17 students present research outputs during regional research competition

MALAYBALAY CITY – Seventeen undergraduate students in Northern Mindanao demonstrated their research prowess in Oral Research Paper and Research Poster Contest during the first day of the NORMINCOHRD 6th Regional Health Research Conference on October 10, 2023.

Ms. Danise Athena Barroso, a 4th year Nursing student, represented Bukidnon State University with her research paper entitled: “Larvicidal Properties and Potency of Oil extract in Selected Varieties of Capsicum.” Her study focused on the potency of capsicum or red chilivarieties in mitigating the escalating dengue cases in Bukidnon.

“It is a key factor and multidisciplinary fight against dengue since nursing is oriented towards preventive care,” said Barroso.

Another BukSU representative Mr. Carl Michael Jefferson Ontoy also grabbed the interest of the audiences with his research paper entitled: “Effects of Korean Music on Labor Pain Among Multiparous and Nulliparous Filipino Women in Lying-in Clinics.”

Ontoy said he has witnessed the struggle and pain of birthing mothers going through labor; thus, they have sought out possible potential interventions that could alleviate and moderate labor pain’s intensity.

“After a thorough search through articles and journals, we came upon the therapeutic effects of music therapy. We decided to employ Korean music as an intervention due to its affirmed therapeutic effects on recent studies. We present the efficacy of Korean music therapy as a viable non-pharmacologic intervention during the active phase of labor,” he added.

Ms. Bvea Bryka Bontilao, a presenter from Iligan Medical Center College, sparked awareness among the audience with the potential of Saluyot Leaves in cancer therapy, particularly in radioprotection against X-rays.

“11 adults every hour is diagnosed with cancer…and this research shines a beacon of hope,” said Bontilao.

Nine undergrad students competed for the research poster contest held at the Audio Visual Center.

BukSU representative Ms. Samantha Camila Cagulada competed with her research entitled: “In Vitro antibacterial Assay and Phytochemical Analysis of Ethanolic extract on Selected Ethnomedicinal Plants in Higaonon Tribe.”

Cagulada said she experienced living in Higaonon tribe area for 2-3 years and she realized what their daily life was.

“This inspired me to conduct a study to verify if their plants have indeed antibacterial and phytochemical properties,” she added.

Joining Ms. Cagulada in representing the university was Ms. Vera M. Bolanio with her research entitled: “Leukosyke Capitellata (Alagasi) and its Phytochemical and Antibacterial Potential versus Staphylococcus Aerus and Escherichia Coli.”

This year’s theme was “One with People and Nature: Sustainable Development Through Health Research.”

Department of Science and Technology-10 Regional Director and NorMinCoHRD Chairperson, Dr. Romela Ratilla, hopes that the research outputs can benefit the people.

“I would really like to see that our research outputs become products or utilized by the government, especially our local governments, in terms of policies. Some [of the research] are promising, and some have the potential to be commercialized,” said Ratilla.

The research competition was attended by different higher educational institutions(HEIs) around Region 10, includingMindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan Medical Center College Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, and Central Mindanao University. (Information Unit)