Reaffirming its dedication to research excellence, two students of Cebu Technological University (CTU) clinched notable awards during the 1st National Patriot Research Conference (NPRC), held on July 8-12, in Clark, Pampanga.
Peter Gabriel C. Suico, a recent graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at CTU Barili, and June Clyde V. Laburada, an incoming fourth-year BS Biology student majoring in Ecology at CTU Main, were named Best Oral Presenter and Best Poster awardees, respectively.
Both awardees are under the Filipino Patriot Scholars Program (FPSP), a premier initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Science Education Institute (SEI) that promotes values formation and nation‑building through research and education.
In reflecting on the program’s impact, the Patriot Scholars spoke on how it shaped their view of science in nation‑building.
“Bringing home the many lessons from the 1st NPRC, I realized that meaningful change always starts with people who are willing to take the first step. As a Biology student and researcher, I want my studies to go beyond the classroom and contribute to solving real environmental problems,” Laburada remarked.
“This work belongs to farmers, housewives, workers, and the masses — to everyone. It is my hope that we recognize that Science4All is not just DOST’s motto; it’s a reminder that we all have a role in building the country we love,” Suico added.
With their study ‘Geospatial Approach to Drought Susceptibility Modeling in Cebu, Philippines, Under El Nino Conditions’ Suico stressed that their study has identified the most susceptible areas in Cebu, such as the southern coastal region, Bantayan Island, and Metro Cebu.
“Certain municipalities continue to face low water supply, such as some in the Camotes Island group, but our model, which does not consider the complex bureaucratic municipal lines, showed that they are less susceptible to drought because of the buffer Lake Danao gives the region,” he explained.
Suico also emphasized that farmers’ deep knowledge of their land is immeasurable.
“We recognize the local knowledge farmers have of their land. This is immeasurable knowledge we can only dream of having. But it may supplement their knowledge and help them better plan ahead considering their land conditions and their susceptibility to drought,” he said.
Meanwhile, Laburada expressed how their study titled ‘Anthropogenic Marine Debris (AMD) in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Insights from a Bibliometric and Content Analysis’ noting that with the growing problem of illegal waste disposal in coastal waters, the research sheds light on the impacts of anthropogenic marine debris even in areas designated for protection.
He expressed hope that their study would remind the public that conservation does not end with declaring an area protected; it demands collective action.
Laburada also noted that their study sought to address the lack of research on the negative effects of anthropogenic marine debris within the country’s protected waters.
“It is a concern worth pondering on by our government and policymakers, pushing them to strengthen marine conservation efforts and support more local research,” he said.
Joining Laburada’s research were his co-authors under the guidance and advisory of Dr. Sylvester T. Cortes: Lovella Jane F. Maquilang, Darlene E. Pactao, Alieya May L. Chavez, Mary Joy O. Apordo, Ashly Janine R. Gorgonio, Leila Medallo, Jamaica M. Ylaya, Aliah Mae A. Ucang, together with Donna Ross Saycon from National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, and Akhmad Habibullah from Universitas Pancasakti Tegal, Indonesia.
Suico’s research adviser was Dr. Jeremy P. Mondejar, with Junaly P. Lomocso of the Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering as co‑author.
Through these achievements, CTU affirms its commitment to nurturing young researchers, fostering innovations that strengthen agriculture and inspire future Filipino scientists in nation‑building.
Pubmat courtesy of DOST-SEI
