Within the Research category, two exceptional studies stood out. The Best Paper recognition was awarded to Ms. Aira F. Waje, Dr. Agnes C. Perey, Atty. Eric Lindbergh C. Inovejas, and Mr. Stefan Daniel B. Fuentes for their work titled “Diversity Index and Mapping of Insects Present in Sweetpotato Fields in Tarlac.” Meanwhile, the Best Poster distinction went to the team of Ms. Mileatte P. Omaney, Mr. Julius Rae R. Allam, Ms. Minda M. Mondiguing, Ms. Maidas L. Anson, and Ms. Raquel B. Sigue for their study on “Watershed Characterization for a Sustainable Framework in Mitigating Climate Change at TAU-Calao Forest Reserve.”

In the Social Science/Education category, the Best Paper award was conferred to Dr. Mariella Alexes R. Espiritu, Ms. Analyn Diane P. Silverio, and Ms. Precious Jessica Z. Calipjo for their research entitled “Teaching Strategies Guide Across Subjects for Grade 7 Students: A Means to Fill in the Gaps Created by the Challenges of COVID-19 in Education.”

Three distinguished evaluators assessed the presented studies: Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Regional Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO) 3, and Dr. Melanie P. Tolentino and Dr. Jonathan V. Fabula of the Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARDEC).

During the opening program, the panel of experts and presenters received a warm welcome from TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson. Joining him were Dr. Edmar N. Franquera, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (VPRET), and Dr. Maria Elena T. Caguoia, Director of the DRD, who acknowledged the participating researchers and reaffirmed TAU’s strong dedication to research-driven advancement.

In his message, Dr. Salunson underscored the indispensable role of research in reinforcing the foundation of academic institutions. He reaffirmed his full support for TAU faculty and staff in advancing their research productivity and contributing to the University’s scholarly standing: 

“At TAU, we believe that a strong research culture is essential not only for institutional growth but also for national development. I encourage all our faculty members and non-academic staff to continue engaging in meaningful, innovative, and socially responsive research. Let us seize every opportunity to publish in reputable indexed journals, contribute to global knowledge, and bring recognition to our university. The administration stands firmly behind you. We are committed to providing the necessary support systems—be it funding, training, or collaborative platforms—to ensure that your work reaches wider academic and policy-making communities.”

He further explained that aligning research projects with global agendas and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) strengthens TAU’s innovation capacity and reinforces its credibility across academic and development sectors. Dr. Salunson challenged the research community to pursue excellence through international publication, intellectual property registration, and interdisciplinary engagements: 

“To rise in or maintain our rankings, we must increase high-impact publications, secure patents, and strengthen industry linkages. I encourage all researchers to aim for international journals, interdisciplinary projects, and scalable solutions. Let’s remember that every citation, collaboration, and breakthrough elevates TAU’s name and creates ripple effects beyond our campus.”

The in-house review seeks not only to improve the quality and impact of research initiatives but also to identify projects for presentation at the upcoming Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights. Additionally, the program provides a platform for feedback from stakeholders and potential users, helping align future research efforts with practical demands and emerging priorities drawn from completed studies.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #Research #DRD #DARFO3 #CLAARRDEC #SDG9 #SDG17

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