UM hosts first National Multidisciplinary Research Conference
Expounding on how research endeavors can be drivers for change, speakers from the private and public sectors shared their insight to students and participants during the first National Multidisciplinary Research Conference last April 25- 27 at the University of Mindanao Matina campus.
Engr. Sean Ligtvoet, working with the Department of Science and Technology XI spoke about his research endeavors done in the region that sparked movement to improve public infrastructure over the years; emphasizing that research has proven to be vital in driving technological change and innovation.
Amy Ferrer, the vice president for Australia Awards Alumni Engagement in the Philippines in her presentation spoke about the research efforts of Joan Lagata, whose study in capacity building for inclusive education in Philippine schools had become a resource of information for primary education providers in creating programs that would include children with special needs.
She also presented the work of Jason Ibañez, director of research at Philippine Eagle Foundation, whose study on the practices of residents living in the habitat of the Philippine eagle could incorporate both gainful income and aid in protecting the endangered endemic birds. Lastly, there was also the work of Ma. Corazon de Ungria, whose study on forensic genetics contributed greatly to crime solving and police data banking in the country.
“We can see that a single research project is now a valuable source of information,” and its impact greatly felt in the field, said Ferrer.
The local government was represented by City Planning Officer Ivan Cortez, who said that development projects in the city were aimed for the long term, and added that it continues to work with consultants, researchers, and conservationists in ensuring the best projects to address concerns in various areas of the city.
The research conference had 80 studies that were presented in both oral and poster forms, said UM Research and Publication Center Vice President Ma. Linda Arquiza.
Ultimately, only three studies were awarded the top prizes of Best Paper, Best Presenter, and Best Poster.
Crijamaica L. Oceña along with co-authors Prasef Karl Andres A. Cortes, Leuvert R. Maido, Eurel P. Bandoy and Abner Olivar won the Best Paper for their study titled ‘Conversion of Crude Glycerol to Chlorohydrin by Acidification and Hydrochlorination’ in the Technology and Innovations category.
The Best Presenter award was won by Roel F. Ceballos and co-author Merry Christ E. Manayaga for their study under the Business and Economics category titled ‘Forecasting the Remittances of the Overseas Filipino Workers in the Philippines,’ while Robert Arcayena Jr. with co-authors Alessis Ballarta, Kendall Claros, and Rodrigo Pangantihon Jr. won for Best Poster with their study titled ‘Development of an Arduino Microcontroller- Based Safety Monitoring Prototype in the Hard Hat.’
Dr. Arquiza added there were cash prizes and other incentives for winning entries.
