Cavite State University Wins DOST Research Award

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — A research project developed by Cavite State University (CvSU) focusing on rapid detection of poultry diseases in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Bicol secured second place in the Best Research Paper Award of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

The recognition was conferred during the Science and Technology Recognition and Awarding Ceremony on Friday, 13 November 2026, as part of DOST-PCAARRD's 54th founding anniversary celebration.

The award-winning project, titled “Low-cost Portable Molecular Diagnostic Platform for Rapid Detection of Select Poultry Pathogens in Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA Regions of the Philippines,” was undertaken by researchers Ma. Cynthia Rundina-Dela Cruz and Yves Roy M. Tibayan of Cavite State University.

The study focuses on developing a low-cost, portable molecular diagnostic platform designed to facilitate the rapid identification of selected poultry pathogens.

Its regional coverage includes major poultry-producing areas in Southern Luzon and neighboring regions, where early disease detection is important in protecting livestock production and supporting food security.

The research highlights the potential application of molecular diagnostic technologies in making disease detection more accessible to poultry producers and animal health personnel.

Meanwhile, the first-place Best Research Paper Award went to researchers from Nueva Vizcaya State University for their study on improving the effectiveness of fungal biopesticides against citrus rind borers affecting calamansi and pummelo.

The winning research, titled “Enhancing Biopesticide Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) against Citrus Rind Borer (CRB) in Calamansi and Pummelo by Mycosynthesis of Bio-nanoparticles,” was conducted by Jonar I. Yago and fellow researchers from the university.

The study explores the use of biologically synthesized nanoparticles to improve the effectiveness of fungal agents against agricultural pests.

Third place was awarded to a research team from Central Mindanao University and the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. for the project “Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization for Product Development in Long-term Ecological Research Sites in Southern Philippines,” also known as BioConUP.

The research examines biodiversity conservation and the potential utilization of biological resources for product development.

The Best R&D Paper Award recognizes outstanding scientific research and development initiatives aligned with national priorities in agriculture, aquatic resources and natural resource management.

The annual recognition forms part of DOST-PCAARRD's efforts to encourage scientific innovation and strengthen the application of research findings to agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and rural development.

For CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, the recognition of Cavite State University's poultry diagnostic research highlights the role of regional research institutions in developing technologies that could help address animal health challenges and support the country's poultry industry.