LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE — Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) proudly demonstrated its commitment to global academic collaboration and research excellence as it took part in the prestigious 5th International Undergraduate Research Congress (IURC) held on June 26–27, 2025 at the Center for Flexible Learning, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).

Anchored on the theme “Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Bridging Science, Society, and Economy,” the congress served as an influential platform for students, faculty researchers, and institutional leaders to share innovative research, foster partnerships, and promote international dialogue in the realm of undergraduate scholarship.

BASC stood out among the participants, contributing 12 high-quality research entries—a significant portion of the 55 total research presentations. These entries showcased the depth, relevance, and ingenuity of BASC’s undergraduate research community, further emphasizing the institution’s active role in addressing contemporary societal and environmental challenges through science and innovation.

Esteemed universities from across the Philippines, including Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and Quirino State University, joined the event alongside international partner institutions from Malaysia and Indonesia, giving the congress a vibrant and truly international atmosphere.

Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla, Director of the Commission on Higher Education – International Affairs Services, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of internationalization in research and higher education. She called on academic institutions to strengthen their global linkages and integrate international perspectives into their academic programs and research initiatives.

BASC’s participation in the IURC is a testament to the institution’s unwavering pursuit of academic excellence and international visibility. The college remains committed to nurturing globally competent researchers and building a strong culture of innovation—true to its mission of transforming lives through relevant, inclusive, and excellent higher education.

BASC’s commitment to impactful research was celebrated with several prestigious awards:

• Ms. Russel Mae Dimla (College of Education) clinched the 1st Best Paper Award in the Stream 3: Arts, Communication and Social Sciences category. Her winning research, “I Do, We Do, You Do: An explicit metalinguistic strategy on learners’ subject-verb Agreement Proficiency,” was co-authored with Mr. Neil Angel M. Dizon and advised by Prof. Jan Del Rosario.
• Ms. Trisha Mae H. Briones (College of Management) earned both the 1st Best Paper Award and the Best Presenter Award in the Stream 4: Business, Economics and Accountancy category for her insightful study, “Think Before You Click: Effects of Deceptive Product Promotions on Online Purchasing Behavior and Responsible Consumption (SDG 12) Among BASC Students,” advised by Prof. Gabriel C. Fantilanan.
• Ms. Nikka Ella S.P Dela Cruz (College of Engineering and Technology) was awarded the 1st Best Paper Award in the Stream 5: Agriculture category for her valuable work on “Physiochemical and Functional Properties of Various Types of Meat,” guided by her adviser Prof. Marielle G. Vergara.
• Ms. Jenniebeth Dizon (College of Management) received the 1st Best Presenter Award in the Stream 5: Agriculture category for her research on “Effectiveness of Training Programs to Farm Production Practices, Productivity, and Profitability of Rice Farmers.” was co-authored with Ms. Pauline Jane Peña, Mr. Carlo Damian, Ms. Donnabelle Bermundo, and Jhon Mark Gabriel, all advised by Prof. Annie Rose P. Pagdanganan.
• Ms. Nicole Delos Reyes (College of Management) secured the 2nd Best Paper Award in the Stream 4: Business, Economics and Accountancy category for her study, “Product Packaging effects on Online Purchasing Decisions of Marketing Students at Bulacan Agricultural State College,” with Dr. Sigrid Ann V. Jao as her adviser.
• Mr. Luis Marcus Q. Suba (College of Management) was honored with the 3rd Best Paper Award in the Stream 4: Business, Economics and Accountancy category for his study, “Optimizing Marketing Mix Strategies to Enhance Café Satisfaction Among Business Administration Students at Bulacan Agricultural State College,” advised by Dr. Mellanie B. Pascua.

Beyond these winning entries, other talented BASC students also presented their valuable research, including: Jonnabel A. Egano (College of Engineering and Technology) with “Detection of Microplastics in Chicken Intestine and Gizzard in San Ildefonso Public Market”; Ms. Nicole C. Garcia (Institute of Computer Studies) with “MEDVAULT: A Medicine Distribution and Inventory-Tracking System”; Mr. Joseph DC. Gonzales (College of Management) with “Café Environment: Factors Affecting the Buying Decision of Customers in San Ildefonso, Bulacan”; Ms. Kate Nicole E. Nadal (College of Engineering and Technology) with “Non-destructive Quality Assessment of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L., var. Diamante Max) Using Thermal Imaging”; and Mr. Sean Jastine F. Gerona (College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine) with “Sweeping Waste and High Inputs: Transforming Mahogany Leaves into Biochar to Reduce Synthetic Fertilizer Use in Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Production.”

Aside from the research competition, the congress also featured insightful institutional presentations and a collaborative meeting where university leaders came together to brainstorm future joint initiatives and strengthen academic ties.

BASC’s incredible showing at the 5th IURC truly highlights its growing presence in international research and unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of brilliant researchers. The College continues to champion innovative solutions for a sustainable future, making significant contributions to both local and global academic discussions.

#EducationExcellence
#BASCtoBSAU

#SDG4QualityEducation

#SDG8DecentWorkandEconomicGrowth
#SDG9IndustryInnovationandInfrastructure

#SDG12ResponsibleConsumptionandProduction
#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

Photo credits: ISPSC and BASC IRO