CMU researchers earn six Best Paper Awards, benchmark RDE practices in Region 2
Six research entries from Central Mindanao University (CMU) won Best Paper Awards at the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Solutions in Engineering, Science, Health, Education, and Technology (ICSS-ESHET 2026), held on September 23–25 at Isabela State University–Ilagan Campus.
CMU researchers secured three first-place awards, one second-place award, and two third-place awards across four conference tracks, with studies covering biodiversity, cultural tourism, health, childcare, entrepreneurship, and agricultural technologies.
Dr. Mark Lloyd G. Dapar and Dr. Noel E. Lagunday won 1st Best Paper in Computing Technology for their study on the geometric morphometrics of the upper pitcher architecture of Nepenthes surigaoensis in Mindanao.
Annie Fritce A. Aballe, Marlene S. Zarate, Michael P. Medina, and Mark Jun A. Rojo earned 1st Best Paper in Cross-Disciplinary in Legal Justice, Human Arts and Architecture for their research on cultural tourism readiness among indigenous tribal communities in Bukidnon.
Pilar V. Domagsang and Donald G. Camatura received 1st Best Paper in Human Development, Health, and Environmental Resilience for their study on health promotion and illness prevention among the Tigwahanon Tribe.
Also in the same track, Teresita H. Borres, Kristy P. Restauro, Iyren D. Neri, Haidee Helena H. Garcia, Charlie A. Mundal, and Rolito G. Eballe received 3rd Best Paper for their research on multigenerational workspaces in Philippine higher education institutions.
Raymond S. Pacaldo, Leanne Aireca P. Tumaroy, and Arjel M. Vallecer earned 2nd Best Paper for their study on strengthening the financial, entrepreneurial, and human-resource capacities of farmer cooperatives and worker’s unions enterprises.
Meanwhile, Vences C. Valleser, Edna A. Aguilar, Eureka Teresa M. Acampo, Ireneo B. Pangga, and Calixto M. Protacio received 3rd Best Paper in Sustainable Engineering Solutions/Renewable Energy and Environmental Technologies for their study on biostimulants and plant growth regulators for cacao production under stress conditions.
The conference, co-hosted by CMU, provided the researchers with opportunities to present their work, exchange knowledge with international and multidisciplinary experts, and explore potential research collaborations.
The achievement was followed by an RDE benchmarking activity conducted by the same CMU delegation at selected state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region 2 on September 21, 22, and 25.
CMU benchmarks RDE practices in Region 2
Led by Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Alan P. Dargantes, the delegation visited Cagayan State University in Tuguegarao; Isabela State University–Ilagan Campus; Isabela State University–Echague Main Campus; and Nueva Vizcaya State University–Bayombong Main Campus.
The benchmarking focused on RDE programs, management systems, research and publication practices, technology development and commercialization, research center operations, and the integration of Gender and Development (GAD).
The activity enabled the delegation to exchange experiences with counterpart institutions and gain insights into practices that may further strengthen CMU’s RDE programs, policies, research services, and institutional systems.
The benchmarking also complemented the delegation’s participation in ICSS-ESHET 2026, turning the visit into an opportunity not only to showcase CMU research but also to learn from the RDE practices of fellow higher education institutions.
University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe congratulated the researchers and members of the delegation for their achievements and the recognition received at the international conference, commending their contributions to advancing the University’s research agenda during his weekly University Update at the University Convention Center.
The back-to-back activities underscore CMU’s continuing efforts to promote research excellence, institutional learning, innovation, and collaboration toward more responsive and sustainable RDE programs.
SDGs 4 – Quality Education | 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | 17 – Partnerships for the Goals [Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from the Office of the University President]
