The University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) researchers emerged victorious, winning First Place (Best Paper) in the International Conference on Pure and Applied Sciences- ICPAS category at the 2nd West Visayas State University (WVSU) World Research and Innovation Festival (WRIF), held online/through virtual presentation in February 21, 2025.
The festival, which gathered 95 participants from 23 international and 72 local institutions, showcased groundbreaking research aligned with this year’s theme: “DRIVE: Discoveries, Research, and Innovations: Venturing Beyond Borders and Exploring Frontiers.”
The WVSU WRIF is an annual event celebrating academic collaboration across disciplines, including academia, policy, and industry. The festival featured four major international virtual conferences: the International Conference for Medical, Dental, Health, and Allied Sciences, the International Conference for Pure and Applied Sciences, the International Conference for Education and Social Sciences, and the International Conference for Business, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. The platform provided young researchers with the opportunity to present innovative solutions to global challenges. Scholars and experts worldwide gathered to engage in discussions on pressing social and scientific issues.
The UPHSI research team earned Best Paper in the ICPAS Category with their study titled “In Silico Screening of Selected Aratiles (Muntingia calabura L.) Flavonoids as Potential Anti-Angiogenic Agents.” Led by John Rowel S. Chavez, the research team includes Renz Nathaniel E. Asis, Churney Maurice O. Dollolasa, Bea Juliene G. Gambito, Rheivin Lourenzo B. Rodriguez, and Shaira Daine A. Villuga. Their research study investigated the potential of Aratiles flavonoids as inhibitors of angiogenesis, a key process in cancer progression. Utilizing computational methods, the study explored the bioactive compounds’ potential in drug development for anti-cancer therapies.
The research journey began with the submission of the abstract via Google forms, followed by the preparation of a comprehensive video presentation detailing the study’s methodology, findings, and implications. Representing the team at the festival was Churney Maurice Dollolasa, who confidently delivered the presentation and answered questions from esteemed panelists during the Zoom conference. The competition process was rigorous, requiring participants to not only showcase the scientific merit of their research but also demonstrate their ability to articulate findings and defend their study against expert inquiries.
Their success would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of their research mentors Prof. Leopoldo G. Ayukil III, Prof. Myla Fe Pinuela, Prof. Pilar Mercedes Retiracion,and Prof. Raphael V. Belleza.
The researchers are grateful for their UPHSI sponsors, Principal Edelia T. Braga, and the UPHSI Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for their generous financial assistance, ensuring that students have the resources and opportunities to pursue valuable academic experiences.
