By Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao, STRATCOM Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University hosted the 5th International Undergraduate Research Congress (IURC) on June 26, 2025, at the Center for Flexible Learning and via Zoom, with the theme “Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Bridging Science, Society, and Economy.”

The event gathered student researchers from the Philippines, including MMSU, Quirino State University (QSU), Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College (CVCITC), and Northwestern University (NWU).

International participants came from Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) in Indonesia, as well as the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) in Malaysia.

MMSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog commended the participants for their courage and commitment to research, saying that “this congress is not just about competition and presentation; it is about courage—the courage to ask difficult questions, to challenge conventions, and to contribute to new knowledge for the common good.”

Representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga emphasized the university’s dedication to promoting sustainability, research collaboration, and academic excellence. 

Dr. Bitang encouraged delegates to build relationships and networks, stating that MMSU strongly believes in fostering critical, analytical, and academic skills while encouraging cross-border academic collaboration.
CHED Internationalization Affairs Service Director Lily Freida Macabangun, the keynote speaker, highlighted the significance of the IURC as a transformative platform. She noted that the Commission on Higher Education is fully committed to supporting such initiatives.

Atty. Macabangun praised the consortium’s shift from competition to collaboration, urging institutions to act locally, dream boldly, and build together in pursuit of the global goals.

The congress featured parallel sessions categorized into five streams: Natural Sciences; Mathematical, Information, and Computing Sciences; Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences; Business, Economics, and Accountancy; and Agriculture. 

Each session had international plenary speakers, with Dr. Anil Kumar Anal of the Asian Institute of Technology delivering his talk in person during the Natural Sciences session, while others presented via Zoom.

 
In the Natural Sciences stream, MMSU dominated the category with Kristine Genesis Bacnat, Micah Dane Geneta, and Stephanie Leigh Tumamao clinching first place; Jean April Buguis, Sunshine Salvador, Esiell Mae Costales, and Eidian Loui Salem in second place; and Aleque Cel Lopez sharing third place with Quirino State University’s Dexther Karl Castillo, Rayvheen Zeus C. Guilalas, Rollyn Hope Pragata, and Hermenigildo Abenojar II.

In the Mathematical, Information, and Computing Sciences stream, first place went to CSPC’s Shermaine Kim Oñedo, Adrian Raphael Dimanarig, and Jorrel Pajenago. MMSU’s Seymoun Austin Viernes secured second place, while third place was awarded to Herzani Amrina Qurotul and Berliana Safinatu Qolbi of UNIPMA.

In the Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences stream, BASC’s Russel Mae Dimla and Neil Angel Dizon placed first, followed by MMSU’s Kryshna Campañano in second place. Third place was shared between Abid Humam Muhtadi of UNIPA and Ryand Angelo Ugalde of MMSU.

In the Business, Economics, and Accountancy stream, BASC swept the top three awards. First place went to Charry Anne Cruz, Trisha Mae Briones, Patricia Rose Bayani, Krizalyn Buenaventura, Romar Buenaventura, Katherine Calderon, Alice Cruz, Diana Rose Cruz, Ma. Michaela Joy Cunanan, Vanisa Dalida, Angel Dela Cruz, and Gabriel C. Fantilanan. Second place was secured by Nicole Delos Reyes, Angelica Dela Cruz, Kimberly Dispe, Lhara Jay Dela Rosa, Mary Grace De Ocampo, Ralph Dela Cruz, Jaymark Dino, Maila Ivory Dela Cruz, Arnold Dela Cruz, Jusmine Michaela Doctora, and Almira Dionisio. Third place was earned by Geraldine Sagun, Noel Roura, Shamel R. Savador, Alyana Faith Sangalang, Jerald Santiago, Genevie Santos, Rochelle Santos, Jhaycee Sarmiento, John Kenneth Solis, Luis Marcus Suba, and Nadine Valcora.

In the Agriculture stream, first place was awarded to Nikka Ella Dela Cruz of BASC. CSPSC’s Cheenie Criszel Abanes, Renzelle Dait, Angelica Daza, and Lynnel Quiñano placed second, while third place went to QSU’s Rhesalee Bucasan, Herald Paul Bassi, and Zeny Magician.

Aside from the winners in each stream, awards were also given to the best paper presenters.

On June 27, delegates embarked on a cultural tour of Ilocos Norte. Organized by faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences, the tour featured visits to notable sites such as the Paoay Church, Kapurpurawan Rock Formations, Bangui Windmills, and Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. congratulated the winners and participating students for their research contributions. “Let the research presented and conducted contribute to the body of knowledge and address the problems faced by various sectors of society,” he said.

The host university for the 6th International Undergraduate Research Congress has yet to be announced.