Graduate-degree scholars of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School reaped multiple awards in the 13th Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHDRP) Graduate Scholars’ Conference, held in Cagayan de Oro City from September 18-19, 2025.
Awards and Recognitions
The UST Graduate School delegation brought home nine major awards, reflecting both the caliber of its scholars and the mentorship of its faculty advisers:
- Agricultural Sciences (Poster Presentation)
- 1st Place: Lloyd Christian Llames – The search for new eco-friendly agro-chemicals: Comparative antagonistic activities of endolichenic fungi isolated from the fruticose lichens Ramalina and Usnea (Adviser: Prof. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr.rer.nat.)
- 2nd Place: Jaius Emmanuel Cabales – Biofilm inhibitory activity of the leaf extracts of Artemisia vulgaris L. against Aeromonas veronii and its protective effect in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) (Advisers: Prof. Mary Beth B. Maningas, PhD & Assoc. Prof. Oliver B. Villaflores, PhD)
- Environmental Sciences (Poster Presentation)
- 2nd Place: Christon Jairus Racoma – Elevation diversity of Amoebozoa: Integrated morphological and molecular frameworks for ecological insights (Adviser: Asst. Prof. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr.rer.nat.)
- Biological and Health Sciences (Poster Presentation)
- 1st Place: Jerome Alfred Tabajonda – Telomere length variation in a Luzon-based Filipino cohort: Potential health implications (Adviser: Prof. Pia Marie S.P. Albano, PhD)
- 2nd Place: Cristian Floren Arevalo – Expression, allergenicity, and immunogenicity of recombinant and genetically engineered hypoallergenic Sui p 2 among Filipino allergic patients (Adviser: Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, Ph.D.)
- Physical Sciences (Poster Presentation)
- 2nd Place: Kate Catherine Samonte – In vivo evaluation of a potential radioprotective agent from Pandanus tectorius (Pandan Dagat) and Psidium guajava (Guava) fruit extracts (Advisers: Asst. Prof. Melfei E. Bungihan, Ph.D. & Prof. Chitho P. Feliciano)
- Oral Presentations
- Best Oral Presenter (Agricultural Sciences): Kyara Patricia Bueno – Allometric and paternity analysis in Megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) using mother-offspring specimens from Dipaculao, Aurora Province, Luzon Island, Philippines (Adviser: Acd. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Ph.D.)
- Best Oral Presenter (Environmental Sciences): Matthew Allen Malicdem – Flowing through change: Food web dynamics and land-use impacts on the Casecnan River stream biodiversity and ecosystem function (Adviser: Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D.)
- Best Oral Presenter (Biological and Health Sciences): Bainadzma Akmad – Administration of viable Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR1505 as a potential adjuvant for oral yeast COVID-19 vaccine (Adviser: Rev. Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P.)
These achievements underscore the UST Graduate School’s vital role in nurturing advanced researchers in the sciences. By excelling in both poster and oral presentations, Thomasian graduate scholars reaffirm the University’s commitment to producing leaders in research and innovation who address pressing national and global challenges.
Through the ASTHRDP program, UST continues to contribute to the country’s pool of highly trained scientists, aligning its mission of academic excellence with its vision of service to the nation and humanity.
With the theme “Advancing Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship for the Well-being of Every Filipino,” the conference gathered more than 370 participants nationwide, including 39 Thomasian graduate scholars / alumni, four faculty mentors, and two UST ASTHRDP NSC staff.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) with this year’s host, the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), the event showcased the latest scientific research of graduate students from the member-schools of the DOST National Science Consortium across the country.