The University of Northern Philippines honored 289 faculty members, non-teaching personnel, and students during Gawad Saliksik 2026, held on October 15 at the UNP Gymnasium as part of its 61st Founding Anniversary celebration.
Organized by the University Research and Development Office (URDO), headed by Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, the ceremony recognized achievements in research publication, innovation, utilization, and other scholarly pursuits. This year’s celebration carried the theme “Research that Transforms, Innovation that Transfers, Impact that Shapes the Future.”
The awards covered 26 Scopus/Web of Science-indexed research publications and 31 publications in UNP research journals, alongside seven utilized research projects, 17 studies completed on time, and 20 copyright registrations. The ceremony also recognized 32 researchers for citations to their scholarly works and 26 distinguished awardees for honors earned at international, national, and regional research conferences. College deans and unit research coordinators were honored for their leadership, dedication, and continued support of the University’s research initiatives. Student researchers were likewise recognized for their achievements in research and innovation competitions.
The recognized works spanned various disciplines, including health, education, science, technology, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation, reflecting the breadth of research and innovation undertaken across the University.
In her welcome remarks, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Fatima Rocamora congratulated the awardees and emphasized the importance of research in advancing knowledge and responding to societal needs. She also reflected on the event’s theme, highlighting the value of translating research and innovation into meaningful contributions.
In his inspirational message, UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna expressed pride in the awardees and acknowledged their dedication to research alongside their teaching, administrative, and community responsibilities. He encouraged experienced researchers to mentor the next generation and urged aspiring scholars to pursue their ideas with curiosity and perseverance.
Dr. Erwin Cadorna also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting research, strengthening collaboration, and providing opportunities for scholarly growth. He reminded the awardees that their contributions are deeply valued by UNP and encouraged them to continue pursuing discoveries that benefit communities.
Guest of Honor and Speaker Dr. Remedios Navarro, former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, discussed the significance of engaging in research, particularly its benefits to professional development, academic advancement, and opportunities for promotion.
Dr. Navarro also thanked URDO Director Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, whom she acknowledged as one of her inspirations in research. She further emphasized that while she had come to deliver an inspirational message, the achievements of the awardees could themselves serve as an inspiration to fellow researchers and aspiring scholars.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Francis Don Nero reflected on the frustrations, patience, and collective efforts involved in research. He thanked UNP for providing opportunities to learn and contribute, encouraging fellow awardees to take pride in their recognition while staying committed to learning and serving others. He emphasized that while UNP recognizes its researchers today, their future accomplishments can, in turn, bring greater recognition to the University.
In her closing remarks, URDO Director Dr. Edelyn Cadorna emphasized that Gawad Saliksik celebrates not only individual achievements but also UNP’s growing research culture, which the awardees have helped keep alive, thriving, and evolving. She hoped the celebration would become an enduring tradition that inspires more UNPians to pursue research. Thanking the University administration and everyone who has supported and empowered researchers, she encouraged the awardees to continue improving their craft and pursuing lasting impact, reminding them that their greatest legacy lies in the lives they inspire and the future they help build.
Gawad Saliksik 2026 celebrated UNP researchers’ diverse accomplishments and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to nurturing a research culture that inspires future scholars and delivers lasting benefits to society.
Article by Dean Alvin Pablico. Photo by Mark Paul Siazon.
