Coconut hybrids, low-cost shredder, freshmen math skills studies cited best papers

By Niño S. Manaog

Capiz State University

A study on coconut hybrids in Capiz, one on development and performance evaluation of a low-cost shredder in Iloilo and an analysis of math competencies of college entrants in an Iloilo City university were declared best papers in the 2nd Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights led by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) VI, at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) on October 29, 2010.

Anchored on the theme “Mobilizing the SUC’s Research Capability toward Globally Competitive Education, Science and Technology,” some 42 papers representing 10 SUCs were presented for evaluation in the symposium attended by some 100 participants from across the region.

The “Bio-physico-Chemical Attributes of Mature Nuts of Coconut Hybrids as Quality Indices for Economic Utilization” presented by Dr. Federito Launio of the Capiz State University (CapSU) topped the 14 papers presented in the Natural and Biological Sciences category; while the “Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of Electric Motor-Driven Shredder authored by Agricultural Engineer Salvador Ballano of the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) San Enrique Campus was cited Best Paper under the Technology and Development Category. The project won over eight other presenters.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

(Clockwise from top left)

NONESCOST's Jocelyn Bantigue presents her seagrass study conducted in Sagay City; Dr. Cherry Nepomuceno of West Visayas State University (WVSU) answers questions on her freshmen math skills study; WVCST's Joselito Mendoza concludes his bamboo database research; Dr. Corazon Arroyo (extreme right) of DA-WESVIARC asks a presenter in the Natural and Biological Sciences category; and member of the audience applauds after a paper is presented.

“WVSU College Freshmen Entry Mathematical Competencies, SY 2008–2009” by Dr. Cherry Nepomuceno of WVSU clinched the top prize in the Social Sciences category; and cited the Best Poster was the “Awareness regarding Schistosomiasis (Snail Fever) among the Residents of Laga-an, Calatrava, Negros Occidental: Basis for Health Education Program” by Roselo Ocampo, Jocelyn Bantigue of the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST).

The best papers and poster were awarded plaques of recognition and cash prize of 1,000 pesos each. Winning papers for the three categories are listed below.

For the technology and development category: “Production and Dispersal of Improved Week-old and 40-45 Day-Old Philippine Native (Darag) Chicks” by Evelyn Tomambo, George Fredrick Roxas, et.al., West Visayas State University, First Runner-up; “Electronic Water Level Controller” by Julius Catalan, Renerio Mucas and Antonio Derequito, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), Second Runner-up; and “Design and Development of Jatropha Gas Stove” by Pedro Celo, Efren Linan and Reem Berondo, Capiz State University, Third Runner-up.

For the Social Sciences Category, winners were: “Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Entering College of Maritime Education Freshmen” of the University of Antique by Nelibeth Fedelicio, University of Antique; First Runner-up; “Teaching Technology- Enhanced Large Classes: The Western Visayas State University Experience” by Cherry Nepomuceno, WVSU, Second Runner-up; and “Employment Status of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Graduates of Guimaras” by Ethel Junco and Julieta Infante, Guimaras State College, Third Runner-up.

Under the natural and biological sciences category, winners included the“Agronomic Performance of NSIC-Released Rice Varieties Seeded in Varying Rates under Rainfed Lowlands” by Benjamin Gutierrez and Geronimo Gregorio, Capiz State University, First Runner-up; “Sea Grass Status and Its Macrofaunal Diversity in Three Selected Areas of Sagay Marine Reserve” by Jocelyn Bantigue, NONESCOST, and “Morphological Characterization and Composition of the Ovarian Development Stages in Relation to Size and Other Reproductive Parameters of the Silver Perch (Leipotherapon plambeus)” by Jones Denusta and Luis Ma. Garcia, WVSU, Second Runner-up; and “Coconut Water-Based Agar Medium as an Alternative Medium for the Growth of Escherichia E.coli” by Rogelio Noble, Jr., Ginaclin Dalisay, Gloria Valencia and Rosalina Atos, Aklan State University, Third Runner-up.

The regional research summit drew a number of feedbacks from participants and guests.

Engr. Pedro Celo of CapSU, co-author of the award-winning jatropha stove project, had to say of the symposium’s merit. According to Celo, the symposium is an exposure which renders the research necessary competence level and further equips them to be able to communicate research results to bigger audiences. This allows for more opportunities and partnerships in the future.

Forty-three-year-old Loyalda Bolivar, faculty member from UA, cited a number of learnings from such an exposure. She said a paper must be taken and undertaken seriously. For Bolivar, more time should be devoted by the researcher to the research itself. She also cited the importance of a good PowerPoint presentation. While Bolivar believes that a research paper must be clear, brief, concise and visually appealing, she also resolved to follow the format prescribed by the organizers.

San Enrique, Iloilo-based Engr. Salvador Ballano, whose shredder project was cited best Technology and Development paper, said he must have won owing to its importance to help mitigate climate change. The agricultural engineer said that with his solid waste management in(ter)vention, he now needs to pursue for its Intellectual Property (IP) rights.

Dr. Corazon Arroyo, evaluator in the Natural and Biological Sciences category said that what she looked for in the researches was its social impact to the livelihood of small farmers in the region. Arroyo deemed it an important criterion if research were to be relevant.