BukSU Holds 15th University-Wide Student Research Competition

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) gathered student researchers, faculty mentors, panel experts, and academic leaders during the 15th University-Wide Student Research Competition held via Zoom on May 14, 2026.

According to the university’s Research and Development Unit (RDU), who organized the activity, the annual competition highlighted the institution’s continuing commitment to cultivating a strong research culture, promoting innovation, and strengthening student engagement in scholarly inquiry across various disciplines.

The activity featured research presentations from graduate and undergraduate students under multiple categories, including Sustainable Systems, Quantitative Analytics, and Health-Economic Development; Technological Innovation, Industrial Systems, and Bio-Food Technology; Education and Pedagogical Innovation; Governance, Public Administration, and Policy Studies; Social Sciences and Development Studies; and the Research Pitching Competition.

“[This] is more than a competition. It is a celebration of ideas, innovation, discovery, and the transformative power of research. It is a gathering of young minds driven not only by academic requirements, but by curiosity, purpose, and the desire to create meaningful impact in society,” said Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, BukSU’s Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations.

“Research is the courage to ask difficult questions, the discipline to seek truth, and the commitment to transform knowledge into solutions that respond to the needs of communities and the changing demands of the world,” Barroso added.

University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol also highlighted the role of research in knowledge management and science communication for development.

“Through your research, you are doing something remarkable. You are taking part in knowledge management, gathering insights, building on the work of others, and creating new knowledge that future BukSU students will learn from. You are also learning how to communicate science for development by translating complex findings into practical solutions that respond to the needs of your communities and our country,” she Mirasol.

Meanwhile, Ms. Joan M. Recente, Director of the Research and Development Unit, reaffirmed the university’s efforts to strengthen research capability and foster academic excellence through institutional support and interdisciplinary collaboration. The following are research papers and pitching presentations recognized during the competition:

Graduate Category Winners

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Dissertation Paper	Exploring Translanguaging Strategies in English Language Classroom: Basis for a Training Design	Rose M. Gimarangan
First Runner-Up	Development of Integrated Systems and Foresight Theory of Game- Based Mathematics Education: An Explanatory Sequential Inquiry	Orville J. Evardo Jr.
Second Runner-Up	Comparative Effects of Geogebra and Desmos on Analytical Skills and Academic Performance in Senior High School Calculus	Maria Hazelle A. Abdala

Undergraduate Category – Strand 1: Sustainable Systems, Quantitative Analytics, and Health-Economic Development

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Thesis Paper	Phytochemical Components and Larvicidal Efficacy of Ethanolic Bloodberry (Rivina humilis) Fruit Extracts against Aedis Mosquito: A Green Innovation for Community Health Nursing in Dengue Control	Faith G. Angga, Kristianne Kyle C. Añonuevo, Stephie Giovani O. Bañes, Gia Alexa B. Balansag, Jaela Nadine M. Caayupan, Daniela O. Domanat, Antonio Rhafi G. Galla, and Niño Mikael B. Salarda
First Runner-Up	In Vitro Antibacterial Activity and Bioactive Components of Golden Shrimp (Pachystachys lutea Nees) Bract against Escherichia coli	Hyres Alturas, Lee Ann Arcelo, Jessa Cabugwas, Nathaniel Cañete, Selwyn Dalumento, Terly Gunayan, Laura Jacinto, and Justin Villaflores
Second Runner-Up	Forecasting the Total Electricity Demand in the City of Malaybalay: Application of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model	Jaylou Micha A. Penus and Bernadette F. Nisnisan

Undergraduate Category – Strand 2: Technological Innovation, Industrial Systems, and Bio-Food Technology

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Thesis Paper	Development and Evaluation of Cassava Derived Biodegradable Nursery Bags Incorporated with Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) for Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Seedlings	Justin L. Cajutol, Amerah M. Abdusamad, and Marvie Jane Lagaras
First Runner-Up	Design and Development of Multi-Node Landslide Early Warning System with Web-Based Monitoring and Automated Alert Notification	Clint Jabez G. Balicanta, Javien E. Compasan Jr. and Kier U. Aque
Second Runner-Up	Physicochemical and Sensory Analysis of Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi L.)-Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Noodles	Rala Nivra Alar, Jessa Mae Kionisala, and Skharlate Naelga

Undergraduate Category – Strand 3: Education and Pedagogical Innovation

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Thesis Paper	Utilization of Artificial Intelligence as a Writing Tool among BECEd Students: Advantages, Issues, and Educational Implications	Krislie A. Benigno, Siegfred Anferny T. Melendez, Allyn Joy A. Gumahin, Jocelyn P. Paimalan, and Ness Andra S. Cole
First Runner-Up	Life Ways of BECEd Student-Mothers and Support Mechanisms in Navigating Dual Roles	Sheena Mae M. Dayao, Alyssa Kate A. Miñao, Rose Allaine Mae T. Arpafo, Gracezel V. Barcenal, and Jhony Bert L. Rivera
Second Runner-Up	Challenges and Strategies in Managing Non- Regular Physical Education Students in the Classroom: A Qualitative Descriptive Approach	Jhasper S. Piquero, Jabber Hadjimannan, Noel Loayon, Jamaicka Ann Maestre, Grey Nathaniel Visto, and Charles Yzach Zablan

Undergraduate Category – Strand 4: Governance, Public Administration, and Policy Studies

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Thesis Paper	Assessment of Farmer’s Technology Readiness in a Municipality in Misamis Oriental: Basis for an Improved Action Plan	Queen Eric Sacay, Fritz Galarpe, and Claire Jabagat
First Runner-Up	Resistance of Fish Vendors to Local Ordinance: A Phenomenological Study on Barangay Revenue Code No. 01-2024 in Fish Landing, Bagontaas, Valencia City	Jochelle Amrone S. Pagalan, Edelaine D. Salvaña, Heart Evanlie N. Brilleta, Abegail E. Labay, and Jay Vee P. Montenegro
Second Runner-Up	Resilience and Grit of Women Entrepreneurs in Breaking Business Barriers	Angeline A. Posing, Hazel Y. Justol, Stephany L. Ortillo, and Janeth B. Salise

Undergraduate Category – Strand 5: Social Sciences and Development Studies

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Thesis Paper	Lumad no mgu Inēy duw nig agwas: Gendered Health Experiences in the Umayamnon Indigenous Cultural Communities	Anelyn Mae D. Sumimbal, Annie L. Vasallo, Rosanna S. Sagubay, and Ruby Ann A. Yansao
First Runner-Up	Health Messages, Communication Strategies, and Audience Perceptions in Dr. Kilimanguru’s Facebook Health Videos	Glydel Abarabar, Shybelle Andriane C. Encabo, Jonalyn M. Fulgencio, and John Paul J. Gonzales
Second Runner-Up	Exploring the Tourism Accessibility Experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Among Food Establishments in Malaybalay City	Janrecs S. Conilas, April Stephanie M. Amedina, Zaiza B. Borres, Rosy Jane A. Huraño, and Akira A. Uy

Pitching Competition Winner

Award	Research	Researcher(s)
Best Pitch Award	Smart Study Bench: A Solar-Powered Charging Solution for Enhancing Student Study Spaces with RFID Implementation	Rex Joshua M. Larot, Jayson T. Castanares Jr., and Lord Edmund L. Gonzales

The university said the annual research competition continues to serve as a platform for showcasing student innovation, strengthening research capability, and encouraging ollaborative knowledge creation that contributes to local and national development.

“Together, let us continue to champion research, celebrate innovation, and inspire a future driven by knowledge, compassion, and purpose,” Barroso said. (Jessabell Q. Cabada, Head for Research Services Management Staff, RDU)