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Student researchers from across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region gathered at the USM-DPTC Auditorium, USMARDC, University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, Cotabato, on November 11, 2026, for the 1st Regional Student Research and Development Congress, organized by the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC).
In collaboration with the Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists-Vis-Min Chapter, the one-day congress gave students a regional stage to present their research and development work in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources, and to receive feedback from a panel of experienced evaluators.
Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele, Consortium Director of SOXAARRDEC, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Gina D. Balleras, Regional Technology Transfer Cluster Coordinator of SOXAARRDEC, led the recognition of participants. Dr. Elorde Jr. S. Crispolon, Regional R&D Cluster Coordinator of SOXAARRDEC, explained the rationale of the activity.
An inspirational message was delivered by Dr. Jan Clyden B. Tenorio, Head of USM Publication and Printing Unit, representing Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, SUC President IV of USM and Base Agency Head of SOXAARRDEC. Dr. Ele then introduced the panel of evaluators.
Three evaluators judged the entries:
- Dr. Naomi G. Tangonan, DOST Lifetime Scientist and Professor Emeritus of the University of Southern Mindanao
- Dr. Gina D. Balleras, Chief Science Research Specialist and R&D Coordinator of PhilRice-MES
- Ms. Cecilia A. Parcon, Chief of the Research Division of DA-RFO XII
The results of the competition are as follows:
Research Paper Category
Rank: Best Research Paper
Title: Larvicidal Efficacy of Tubli (Derris elliptica) Extract Against Coconut Leaf Beetle (Brontispa longissima)
Authors/CMI: Cyprian S. Gastar, Jayson S. Suhayon, MSc/ Sultan Kudarat State University
Rank: 2nd Best Research Paper
Title: Survey on the Occurrence of Fungal Diseases of Selected Ornamental Plants in Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur
Authors/CMI: Celestine V. Sebios, Tamie C. Solpot/ University of Southern Mindanao
Rank: 3rd Best Research Paper
Title: Campus as Habitat: A Baseline Assessment of Faunal Diversity and Conservation Status at CFCST Main Campus
Authors/CMI: Dave K. Mantangkil, Mindato U. Kundal, Glyden J. Camayudo, Jenerose A. Traya, Ksha Starr M. Loloy, Melody O. Jimenez, Judy Ann N. Cadali, and Ma. Lowella A. Manojo/ Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
Development Paper Category
Rank: Best Research Paper
Title: Endophytes as a Potential Biological Control Against Leaf Blight of Coffee (Lasiodiplodia theobromae)
Authors/CMI: Bea B. Gabatin, Bernadith T. Borja/University of Southern Mindanao
Rank: 2nd Best Development Paper
Title: Quality Of Palaypel Seed Paper Influenced by the Different Ratio of Caustic Soda
Authors/CMI: Jeffer Kitz B. Cuales, Nikki C. Cordero, MAST/South Cotabato State College
Rank: 3rd Best Development Paper
Title: Development and Optimization of Herb-Infused Brine Formulations for
Enhanced Sensory Acceptability and Physicochemical Quality of Pickled Japanese
Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors/CMI: Crisabel E. Saludares, Guiller Gil D. Arzagon, Vanessa M. Siega, and Marwen M. Diocon/ Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
Rank: 4th Best Development Paper
Title: Optimizing Madre De Agua (Trichanthera gigantea) as a Source of Protein in Grower Feed Ration for Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors/CMI: Hazon Lloyd T. Bernardino, Peddie V. Gesulga Jr., RAgr., Engr. Roy A. Cabatac, PhD, Judireck S. Zafra, RAgr., &; Rsel Joey V. Vildosola, RAgr./ Southern Christian College
Research Poster Category
Rank: Best Research Poster
Title: Analysis of the Formation of Amino Acid Precursors in the Interstellar Medium of Keyhole Nebula Molecular Cloud of NGC 3372: A Combined Astrochemical and Theoretical Study
Authors/CMI: Shahannie E. Akmad, Ronald Z. Pascual, Jelly Grace B. Nonesa/University of Southern Mindanao
Rank: 2nd Best Research Poster
Title: Physical Attributes of Marine Heatwaves in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Southern Mindanao, Philippines, From Ultra-High Resolution SST Data in the Past 21 Years
Authors/CMI: Dawn Oliver A. Dumip-ig/ Mindanao State University-General Santos
Rank: 3rd Best Research Poster (Tie)
Title: Campus as Habitat: A Baseline Assessment of Faunal Diversity and Conservation Status at CFCST Main Campus
Authors/CMI: Dave K. Mantangkil, Mindato U. Kundal, Glyden J. Camayudo, Jenerose A. Traya, Ksha Starr M. Loloy, Melody O. Jimenez, Judy Ann N. Cadali, and Ma. Lowella A. Manojo/ Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
Title: From Festive Tradition to Convenient Meal: Optimization, Quality, and Safety Assessment of Ready-to-Eat Chevon Kaldereta
Authors/CMI: Regie Lou D. Lamzon; Shara May C. Noval; Jose Amado Ds. Torreda; Cyril John A.Domingo; Shyree A. Mancenero; Stephen Christian Clavaton; Michael John D. Benavidez/Sultan Kudarat State University
Development Poster
Rank: Best Development Poster
Title: Endophytes as a Potential Biological Control Against Leaf Blight of Coffee (Lasiodiplodia theobromae)
Authors/CMI: Bea B. Gabatin, Bernadith T. Borja/University of Southern Mindanao
Rank: 2nd Best Development Poster
Title: Quality Of Palaypel Seed Paper Influenced by the Different Ratio of Caustic Soda
Authors/CMI: Jeffer Kitz B. Cuales, Nikki C. Cordero, MAST/South Cotabato State College
Rank: 3rd Best Development Poster
Title: Development and Optimization of Herb-Infused Brine Formulations for
Enhanced Sensory Acceptability and Physicochemical Quality of Pickled Japanese
Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors/CMI: Crisabel E. Saludares, Guiller Gil D. Arzagon, Vanessa M. Siega, and Marwen M. Diocon/ Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
Rank: 4th Best Development Poster
Title: Development and Optimization of Herb-Infused Brine Formulations for
Enhanced Sensory Acceptability and Physicochemical Quality of Pickled Japanese
Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors/CMI: Crisabel E. Saludares, Guiller Gil D. Arzagon, Vanessa M. Siega, and Marwen M. Diocon/ Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
SOXAARRDEC thanked its Consortium Member Institutions, agency leaders, and cluster representatives for their participation, support, and strong ugnayan. It also thanked the evaluators, presenters, moderators, rapporteurs, secretariat, staff, cluster coordinators, and participants.
SOXAARRDEC extended special thanks to its base agency, the University of Southern Mindanao, for its commitment and guidance over the years and for supporting the congress.
As the first of its kind in the region, the congress sets a precedent for nurturing young researchers and linking student work to the needs of farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders in SOCCSKSARGEN.
