The University Annual Agency In-House Review (AAIHR) 2024 showcased diverse research with 123 papers presented on August 28-30, 2024. The event, which gathered researchers, extensionists, faculty, staff, and students from BSU, featured the theme "Pantabtavalan: Fostering Pathways to Nurture Innovative and Resilient Research, Development, and Extension."

The AAIHR aimed to assess the progress of ongoing and completed research and extension programs in various fields within the University. The studies presented are both BSU-funded and outside-funded research under the categories of Science and Technology Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (S&T-AANR), S&T Food, Industry, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (FIEET), Social-AANR, Social Non-AANR, Education, Development, and Extension Category.

During the opening program on August 28, 2024, Vice President for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres commended the University’s researchers and extensionists for their dedication. He also emphasized that their research efforts had significantly contributed to the University’s achievement in the international rankings, specifically in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and Times Higher Education (THE) impact rankings. He also assured support to the research and extension sector through enhanced resources and processes and updated policies.

Regional Director of the DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region Nancy A. Bantog, one of the guest speakers, underscored in her video message the significant role of universities like BSU as core leaders of the transformative processes for the communities. “As key enablers of innovation, you serve as crucial knowledge generators fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, technologies and innovations can be developed, and solutions can be realized for greater impact to national development,” she said.

Bantog also encouraged BSU to seek additional funding, foster collaborations with industry, other academe, and the government, including the local government units, and translate research into policies and products to utilize the benefits of research investments fully.

“DOST is thankful for the strong partnership with BSU and looks forward to deepening our collaboration on smart and sustainable R&D initiatives. DOST is a steadfast partner in our collective pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Beyond this in-house review, DOST support remains unwavering providing solutions and opening opportunities,” she assured.

Another guest speaker at the said event was Rickey T. Larkin, Jr., a visiting scholar and a Special Student Affiliate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He appreciated the diverse scope of research conducted and acknowledged the efforts of the University researchers despite the challenges they are facing such as the pandemic and funding limitations. He also underscored the importance of knowledge dissemination and the impact of research on gender equality and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Throughout the event, simultaneous presentations of the research of various categories were conducted. The evaluators were Ruel Suralta, Career Scientist III at the Philippine Rice Research Institute of the Department of Agriculture; Maritess A. Alimurung, Senior Agriculturist at the Bureau of Plant Industry-Baguio; Zenaida N. Ganga, Former Balik-Scientist of the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development; Girlie Nora A. Abrigo, Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Los Banos; Virginia L. Anceno, Senior Economic Specialist of the National Economy and Development Authority-CAR; Zaldy C. Collado, Associate Professor of the De La Salle University Manila; Ferdinand Bulusan, Associate Professor V at the Isabela State University; Jupeth T. Pentang, Associate Professor at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU); Monalisa T. Sasing, Science Education Specialist at the UP Diliman; Buchard B. Cutin, Assistant Professor IV at the Mariano Marcos State University; Melba Domes Denson, Assistant Professor III at CLSU ; Rome R. Quizon, Professor at the UP Manila; Gladys M. Navarro, Market Research Specialist at the University of Pangasinan; Shiela Marie B. Singa-Claver, Provincial S&T Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office-Benguet; and Bienvenido P. Tapang, Retired Professor from the UP-Baguio.

At the closing program on August 30, 2024, the presenters shared insights gained from the review and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their work.

“Thank you, R&E, for giving us the opportunity to present our research, boost our confidence, and share our findings to the community. Thank you, evaluators, for the feedback. We know that it can make us a better researcher and better expert in the field,” said John Paul M. Payopay, one of the presenters. He reflected on the event, saying that significant challenges remain, such as effectively communicating research, transferring it to the community, and translating it into policy.

The evaluators also commended the relevance of the presentations and provided recommendations for further improvements. They also encouraged continued research with significant impact and emphasized the importance of technology transfer and commercialization to bring research benefits to the broader community.

“We hope this is not the end of these projects. We have to do technology transfer and commercialization. Because if we go back to the reason why we are doing all of these is to bring it to the people,” expressed Singa-Claver.

BSU officials, including VP for Administration and Finance Allan C. Sacpa, College of Arts and Humanities Associate Dean Kara S. Panolong, and Office of Extension Services Director Anna Cris L. Langaoan also expressed support and encouragement to the University researchers and extensionists. They urged them to continue their impactful work, emphasizing its potential to benefit both BSU and the wider community.

The winning papers in each category were recognized and will represent the University at the upcoming Regional Symposium scheduled for October 2024.

The winning papers are: 

S&T AANR Category (Outside Funded):
 

1st Best Paper

NICER Program: Potato Research & Development Center

Cynthia G. Kiswa, Jocelyn C. Perez, Johnny G. Dati, Sr., Hilda L. Quindara (+), Shannon Jill M. Lacquias, Jennie B. Balao, Gabby K. Dao-ines, Patricia K. Akiate, Jake L. Galian, Isidro B. Awal, Esther T. Botangen, Roger T. Gayumba, Diostonee A. Balinte, Myra Phine C. Bullan, Jennelyn P. Abillao, John B. Colting, Albert M. Lab-oyan, Jophr L. Galian, Teresita D. Masangcay, Grace S. Backian, Ammie D. Ngaotoy, Marcelyn C. Galinato, Cole Jeran C. Malucay, Lorenzo G. Taberna Jr. & Lester Clyde B. Angel

2nd Best Paper

Adaptability of Quinoa Genotypes in Different Locations and Planting Time

Janet P. Pablo, Darwin A. Basquial, Esther Josephine C. Sagalla, Leila Mary B. Alipio Ayban, Pelin B. Belino, Louie C. Rimas, Juniel S. Busiguit, Flori Joyce D. Cariño, Lian Carrie L. Focasan, Daren T. Dumanni, Bentres P. Goyo, Eddie B. Togatog, Francisca B. Libag, Wilbren G. Andalahao, Melvin C. Kenowan, Pompe C. Sta. Cruz, Babylyn T. Salazar & Kim Nyka C. Perdiguerra

S&T AANR Category (BSU Funded):

1st Best Paper

Modification of In-vitro Propagation Protocol for Selected High Value Ornamental Crops

Leila Mary B. Alipio Ayban, Nemie A. Chamollog & Philip Tom B. Asi-as

2nd Best Paper

Performance of Arabica Coffee under Different Rejuvenation Techniques

Valentino L. Macanes, Revis C. Anas & Cirilo C. Del Rosario III

3rd Best Paper

Growth, Yield and Quality of Selected Cole Crops Grown Under Organic and Good Agricultural Practices in La Trinidad, Benguet

Darwin A. Basquial, Judith G. Lawilao, Gemma S. Das-ilen, Tember T. Benwasen, Fevy D. Albades, Xyriel L. Seguidan, Ragie C. Alimba, Mary Grace S. Anatel, Rommel A. Pasag, Jr., Victor M. Venancio, Irene M. Victore, Jober B. Adolfo, Mary Jane F. Mendez, Kiven E. Guslab, Hazel S. Bomowey & Luther C. Begnaden

S&T FIEET Category (Outside Funded):

1st Best Paper

Establishing Etag-based Food Products Characteristics: Organoleptic, Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Nutritional Properties Analyses

Cynthia D. Garambas, Jao-jao A. Somyden, Dalifer A. Gano, Maripresa C. Banganan & Rachel G. Angcual

2nd Best Paper

Comparing Statistical and Machine Learning Performance for Landslide Susceptibility Models in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines

John Paul M. Payopay, Myra Nieves T. Lingaling, Gladies P. Taguiling, Kenneth A. Laruan, Lynn J. Talkasen, Quinerlyn A. Godio, Dhalaine Marcelo & Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres

3rd Best Paper

Landslide Susceptibility Analysis of La Trinidad, Benguet using Logistic Regression

Gladies P. Taguiling, Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, Myra Nieves T. Lingaling, John Paul M. Payopay, Kenneth A. Laruan, Lynn J. Talkasen, Quinerlyn A. Godio & Dhalaine Marcelo

S&T FIEET Category (BSU Funded):

1st Best Paper

Development of a Multi-Commodity Hammer Mill for Small-scale Milling Operation

Erickson N. Dominguez & Chrisanto P. Basquial

 

Social AANR Category (Outside Funded):

 1st Best Paper

Ensuring Market Readiness of Product Concept: A Pre-market Assessment of Etag-based Food Products

Cynthia D. Garambas, Jao-jao A. Somyden, Dalifer A. Gano, Maripresa C. Banganan & Niko P. Wakit

2nd Best Paper

Towards Climate – Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture: Targeting & Prioritization for the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) in Abra

Lynn J. Talkasen, Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, Madeline S. Kingan, Janet P. Pablo, Esther Josephine D. Sagalla, Cheryll C. Launio, Quinerlyn A. Godio, Kacy O. Labon, Angelica B. Batingal, Mila D. Maguinsay, Love Joy B. Gumpod, Nonallee Grail P. Aggalao, Mark B. Bulangen & Rovilyn Tulian

3rd Best Paper

Assessing the Viability of Etag-based Food Products: An Evaluation of Market Readiness

Cynthia D. Garambas, Jao-Jao A. Somyden, Dalifer A. Gano, Maripresa C. Banganan & Rachel G. Angcual
 

Social-AANR Category (BSU Funded):

1st Best Paper

Evaluation of Ready-to-Eat Sweetened Dehydrated Tomatoes: Nutrient Content Analysis, Shelf-life Determination, Profitability and Market Assessment

Lesley Dale G. Umayat, Jeftee Ben B. Pinos-an & Sheena A. Wassig

2nd Best Paper

Evaluation of Tomato-Lemon Marmalade: Nutrient Content Analysis, Shelf-life Determination, Profitability, and Market Assessment

Lesley Dale G. Umayat, Jeftee Ben B. Pinos-an, Sheena A. Wassig & Jennifer V. Miñoza

Social Non-AANR Category (Outside Funded):

1st Best Paper

Narratives of Responsibilities: Exploring the Roles and Women Agency of Bantay Basura Advocates in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

Ruth S. Batani, Elvie D. Nang-is & Raiah Ruth S. Batani

2nd Best Paper

Best Practice in the Implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP): The Case of DSWD Field Office Cordillera (DSWD-CAR)

Virgilio C. Ablaza, Carl Bryan W. Sibayan, & Gretchen Gaye C. Ablaza

Social Non-AANR Category (BSU Funded):

1st Best Paper

Survival Analysis of the COVID-19 Cases in Cordillera Administrative Region

Marycel T. Sajise

2nd Best Paper

Sustainable Peace: From Indigenous Peace Making to Whole of Nation Approach in the Case of Sagada

Karryl Mae C. Ngina

3rd Best Paper

Leadership in Crisis: Lessons from Local Government Units in the Face of Pandemics

Gretchen Gaye C. Ablaza

Education Category (BSU Funded):

1st Best Paper

Assessment of Educational Research Competence of Teachers: Basis for Capability Building Programs

Dolores E. Alawas, Janet Lynn M. Balagtey, Apler J. Bansiong, Dante M. Miguel, Leonila R. Sito, Jean Jannette V. De Joya, Arnulfo C. Capili, Jingle P. Cuevas, Dona Claire L. Colinang, Erlyn Honeylette C. Marquez, Virginia E. Belingen & Rostom Niño B. Supsupin

2nd Best Paper

MTBMLE: Voices from the Field

Esper L. Feliciano, Leonard T. Apilis & Sarah M. Palaw-ay

3rd Best Paper

Gender Treatment in Philippine Commercial Elementary Science Textbooks

Apler J. Bansiong, Emill M. Kisim, Terrilyn G. Dontogan & Albert B. Bolcio, Jr.

 

Development Category (Outside Funded):

1st Best Paper

Enhancing the Strawberry Value Chain Through Smart Technologies and Partnerships towards Food Resiliency in the New Normal in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

Ruth C. Diego, Darwin A. Basquial, Cheryll C. Launio, & Lesley Dale G. Umayat

2nd Best Paper

Increasing the Capacity of DA-BSU ATBI/IC Towards Empowerment in Managing Agritechnology-based Enterprises

Ruth C. Diego, Darwin A. Basquial & Lesley Dale G. Umayat

3rd Best Paper

Packaging and Conducting of Communication Campaign to Mitigate Watershed and Environmental Degradation in Cordillera

Nora C. Sagayo & Kenneth A. Laruan

 

Extension Category (Outside Funded):

1st Best Paper

Skills Development and Enhancement: A Step to Self-reliance

Cynthia D. Garambas, Jao-jao A. Somyden, Melchor S. Lumiked, Johnabel T. Basatan, Cristina C. Agrabe & Fermin T. Patna-an

2nd Best Paper

Aggrandizing the S&T Innovations and Non-S&T Creative Works: A Retooling Program for Faculty Members, Researchers, and Technology Generators from Different SUCs and CMIs in CAR

Cynthia D. Garambas, April P. Estrada, Diana Rose P. Villena, Ardeth Kaye S. Cacayuran &  Clarene B. Lab-isa

3rd Best Paper

Highland Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism: Benguet Landscape and Ornamental Offerings of a Magsasaka Siyentista (Highland SciCAT: BLOOMS)

Maria Luz D. Fang-asan, Leila Mary B. Alipio Ayban , Jimmy A. Wakat, Jimgerson T. Calatan & Raymond A. Pecdasen

Extension Category (BSU Funded):

1st Best Paper

Plant Identification and Verification: An Extension Project under Biology Department-CNS

Jones T. Napaldet