R&D directorate holds undergrad thesis tilt

April 12, 2011

As part of its tradition, the R&D Directorate once again conducted the search for the Best Undergraduate Thesis last March 30-31 at the Crops Research Laboratory One-Stop Information Shop. Twenty-four finalists competed for top awards in five categories, namely: agriculture and life sciences; engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences; arts, education and social sciences; action researches; and health researches.

Prior to the final competition, 37 entries were received by the directorate from four colleges of the university – CAS, 12; CTE, 12; CHS, 10; and COE, 3. The entries were preliminarily evaluated by the panel of evaluators in each category. Five entries per category were selected for oral presentation in the final competition. Only four, however, were able to compete during the finals in the agriculture and life sciences category because one of the presentors could not make it.

Social Research Category

First Place: “Acceptance and adherence to the Bodong System among the Igorots of Apayao” by Cherry A. Gatiw-an. Adviser: Ms.� Mayvelyn P. Tajon.

Second Place: “Investment capacity and investment attitude of Overseas Filipino Workers” by Maria Coraly A. Tolentino. Adviser: Ms.� Maria Angelica� O. Salas

Third Place: “Perceived impact of the pasilaw assistance program among the beneficiaries” by Jun Russel D.� Tejada. Adviser: Dr. Marivic M. Alimbuyuguen.

Agriculture and
Life Sciences Category

First Place: “Bioconversion of water hyacinth for the integrated production of bioethanol and pulp” by Ralph Emerson Ray A. Agonoy. Adviser: Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis.

Second Place: “Recovery of fermentable sugar from the secondary fibers of white waste paper” by Alanah Mae P. Ramelb. Adviser: Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis.

Third Place: \"Bioremediation performance of arachis pintoi (mani-mani) under greenhouse condition\" by Cheryl Joy Talaro Villanueva . Adviser: Prof. Flordeliz R. Estira.

Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Category

First Place: “An investigation on the mathematical properties of the calendar” by Dennis Sam M. Lim. Adviser: Prof. Michelle D. Reynera.

Second Place: “Algorithm-based scheduling system for Mariano Marcos State University” by Jerome F. Agpaoa. Adviser: Mr.� Vincent B. Fortela.

Third Place: “A comparative study on the different storage period of jatropha seed using different alcohols in transesterification process” by Floressa T. Galdones. Adviser: Engr. Roselle Mamuad.

Health Researches Category

First Place: “Profile, health seeking behaviors and access to primary health care of the Isnegs of Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte” by Marianne Yago and co-authored by Richard Gallo, Jessybel Grande, Shari Mae Julian and Iris Joyce O. Tan. Adviser: Ms. Cheryll Didi Nellie Obra.

Second Place: “Levels of nursing systems and care setting preferences of geriatrics in selected towns of Ilocos Norte” by Yuri G. Felipe and co-authored by Marc Anthony Aragon, Shiela Kate Calapini, Marvin Calzado, Meil Justine de la Cruz, Marze Van Dayle Edra, Zhiela Marie Esteban, Reeza Fernandez, Gnenie Galano, Ruthlyn Garcia, Elein Ann Gonzalez and Kathleen Inda. Advisers: Prof. Rosemarie G. Asuncion and Dr. Manolita S. Crisostomo

Third Place: “The effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in lowering blood pressure” by� Lem Micah Pascua and co-authored by� Katherine Lucas, Alenita Luz, Karen Madarcos, Kriszel Madayag, Ryan Julius Malinit, Mark Czar Manangan, Sheryll Joy Manayan, Danica Mapugay, Janno Valerio Nolasco and Karizza Mae Orque. Adviser: Mrs. Joy Leilanie Ilagan.

Action Research Category

First Place: “Intensifying learning in biology through inquiry-based technology enhanced lesson” by Joybell A. Gaoiran and co-authored by� Anne Frechelle Mabini, Ruvyn Margarette Macasinag, Arcelie Madrid and Virmae Ocol. Adviser: Prof. Aleli Martin

Second Place: “Alleviating recitation apprehension of secondary students through point-card technique” by Mark Rodney Vertido, Meizen Delos Reyes, Marie Kris Pilar, Marilex Pilon and� Clisa D. Tabares. Adviser: Ms. Jahnese D. Asuncion

Third Place: “Reducing unwanted noise of the pupils through the use of colar coded flaglets” by James R. Ammasi and co-authored by Mhel Antonio, Grace Baysa, and Jonathan Castillo. Adviser Dr. Resurreccion M. Mateo.

Cash awards of PhP1,500, PhP1,250 and PhP1,000 were given to the first, second, and third places, respectively, together with a certificate of commendation. Non-winners were each given PhP500 consolation prize. The advisers were given certificate of appreciation.

The Search for the Best Undergraduate Thesis is now on its 11th year since it started as a competition in 2001. It is an annual event of the R&D Directorate participated in by colleges of the university with students who are required to conduct a thesis. This is one way of upholding the directorate’s goal for quality research outputs not only of university researchers but of student-researchers as well. Likewise, it is conducted to identify the best entries of the university to the regional search for best undergraduate thesis of ILARRDEC and other — similar external competitions.