Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) students and faculty members bagged awards during the 7th Regional Research Congress held at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Tadena Hall, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on September 26-27, 2024. 

The Research Congress was anchored in the theme “Building Collaborative Efforts in Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” 

Mr. Denver A. Novencido, Mid La Union Campus (MLUC) Master in Information Technology alumnus and faculty member of the College of Information Technology (CIT) was awarded Best Paper in the Business, Technology, and Industry Area for their paper titled “Cloud-Based Faculty Association Information and Decision Support System for DMMMSU-MLUC.” Mr. Novencido also received the award for Best Presentation in the same field for the aforementioned research. Dr. Sheena I. Sapuay-Guillen served as his research adviser.

Ms. Azher Joy T. Equias, a Master in Development Administration alumna from MLUC, excelled in the Social Science Area, winning the Best Paper Award for her paper titled “Impact of the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services in the Development of Indigenous People: The Case of the KALAHI-CIDSS.” Her adviser is Dr. Paulito C. Nisperos.

Mr. Ivan G. Ticguey, a Master of Science in Biology alumnus clinched the Best Paper Award in his paper titled “Flora Diversity of Mt. Katayagan, Agoo, La Union” in the Environment and Product Development area.

The two-day regional conference was attended by participants from the provinces of Abra, Kalinga, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Palawan, the National Capital Region, Mindanao, and the United States of America, who participated via online platforms. The event featured 152 research papers presented by 187 participating researchers across various fields, including administration and supervision, health, teaching and learning, business, technology and industry, environment and product development, and social science.

Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation, and Dr. Bernardo D. Lamadrid, Executive Director of the Open University System, served as members of the panel of judges and evaluated submissions for the Best Paper Award.

Dr. Aloysius J. Aurelio, Dean of the MLUC College of Graduate Studies, assessed the entries in Administration and Supervision, while Dr. Tjaart Jan B. Estrada, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies at South La Union Campus (SLUC), focused on the Social Sciences category.

Additionally, Dr. Imma Concepcion G. Estabillo, Program Chair for BS Food Technology, evaluated submissions in Environment and Product Development; Dr. Clarissa Albarillo judged papers in Business, Technology, and Industry; Dr. Flordiliza B. Dalumay reviewed entries in Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Elizabeth Tangangco, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, assessed submissions in Health.

The moderators were Dr. Jesus Rafael B. Jarata, Director of International Affairs; Dr. Arrianne Michelle F. Fabro, MLUC Head of Strategic Communications; Dr. Grace A. Llobrera-Diamse, MME Chairperson; Dr. Manolito F. Dela Cruz, MATE and PhD TEM Chairperson; Dr. Jefferson D. Isidro; and Dr. Aisha N. Sevilleja.

The event also included signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DMMMSU and UNP. This MOA intends to improve technology transfer and promote research activities and collaboration between the two universities. (By Arrianne Michell F. Fabro)