on Nursing Students’ Journey
Authors: Sunshine Frando, Elaine Joy Galvan, Gerard Carl Joshua Hortizuela, Jude Ruel Jambalos, Andrei Lord Macaraeg, and Eliza Joy Sioquin (Adviser: Raymund Christopher Dela Peña – College of Nursing)
- Social Media Engagement Award: The Effectiveness of Molasses and Coconut Husks in Concrete Hollow Blocks Production
Authors: Marnick Arizanga, Mike Joshua Costales, and Audi Mckyla Inosanto (Adviser: Wilfredo Reyes – College of Engineering)
The awarding ceremony capped off a week-long poster exhibit held from May 19 to 26, which fostered academic exchange and creative communication of research. More than a culmination of student research efforts, the event also reaffirmed UNP’s commitment to cultivating a dynamic and inclusive research culture.
Article by Dean Alvin Pablico.
