The Research Services Division organized the 36th Science and Technology Excellence Awards Competition (STEAC) on June 10-11, 2024, to showcase the groundbreaking research outputs of students from the undergraduate and graduate studies.
This annual competition gathers researchers from both undergraduate and graduate categories, providing a platform for the dissemination and enhancement of their research papers. Participants will also receive technical recommendations from a panel of experts to ensure their outputs are publication-ready.
Dr. Mark Jaypee C. Gonzales, Director of the Research Services Division, inaugurated the event with an inspiring opening remark. Supporting his statements, Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, VP for Research and Innovation, and Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, University President, delivered additional encouraging messages. Ms. Wenielyn G. Nilo, Head of the Program Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, then presented the rationale and mechanics of the competition. Dr. Marilyn B. Balderas, Head of the Program Development and Review Unit, introduced the esteemed panel of evaluators and participants.
The panel of evaluators included Dr. Plutomeo M. Nieves, Research Director at the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi; Dir. Nico A. Ogarte, Research Director at the University of Nueva Caceres; and Prof. Arthur B. Estrella, Retired CBSUA Faculty and Former CBSUA Research Director. Evaluating the undergraduate category were Dir. Patrocinio N. Felizmenio, Provincial Science and Technology Director at DOST Camarines Sur; Dr. Alex B. Templonuevo, Regional Director at the National Meat Inspection Service V; and Prof. Patrick O. Cabrejas, Biology Department Chairperson at Camarines Norte State College. The judges for the poster category comprised the aforementioned experts.
The paper presentations were held simultaneously, with the graduate category taking place at the CND Hall and the undergraduate category at the Quality Assurance Hub. Researchers presented their papers comprehensively before the panel of evaluators and fellow participants, showcasing innovative solutions to various scientific and technological challenges.
Participants were evaluated for the best research paper and best research poster. After a rigorous day of presentations and evaluations, the following winners were announced:
Best Oral Presenter (Graduate Category)
1st Place: Mr. Kier P. Gasga; “Potential Oil Sorption of Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) Fibers”
2nd Place: Mr. Carlo Gabriel R. Abante; “Land Cover and Land Cover Change as Factors for Optimal Spatial Development in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon”
3rd Place: Mr. Fortunato M. Balbis, Jr.; “Rice Variety and Climate Interaction: Rice Cropping Systems for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Camarines Sur, Philippines”
Best Oral Presenter (Undergraduate Category)
1st Place: Jane Rosemarie N. Jeremias; “Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacterial Isolates in Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) at Lake Buhi and Lake Bato, Camarines Sur, Philippines”
2nd Place: Blessel S. Balbuena; “Fabrication of Cellulose-Based Bioplastic from Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Pod Husk Incorporated with Propolis Silver Nanoparticles”
3rd Place: Vanessa S. Leano; “Design, Fabrication, and Performance Evaluation of a Mechanical Coconut Milk Extractor”
In total, 10 graduate students and 12 undergraduates participated in the paper presentation, while 28 researchers from both categories competed in the poster competition.
Poster Competition
1st Best Poster: Mr. Carlo Gabriel R. Abante; “Land Cover and Land Cover Change as Factors for Optimal Spatial Development in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon”
2nd Best Poster: Mr. Mark Clarence A. Delustre; “Ethnobotanical Survey and Morphological Analysis of Dioscorea Species in Bula, Camarines Sur”
3rd Best Poster: Ms. Joanna C. Peralta; “Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Pacific White Shrimps (Penaeus vannamei) and Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Seafood Vendors on Shrimp Retail Management from Public Markets of 1st District Municipalities of Camarines Sur”
Dr. Jaypee Gonzales concluded the event with closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of absorbing feedback from evaluators to refine their papers further. He also urged participants to pursue publication of their research outputs.
The 36th STEAC was a resounding success, highlighting the innovative potential and academic excellence of CBSUA scholars.
