Research on Public Health, Pollution, and Marine Resources Wins Awards at DOST-NRCP Scientific Conference in Iloilo

Four research on public health, environmental pollution, and marine resources won the poster competition during the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines’ (DOST-NRCP) Annual Scientific Conference and 22^nd Visayas Regional Cluster Assembly (ASC & VRC) held in Iloilo City on June 13, 2025.

Topping the research poster competition was “Targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro: An Integrated Approach Using In Vitro Screening, Phylogenetics, Metabolomics, and Bioinformatics to Identify Promising Inhibitors from Marine Sediment-Derived Actinomycetes” by Leighiara S. De Guzman and her team. Second place went to “First Report of Bat Guano-Derived Streptomyces spp. from Obong Cave, Negros Occidental with Promising Activity against ESKAPE Pathogens” by Jay Mark D. Guntalidad and his co-researchers. “Highways and Hotspots: Microplastic Transport from Pasig River into Manila Bay” by Christsam Joy Jaspe-Santander and her co-authors placed third, while “Influence of Sea Surface Currents on the Density and Distribution of Sardinella spp. Larvae in the Visayan Sea, Philippines” by Robin P. Escriba and Christen P. Peñafiel placed fourth.

These winning research projects align with the event’s theme of “Empowering a Sustainable Future: Science, Technology, Social Innovation, and Human Capital in Global Challenges” by tackling relevant issues such as COVID-19 treatment, antibiotic resistance, plastic pollution, and marine life in the Visayas region.

The Council accepted a total of 20 research poster submissions, with six competing across four disciplines: Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Medical Sciences. Following a thorough evaluation by a panel of NRCP experts, four entries were awarded top prizes. The winners received cash awards of ₱10,000, ₱7,000, ₱4,000, and ₱2,000, respectively.

Scientific sessions during the ASC & VRC also featured discussions on the regional research and development landscape, applications of decentralized science and blockchain, and the role of the education sector in sustainability. A review of ongoing programs in the region and oath taking of newly-elected regional officers and members followed in the afternoon.

The gathering was organized by NRCP, in partnership with the University of San Agustin and DOST Region VI. Researchers, educators, and representatives from the private sectors across Visayas attended. (Rose Dagupen, S&T Media Services)