The Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE) conducted the 2025 University In-House Review and Policy Pitching Competition on RDE Engagements on July 23, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM via Zoom teleconferencing. This annual event serves as a platform to present and evaluate the significant outcomes of completed research, development, and extension programs, projects, and studies. The event featured oral presentations and a policy pitching competition, both evaluated by a panel of experts in the fields of Sustainable Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR); Education, Arts, and Sciences; Business, Economics, and Governance; Engineering and Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and Extension Engagement.

USeP VPRDE, Dr. Roger C. Montepio, opened the program by emphasizing that “true progress can be achieved with knowledge generated through rigorous research translated into tangible solutions—where innovative ideas are nurtured into practical applications, and these advancements directly uplift the lives of our citizens.”

This was followed by a message of support from University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., who reiterated the importance of the event in identifying areas for improving innovative strategies in research and innovation, as well as ensuring the alignment of projects with the University’s strategic priorities, national development goals, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also lauded the efforts of the USeP community for the University’s recent recognition in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

One of the event’s highlights was a plenary session titled “Fostering Inclusive Science and Innovation to Drive Progress and Sustainable Development Beyond the Academe,” delivered by Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director of the Office of the Executive Director–Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services of DOST-PCAARRD. Dr. Carlos presented the Research and Development Results Utilization (RDRU) Framework, which outlines the innovation pathway from ideation, invention, and innovation to expected impact. The framework ensures that all R&D outputs are properly classified, validated, and processed for science communication, policy development, training, or technology dissemination based on readiness and applicability. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of accelerating adoption, fostering partnerships, and aligning initiatives with local needs and national goals to create meaningful impact, uplift lives, protect ecosystems, and drive collective progress.

The Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) also expressed its support through Asst. Prof. Dr. Norshakirah Bt A. Aziz, Deputy Head of the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS). Dr. Aziz delivered a lecture on blockchain titled “Strengthening Trust: Blockchain Halal Technology,” which forms part of the ongoing USeP-UTP R&D collaboration for the project, “Halal Transparent Traceability System with Autonomous IoT Support for Halal and Tayeb Cacao Version 2.”

The event’s esteemed panel of evaluators included:

• Dr. Anastacia G. Notarte (Former Davao del Norte Provincial Agriculturist)
• Dr. Purisima G. Bayacag (Retired USeP Professor)
• Dr. Edna H. Jalotjot (Retired USeP Professor)
• Dr. Marleonie B. Bauyot (Ateneo de Davao University Professor and Chair, Educational Leadership Department)
• Ms. Mayan Jane J. Inni (DOST Provincial Director, Davao de Oro)
• Dr. Della Grace G. Bacaltos (Research Director, Davao Central College)
• Dr. Norlan Martinez (Dean, IT Department, DMMA College of Southern Philippines)
• Engr. Virgil A. Fuentes (Information Technology Officer, DICT)
• Dr. Josephine R. Migalbin (Professor, University of Southern Mindanao; RAISE Program Leader)
• Dr. Epifania Melba L. Manapol (Director, Office of Strategic Management and Quality Assurance, Ateneo de Davao University)

The awardees for the different clusters were:

Policy Pitching Competition

• Best Policy Paper: “MeloRisk Australasia: Reducing the Risk of Exotic Root-Knot Nematodes in Australasia” – Dr. Cecirly G. Puig (CARS)

Sustainable Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Cluster

• Best Paper: “MeloRisk Australasia: Reducing the Risk of Exotic Root-Knot Nematodes in Australasia” – Dr. Cecirly G. Puig (CARS)
• 2nd Place: “Near-Real-Time Monitoring of Banana Nutritional Status and Yield Forecasting Using Airborne Multispectral Imaging” – Dr. James Jade S. Lasquites (CARS)
• 3rd Place: “An Integrated Management Response to the Spread of Fusarium Wilt of Banana in Southeast Asia – Objective 2” – Mr. Carlito Hindoy, Jr. (CARS)

Business, Economics, and Governance Cluster

• Best Paper: “Impact Assessment of the Project on Development of Sustainable Breeder Philippine Mallard Duck (PMD) Production System” – Mr. Rain Cesar B. Araña (CAEc)
• 2nd Place: “Mapping Conflicting Claims Inside the Ancestral Domain” – Atty. Arlene L. Cosape (School of Law)
• 3rd Place: “Tax Administration Strategy Framework: An Exploratory Factor Analysis” – Dr. Analiza P. Aguilar (CDM)

Engineering and ICT Cluster

• Best Paper: “Information Technology Education Human Resource Capacity Building Through Special Research Interest Groups” – Dr. Ivy Kim D. Machica (CIC)
• 2nd Place: “Energy Potential of Piper aduncum L. as a Biomass Feedstock for Downdraft Gasification” – Engr. Filmann T. Simpao (COE)
• 3rd Place: “Digital Transformation of Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Davao Region” – Mr. Hobert A. Abrigana (CIC)

Education, Arts, and Sciences Cluster

• Best Paper: “Rethinking and Revitalizing Philippine Indigenous Knowledge and Practices through Research and Creative Works (IKSP 3)” – Mr. Francis N. Reginio (CAS)
• 2nd Place: “Creating Supplemental References Integrating Bangsamoro History and Culture: Development and Publication of Research-Based Anthology Modules” – Assoc. Prof. Gladys Florangel I. Ortiz (CDM)
• 3rd Place: “Assessing the Mathematical Resilience of BSED-Mathematics Students: Basis for Enhancement Program” – Assoc. Prof. Yvonne M. Kiel (CED)

Extension Engagement Cluster

• Best Paper: “Developing Conflict-Sensitive and Peace-Promoting Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) for Environmental Conflict Resolution (CSPP-ECR)” – Atty. Jesus A. Villardo III (SOL)
• 2nd Place: “Production of Healthy Banana Seedlings in Partnership with Maragusan Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAGROW MPC)” – Dr. Dernie T. Olguera (CARS)
• 3rd Place: “KaBULIG (Kalambuan sa BACASIFIA on Upscaling Livelihood Integrated Growth)” – Dr. Joie G. Cataytay (COE)

In conclusion, the 2025 University In-House Review and Policy Pitching Competition on RDE Engagements highlighted the invaluable contributions of USeP’s researchers and extensionists in advancing science, innovation, and community engagement. The event exemplified the University’s steadfast commitment to becoming a premier research institution, transforming communities in the ASEAN and beyond.

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