The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) celebrated the spirit of research and innovation during its 13ᵗʰ Systemwide Students’ Research Colloquium held last Friday, April 25, 2025, at the newly inaugurated Research and Extension Hub, Main Campus–Tiwi Site, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, with students showcasing exemplary research across multiple fields.
The event featured more than 60 student researchers from campuses and sites in Dingle, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, and San Enrique, presenting studies across three major tracks: Natural/Biological/Environmental Sciences, Information and Industrial Technology, and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. Each project reflected ISUFST’s commitment to producing solutions responsive to real-world challenges.
In the Natural/Biological/Environmental Sciences category, Leslie Kate T. Macaling and her team from the Main Campus–Tiwi Site earned first place for their study “Pathogenicity of Edwardsiella tarda to Juvenile Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.” The second place went to Jezreel P. Solatorio’s group for “Detection of Microplastics Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in Commercially Important Bivalves in Tinorian River, Iloilo,” while Shannen Jyrah C. Hisugan and her group secured third with their project “Mangrove Mapping through Remote Sensing as Basis for Mangrove Management Plan.”
The Best Poster Award in this category was given to Johnlie Mae T. Consumo’s team for their study “Quality Characteristics and Storage Stability of Seaweeds-Enriched Chili Oil Using Gracilaria edulis,” which also topped the Food Innovation category.
In the Information and Industrial Technology track, Dumangas Campus students led by Kaniella D. Casianan won first place with “Development of a Soil-Based Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) Storage Prototype with IoT-Enabled Monitoring of Energy Storage, Generation, and Consumption.”
Second place was awarded to Dingle Campus’ team headed by Kert Ervin Catague with their study “TechaTour: AI Virtual Information Assistant,” while third place went to Eden Mae Gumban’s team for “ISUFACE: Face Recognition App for ISUFST Students.” The Best Poster in this track was also awarded to the TechaTour team.
Meanwhile, in the Social Sciences, Education, and Humanities category, Jade Lyn L. Buenavides and Razel Marice Antopina from the Main Campus–Poblacion Site secured first place with their research “Translanguaging: Contextualizing Critical Pedagogy in the English Classroom.”
Second place went to Princess Dea B. Babaran’s team from the Main Campus–Tiwi Site with their project “Mga Terminolohiya sa Paggamos sa Bayan ng Banate, Iloilo: Paglilikom at Pagtataya,” while Dumangas Campus’ Christel Surita and her team took third for “Behind Classroom Doors: Special Education Teachers’ Preparedness, Challenges, and Coping Mechanisms Towards Classroom Management.”
The Best Poster Award was claimed by Meredith P. Arabejo’s team for their research on “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Biosecurity of Seaweed Farmers in Concepcion, Iloilo: Basis for Policy Brief.”
Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, Director of the Research and Development Office, took a moment to remind everyone that the heart of the symposium went far beyond competition. “Today isn’t just about awards or recognition,” she said. “It’s about the values that keep our work grounded—integrity in always seeking the truth, social justice in making sure our research touches lives fairly, discipline in staying committed even when things get tough, and excellence in creating work that truly matters.” She gently reminded the young researchers, “What you’re doing now is bigger than this university. It’s about making a real difference in the world outside these walls.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga emphasized the value of research culture at ISUFST, stating, “Fostering research among our students ensures that innovation becomes second nature. Today’s achievements reflect our deeper mission—to empower future thinkers and doers in every field.”
In his message, ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr. reiterated that the colloquium embodies ISUFST’s vision of academic excellence rooted in real-world relevance. “This event is a testament to our students’ ability to develop solutions that matter. Research and innovation will continue to define who we are as an institution and who our students become as leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
The 13ᵗʰ Systemwide Students’ Research Colloquium capped a vibrant day of learning, exchange, and recognition, affirming ISUFST’s unwavering commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation—aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education, innovation, and sustainable development. (Arniel Clarite, Mia Jane Dumangas, and Herman Lagon/Sea Treasure/PAMMCO)
