Reaching the university level marks a significant achievement, as participants have advanced through the college, campus, and cluster stages. This journey reflects ISU’s commitment to nurturing research excellence and realizing its vision as a leading research university in the ASEAN region.

Initially, the event commenced with welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Helena B. Florendo, Campus Director for Academic Affairs, on behalf of Prof. Dr. Artemio A. Martin, Jr., Campus Executive Officer of Echague, emphasizing the vital role of students and mentors in building a collaborative academic community. Also, the participants were encouraged to engage, share insights, and present with excellence.

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, Dean of the Central Graduate School, highlighted researchers’ responsibility to provide practical solutions and publish meaningful work, noting ISU’s dual role as a teaching and research university.

In addition to this, representing Prof. Dr. Precila C. Delima, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ricardo Q. Camungao, University Director for Instruction, called on researchers to become future leaders, creating a smarter, greener, and sustainable society. 

Subsequently, Dr. Lorelie Tabago, Cauayan Campus R&D Director, outlined the symposium mechanics and evaluation criteria, introducing the four research categories: Social, Higher Education, Technical, and Technological. Following this, Dr. Ma. Theresa Eustaquio, Echague Campus R&D Director, presented the evaluators and participants from the Cabagan, Cauayan, Ilagan, and Echague clusters.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Orlando F. Balderama, University Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training, emphasized the value of mentoring in strengthening research quality and recognized ISU’s growing research culture and contribution to science and technology.

Concurrent sessions were conducted, with participants assigned to their designated venues according to their respective research categories, followed by the awarding of certificates and announcement of winners at both undergraduate and graduate levels. 

At the undergraduate level, four clusters emerged as first-place winners in their respective categories. In the Social category, the Echague cluster secured the top spot with their research titled “The Synergy of Green Human Resource Management and Employee Well-Being: Exploring Sustainable Practices for a Healthier Workforce,” conducted by Ms. Princess Ann C. Herrera. For the Higher Education category, the Cauayan cluster claimed first place with “Modeling Research Data Analytic Competence in STEAM Education,” authored by Mr. Fernando D. Guillermo Jr. The Technical category was led by the Ilagan cluster, whose researchers, Reymark C. Bayubay, Dayana Jane P. Alonzo, Kristhel Marie C. Preza, and A-jay B. Ulnagan, presented “Utilization of Plastic Waste as Material for the Production of Eco-Friendly Construction Tiles.” Lastly, in the Technological category, the Cabagan cluster earned first place with “Agri-tech: Rechargeable Grain Collector with Automated Bagger by Micaella N. Aggabao, Jocelyn M. Catabui, Diane Felisa T. Gacutan, Heizel Joyce U. Rasos, Joshua B. Reyes, Diana Terrice D. Talaue, and Clark Deo T. Zipagan.