Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, the Research Development and Evaluation Center, and the Dissemination, Publication and Citation Monitoring Unit, conducted the 2026 Agency In-House Review (AIHR) on June 11, 2026, at the WMSU Social Hall and the College of Science and Mathematics Conference Room.

The annual activity served as an institutional platform for the presentation and evaluation of research outputs, reinforcing WMSU’s commitment to advancing scholarly productivity and evidence-based contributions to development. A total of 38 research papers were presented across various disciplines, reflecting the university’s sustained efforts in strengthening its research culture.

The review was assessed by a panel of esteemed experts from the academe and government research institutions, whose collective expertise provided critical and constructive evaluation of the research presentations, ensuring alignment with academic standards and development priorities.

For the Science & Technology and Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (S&T and AANR) cluster, the evaluators included Director Noel A. Catibog of the DOST-PCAARRD; Assistant Regional Director Ricardo J. Apolinario III of the DOST Region IX; Dr. Maila V. Pan, OIC Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology; and Dr. Rolando P. Malalay, Vice President for Research Development and Extension of the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

For the Social Science cluster, the panel consisted of Dr. Ailyn Sabdilon-Absara, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University; Dr. Pilar S. Caparas of the Western Mindanao State University; and Dr. Robert V. Panaguiton, also from WMSU.

The following studies were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

Best Paper Award – Social Science Undergraduate Category

1st Place: Riza Joy V. Malinas (ESU Malangas)– “Bangsamoro MNLF Women at the Frontlines of Peace”

2nd Place: Salvin M. Baid (ESU Ipil)– “Narratives and Currents: Mapping Themes and Motifs on Sibugaynon Identity from the River Lores of Sibugay River”

3rd Place: Mick Daniel G. Alitao (ESU Malangas) – “Community-Based Security, Safety Protocols and Barangay Event Management in Zamboanga Sibugay”

Best Paper Award – Social Science Professional/Graduate Category

1st Place: Dr. Emerissa Jane L. Tendero (College of Public Administration and Development Studies) – “Strengthening Public Health Financing Governance: Analyzing Catastrophic Health Expenditure for Policy Development in Zamboanga City”

2nd Place: Dr. Rodel R. Marquez (College of Public Administration and Development Studies) – “Transforming Entrepreneurship through E-Governance: Assessing Zamboanga City’s Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (E-BOSS)”

3rd Place: Dr. Rica Rose Rubio (College of Nursing) – “Mental Health Status and Utilization of Mental Health Services among College Students: Towards a Comprehensive Support System for Future Generations”

Best Paper Award – S&T and AANR Undergraduate Category

1st Place: John Christian S. Pulay (College of Science and Mathematics) – “Angiogenesis and Wound Healing Potential of Begonia beringii Leaf Extract through CAM Assay and Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFn) Cell Line”

2nd Place: Shan Khyle D. Estrada (College of Computing Studies) – “Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Refractive Errors in Human Eyes Using Photorefraction Images”

3rd Place: Sunshine L. Arquiza (College of Science and Mathematics) – “Antioxidant Activity and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Ophiorrhiza oblongifolia (de Candolle, 1830) Leaf Extract against HepG2 Liver Cancer Cell Lines”

Best Paper Award – S&T and AANR Research Cluster (Professional/Graduate Category)

1st Place: Mr. Aldison M. Asdain (College of Science and Mathematics) – “Triclique Polynomials and Triqlique Neighborhood Polynomials of Graphs: Unveiling Structural Properties and Potential Applications”

2nd Place: Mr. Dennis Marcelino (College of Science and Mathematics)– “Comprehensive Analysis on the Coconut and Coconut Product Sector in Zamboanga City and Isabela City”

3rd Place: Blessy Shine Bucoy (College of Agriculture)– “Development of Cacao Pod Husk Briquette and Comparative Analysis with Coconut Husk and Bamboo Briquettes as Biomass Fuel”

Best Paper Award – S&T and AANR Development Cluster (Professional/Graduate Category)

1st Place: Ms. Dionne Lara Herwig (College of Science and Mathematics) – “Regional Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) in Western Mindanao through the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program”

2nd Place: Mr. Arkin Garon Sarmiento (College of Science and Mathematics) – “NICER Native Chicken R&D Center – Phase II”

3rd Place: Engr. Janueber Garcia (College of Engineering) – “Development of a Sustainable Raised Bed Frame from Recycled PET Bottles: Enhancing Urban Agriculture and Mitigating Plastic Waste”

The 2026 AIHR highlighted WMSU’s continuing commitment to improving its research work through careful review and meaningful academic discussion. The studies presented reflected the university’s steady effort to produce research that responds to local needs and key development concerns.

Through activities like the Agency In-House Review, WMSU continues to support quality research by ensuring that studies are properly evaluated, refined, and aligned with the university’s goals and the needs of the community.

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