Participants, awardees, and guests gather for a commemorative photo following the 2nd Cycle of the Outstanding Student Research Awards. (front, left to right) DOST Davao Region Assistant Regional Director for R&D Dr. Nathan Ray Alim, Science Research Specialist II Christine Flor Catoera, ORDI Director Dr. Gernelyn T. Logrosa, Dr. Francisco Sedillo Jr. of San Pedro College, and Mamerto Brina Jr. of the UP Mindanao DiWA Center.
Innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges took center stage as the Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM)’s Office of Research, Development, and Innovation (ORDI) successfully concluded the Second Cycle of the Outstanding Student Research Awards (OSRA) 2026, recognizing exceptional undergraduate research projects from across the institution.
The program formally opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Matthew Mark D. Obregon, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), who officially welcomed the participants and opened the Second Cycle of OSRA 2026.
This year’s evaluation was conducted by a distinguished panel of experts composed of Dr. Nathan Ray Alim, Assistant Regional Director of the Research and Development Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao Region; Mr. Mamerto Jr. J. Brina of the University of the Philippines Mindanao–DiWA Center; and Dr. Francisco Sedillo Jr. of San Pedro College. Their expertise ensured a rigorous and objective assessment of the participating research projects.
Receiving the Research Excellence Award for Young Leaders of Emerging Enterprises (ATYCB) were Ron Angelo G. Gicale, Naif A. Langco, Jan Leyanne S. Limos, and John Marco M. Santiago for their study, “Basis in Adoption of Cloud-Based Accounting of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in District 1 of Davao City: An Exploratory Factor Analysis.” Their research explores the factors influencing digital accounting adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing insights that support business innovation and digital transformation.
The Research Excellence Award for Societal Transformation through Science, Arts, and Communication (CAS) was awarded to the team of Lorraine Faye R. Madayag, Vince David S. Honorario, Arcepah June P. Arceno, and Krissoula Sheina B. Pagco for their project, “Divergent Thinkers: An Advocacy Campaign Short Animated Film on Neurodiversity.” Through creative storytelling, the team advanced awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, highlighting the role of communication and the arts in fostering inclusive communities.
Recognized with the Research Excellence Award in Engineering and Architectural Applications and Technological Development (CEA) were Arne Darylle P. Cambal, Jaezon Zhach P. Santillana, and Rafayel A. Valencia for their research, “Design of Construction Methods for an Optimized Bamboo-Based Transitional Resettlement Disaster-Resilient Housing.” Their work demonstrates how sustainable engineering solutions can strengthen disaster resilience while addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
The Research Excellence Award for Inclusive and Resilient Health Systems (CHS) was awarded to Joanne Marie G. Dolojo, Dominik C. Donalvo, and Eireeka Kariza D. Garillos for their mixed-methods study, “Non-SPED Kindergarten Teachers’ Knowledge-Based Competency in Detecting Suspected Neurodevelopmental Delays Among Learners.” The research highlights the importance of early identification and inclusive educational practices in supporting children’s developmental needs.
The Overall Best Poster Award was presented to Carlo Vinci Alageño and Joseph Dinauto for their research, “Synthesis and Characterization of KOH-Activated Rice Husk-Derived Carbon Material via Hydrothermal Carbonization at Varying Temperatures.” The study was recognized for its scientific rigor, innovative use of agricultural waste as a sustainable resource, and excellence in research presentation.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Gernelyn T. Logrosa, Director of the Office for Research, Development and Innovation (ORDI), emphasized that research extends far beyond academic requirements.
“Every research team has already achieved something meaningful by transforming ideas into solutions that can actually help people.”
Dr. Logrosa reiterated that this is the very purpose of OSRA—to provide student researchers with a platform to showcase their thesis and capstone projects, made possible through hard work, perseverance, tears, and sleepless nights.
The Outstanding Student Research Awards (OSRA) is Mapúa MCM’s premier research recognition program for undergraduate students. It celebrates exemplary research that demonstrates academic excellence, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the potential to create meaningful impact for communities, industries, and society. Through OSRA, the institution continues to cultivate a student-centered research culture that empowers learners to translate classroom knowledge into evidence-based solutions for real-world challenges.