The 3rd ASCRIBE SIMP – AAIRI – UCC Research Festival was held on April 10, 2026, as an online academic conference that brought together undergraduate and basic education researchers from elementary through senior high school levels. Anchored in the theme “Research for Resilience, Innovation, and Sustainability,” the event served as a platform to showcase impactful student research across various disciplines. With more than 350 participants across departments, the conference highlighted the growing culture of academic inquiry and innovation among young scholars.
Leading Research Highlights
Woman on the Rise: Empowering Female Youth Leaders in Governance
In the Humanities category, the study “Woman on the Rise: Experiences on Leadership Development Among Lady SK Chairpersons in San Fernando City, La Union,” authored by Yhasmein Faith V. Delgaco, Andres Miguel T. Aguilar, Elijah Mae B. Cuevas, Sean Kerby S. Ignacio, and Aisha M. Manongdo, explores the leadership development journeys of female Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research examined their lived experiences, challenges, and growth in local governance.
The study highlights how SK leadership serves as a transformative platform for young women, strengthening essential competencies such as communication, decision-making, planning, teamwork, and civic responsibility. It embodies resilience by addressing gender-related barriers and leadership challenges, innovation through youth participation in governance systems, and sustainability by promoting inclusive leadership development. Beyond individual growth, the research emphasizes the importance of mentorship, training, and gender-responsive policies in fostering more equitable participation in public service and community leadership.
DryNSeal: Smart Innovation for Sustainable Food Preservation
In the Technology and Business category, the study “DryNSeal: A Smart Preservation System for Extending the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables,” authored by Mary Kisses D. Orpilla, Nur Yahya, Nur Anatasia S. Nur, Bjornstjerne R. Cuesta, Dylan Calvin B. Gamueda, and Destine Jhan Calderon, introduces an integrated system that combines dehydration and vacuum sealing into a single semi-automated device.
The study highlights DryNSeal as an innovative solution that addresses household food waste and post-harvest losses through sensor-based automation and eco-efficient design. It embodies innovation through smart environmental control systems, resilience through tackling food spoilage challenges, and sustainability through energy-efficient, cost-effective preservation methods. Beyond technical development, the research emphasizes its potential to improve food security and promote practical, accessible, and sustainable food management practices for households.
Automated Rice Dryer: Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency
In a special recognition for elementary-level researchers, the study “Automated Rice Dryer (AutoDryPH)” by Cyan Gaerlan, Earl Rafael V. Macasieb, Leila Vannah C. Ignacio, and Charee Louise Q. Pecadizo presents a solar-powered system that improves traditional rice drying methods. The study highlights how the AutoDryPH system enhances agricultural efficiency by automating drying with smart sensors and a movable drying chamber. It embodies innovation through solar-powered automation, resilience by addressing weather-dependent constraints in farming, and sustainability through renewable energy use. By reducing manual labor and improving drying consistency, the system offers practical benefits for farmers while supporting safer and more efficient post-harvest practices.
Driving Scholarly Inquiry for a Sustainable World
The recognition of these scholarly works underscores the significance of student-driven research in addressing real-world challenges. Each study reflects the shared values of resilience, innovation, and sustainability, demonstrating how academic inquiry can generate meaningful solutions for communities, households, and industries. Beyond the competition, the festival provided a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, where students and educators presented research grounded in practical, social, and technological relevance. These contributions collectively strengthen the culture of research excellence and future-oriented learning.
Leading the Way in Resilience, Innovation, and Sustainability
The 3rd ASCRIBE Research Festival stands as a testament to the commitment of Union Christian College and its partner institutions in fostering academic excellence and innovation among young researchers. Through diverse studies that address pressing societal and technological challenges, the event highlighted how research can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable development.
AAIRI continues to encourage scholars, educators, and institutions to participate in future initiatives, fostering collaboration and advancing research that addresses the evolving challenges of today’s world.
Stay Connected
For more information on upcoming research festivals, conferences, and academic collaborations, stay connected with the Ascendens Asia International Research Institute:
- Email: connect@aairi.org
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