12/08/2026
[𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗗] Day 1 Highlights | 2026 In-House Review, Policy Pitching, and Poster Presentation on Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Engagements
The 2026 In-House Review, Policy Pitching, and Poster Presentation on Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Engagements officially commenced with the theme: Driving Sustainable Futures through Transformative Research, Innovation, and Community Empowerment, bringing together the USeP community in advancing research excellence, innovation, and transformative extension initiatives in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program was formally opened by USeP Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Roger C. Montepio who underscored the University's commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation that responds to the evolving needs of communities and industries. This was followed by an inspiring message from USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr. who reaffirmed the University's commitment to advancing research and extension as catalysts for sustainable development and institutional excellence.
The event's plenary session featured Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, Immediate Past President of USeP, who challenged the academic community to ensure that the University remains an institution that not only generates knowledge but, more importantly, provides solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Following the plenary session, eight teams competed in the Policy Pitching Competition, presenting evidence-based policy recommendations that showcased the transformative power of research in addressing national and community concerns.
𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴
Congratulations to the policy pitch, "From Laboratory to Livelihood: Building the Last Mile for Philippine Seaweed R&D" for being declared the Top Entry in the Policy Pitching Competition.
Pitched by: Rizamae S. P***n
From the research program titled: Impact Assessment of the National R&D Initiatives for Seaweeds with Focus on the DOSTfunded Seaweeds R&D Program conducted by Roperto S. Deluna Jr., Rizamae S. P***n, Michael L. Ayala, Karlo Martin C.Caramugan, Christine R. Varquez-Abinez, Cloydessa S. Matilac, and Keturah Sue Mascari.
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In the afternoon, the University In-House Review for the Sustainable Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Cluster featured six (6) research presentations, showcasing innovative studies that addressed sustainable agriculture, food security, plant health, and environmental resilience. The presentations reflected the University's continuing commitment to generating science-based solutions for the agricultural sector.
𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗥 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀
🥇Best Paper
"An Integrated Management Response to the Spread of Fusarium Wilt of Banana in Southeast Asia (ACIAR Extension)"
Presenter: Merlina H. Juruena
Researchers: Merlina H. Juruena, Sheryl S. Bayang, Christine Rose Ansale, and Loren U. Banayag
🥈2nd Place
"Near Real-Time Tracking Using GIS and Thermal Sensing Technology for FOC TR4 Detection and Prediction Dispersal in Banana"
Presenter: Ivy Kim D. Machica
Researchers: Cecirly G. Puig, Gilbert A. Importante, James Jade A. Lasquites, and Ivy Kim D. Machica
🥉 3rd Place
"Validating the Performance of Putative Somaclonal Variants of Cavendish Grand Naine with Resistance to Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4) under Greenhouse Conditions"
Presenter: Merlina H. Juruena
Researchers: Michelle Lyka V. Descalsota (UPLB), Fe Dela Cueva (UPLB), Roanne R. Gardoce (UPLB), Merlina H. Juruena (USeP), and Teressita P. Canaya (USeP)
As USeP continues to champion research that creates real-world impact, Day 1 reaffirmed the University's commitment to producing knowledge, technologies, and policy recommendations that contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Congratulations to all eight (8) policy pitching teams, the six (6) AANR paper presenters, researchers, evaluators, and awardees for making the first day of the 2026 In-House Review, Policy Pitching, and Poster Presentation on RDE Engagements a celebration of excellence, innovation, and impactful research. Together, we continue to strengthen USeP's role as an institution that transforms knowledge into solutions for sustainable and inclusive development.