Reinforcing its steadfast commitment to advancing a culture of research, innovation, and academic excellence, Isabela State University (ISU) held the 2026 University Undergraduate and Graduate Research and Development (R&D) Symposium at the De Venecia Hall, ISU-Echague.
Carrying the theme of advancing knowledge through research and innovation, the university-level symposium brought together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty researchers, advisers, evaluators, and academic leaders from various colleges and programs. The event served as a platform for presenting research outputs, sharing innovative ideas, and showcasing scholarly contributions that address contemporary societal, educational, technological, and developmental challenges.
The symposium featured research presentations under four major categories: Social Research, Higher Education Research, Technical Research, and Technological Research. Through these presentations, participants showcased evidence-based solutions, emerging technologies, educational innovations, and community-responsive interventions that contribute to local and national development.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Dr. Artemio A. Martin, Jr. (Executive Officer of the Echague Cluster), welcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of research as a driving force for innovation and institutional growth. This message resonated throughout the program as university officials encouraged student researchers to pursue impactful and socially relevant research.
Following this, a message from Prof. Dr. Jeoffrey Lloyd R. Bareng (University Director for Research and Development). He described the symposium as a celebration of the university’s thriving research culture. He commended the dedication of student researchers and urged them to pursue impactful studies that contribute to societal progress and nation-building.
On that note, another message was delivered by Prof. Dr. Orlando F. Balderama (Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training). Dr. Balderama motivated student researchers to embrace curiosity and innovation by asking bold questions and confidently sharing their work. He challenged participants to view the research competition not as an endpoint but as a foundation for lifelong learning, scholarly excellence, and professional growth.
Likewise, Prof. Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President), represented by Prof. Dr. Precila Delima (Vice President for Academic Affairs), emphasized that research serves as a vital platform for developing students’ critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing them to excel beyond the university. She underscored that meaningful research experiences equip graduates with a competitive edge and the ability to make valuable contributions in their future professions.
An overview of the symposium mechanics and evaluation criteria was presented by Dr. Lorelei B. Tabago (Director of Research and Development–Cauayan Campus), while Dr. Ma. Theresa L. Eustaquio (Director of Research and Development of the Echague Campus) introduced the participants and evaluators.
Accordingly, the symposium culminated in an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding research presentations and exemplary scholarly contributions in each category.
Undergraduate Division Awardees
Technological Research
The top honor was awarded to Denver A. Felipe, Cjay A. Peñaranda, Jerald V. Postasa, Joshua L. Sebastian, and Jeffrey B. Tactay of the Ilagan Cluster for their innovative study, “Footstep-Driven Electrical Energy Harvesting System.”
Technical Research
Recognized for excellence were Rhea Mae A. Lovero, Regie F. Macalma, Jr., and Nathan Jay A. Salguet of the Cauayan Cluster for their research, “Sustainable Utilization of Tomato Overproduction: Product Development and Market Potential of Tomato Seasoning Mix.”
Social Research
The winning group, composed of Eljen B. Abordo, Kenneth M. Agub, Luis Carlos C. Angeles, and Avegail G. Bravo from the Ilagan Cluster, was honored for their paper, “Nosocomial Infection Prevention Practices among Hemodialysis Nurses.”
Higher Education Research
James Luis Collantes of the Cauayan Cluster earned first place for his study, “Redefining Research Integrity in Higher Education amid the Rise of Generative AI.”
Graduate Division Awardees
Technological Research
Allan C. Taracatac of the Cauayan Cluster was recognized for his study, “Expert-Aligned Evaluation of Open-Ended LLM Responses Using Comprehensive Quality Scoring.”
Technical Research
John Dave B. Orpilla of the Cabagan Cluster secured top honors for “Microplastics in Selected Seafood in Northern Philippines.”
Social Research
Jhun F. Fernando of the Cabagan Cluster was awarded for his research, “Revisiting Extension Service Implementation, Modalities and Challenges in a Private Higher Education Institution in Region II: Policy Directions for Program Enhancement.”
Higher Education Research
Joel V. De Guzman of the Echague Cluster emerged as the winner for “A Sequential Explanatory Inquiry on Values Development Among High School Learners: Input for an Experiential Values Portfolio Model.”
The recognition of these outstanding research endeavors highlighted the creativity, rigor, and scholarly excellence of student researchers across the university. More importantly, it demonstrated the transformative role of research in generating innovative solutions, informing policy and practice, and addressing the evolving needs of communities and industries.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Florenda B. Temanel (Dean of the Central Graduate School) stressed that the symposium was a celebration of intellectual growth, collaboration, and research excellence. She then commended the efforts of the student researchers, faculty mentors, and evaluators and encouraged participants to continue pursuing innovative, ethical, and socially responsive research that contributes to academic advancement and community development.
Thus, this shows that ISU upheld its allegiance to strengthening its research ecosystem and cultivating a new generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders dedicated to creating meaningful impact through research.
View images HERE.