In his opening remarks, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VPREPA) Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr. challenged faculty-researchers to double this achievement in the coming year and work toward placing CatSU in the Top 30% of the Alper-Doger Scientific Index Ranking for Scientists and AD Scientific Index – World Scientist Ranking.

“Take Glocal, global, and local. As we are pursuing global rankings, let us also address our community’s specific needs through our studies,” Dr. Barba emphasized.

He also urged researchers to align publications with reputable journals such as Scopus, simplify the capstone format while maintaining CatSU’s identity, and focus on research utilization.

Dr. Barba commended the efforts of former Research and Development Services (RDS) Director Dr. Jose Z. Tria and former VPREPA Dr. Rosana S. Abundo for steering CatSU toward this unprecedented number of completed researches.

“Hindi ito madaling ma-achieve sa history ng Catanduanes State University, so let’s clap ourselves for a job well done,” he added.

The 56 completed studies were categorized into four clusters: 10 in Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (Science and Technology); 13 in Industry, Engineering, and Emerging Technology (Science and Technology); 19 in Education and Institutional Productivity (Non-Science and Technology); and 14 in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Business (Non-Science and Technology).

Research presentations included retired Professor VI Estrella T. Tribiana’s “Exploring Stable Isotopes and Prebiotic Properties of Abaca Catanduanes while Unlocking Its Medical Potential through the Production of Abaca Pseudostem Juice and Fortified Abaca Powder”; College of Sciences faculty Lani Ilagan’s studies on rabbit urine as a biopesticide and the economic viability of rabbit meat; College of Education’s Nenita T. Robles and Jonna G. Togueño’s “The Combination of Desiccated Coconut, Watermelon and Ginger Flour: Its Organoleptic Properties and Acceptability in the Production of Cookie”; and Ms. Recie B. Bonaos, Michael Borejon, Joshua Karl Bista, and Harold Panti’s study on “Population Characteristics of Kapis (Placuna placenta) in Panganiban, Catanduanes: Effect of 3 Decades Without Commercial Harvest.”

In the afternoon session, 10 studies are scheduled for presentation, including a research on mangrove and freshwater crabs by renowned climate change expert, Professor VI Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca.

Meanwhile, the panel of evaluators is composed of Dr. Barba; Chief Education Supervisor Dr. Mary Jean S. Romero from DepEd Catanduanes; Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, representing VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea; Roberto B. Lusuegro of PhilFIDA-Catanduanes; and Provincial Fishery Officer Raymond C. Toledo.

With the theme “Collaborative Pathways to Sustainability: Accelerating Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) for the Future,” the three-day conference seeks to evaluate completed studies, select outstanding papers and posters in both Science and Non-Science categories, and highlight contributions to the University Research Agenda, Paglaom (A Vision of HOPE), as well as regional, national, and global sustainable development goals.

Research papers presented with posters and attaining at least a 75% rating will be qualified for the Uswag Award.