The University Research Development and Innovation (URDI) spearheaded the 2024 University Selection for Best Thesis at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Open University System (DMMMSU-OUS), Catbangen, San Fernando City, La Union on June 7, 2024.

Lovely C. Lucina and Genoa P. Sabado from the College of Arts and Sciences won first place in the social research category. Their study is titled Ethnomedicinal Survey and Antibacterial Assay of Lantana camara L. and Heliotropium indicum L. Used by Bago-Kankanaey Communities of Alilem, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Nickjay Renz M. Medrano served as the researchers’ mentor.

The ethnomedicinal survey involved 87 informants from the Bago-Kankanaey groups, all elderly members with extensive knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Results in the phytochemical analysis showed the presence and varying levels of phytochemicals.

Representatives from the different campuses offering varied undergraduate degrees joined in the search for the best thesis. 

The event emphasized the university’s commitment to encouraging academic excellence and supporting impactful research among its students.

(by RVM)