By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The DOST-PCHRD and WVHRDC monitoring team together with CPU representatives and grant recipient Matt Jireh S. Tumlos took a photo opportunity during the review of his undergraduate thesis progress at the CPUGAD TBI Conference Room. Photo courtesy of Ms. Kianne Francine A. Duspar.
Central Philippine University welcomed the monitoring team of the 2025 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products program on March 12, 2026, at the CPUGAD TBI Conference Room. The visit aimed to evaluate the progress of the PCHRD-funded thesis of Matt Jireh S. Tumlos, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student and one of the recipients of the 2025 Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products (Second Call).
The monitoring team consisted of Ms. Joana A. America, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Institution Development Division at DOST-PCHRD; Mr. Rod Walter O. Magpantay, Project Technical Assistant IV; and Ms. Kianne Francine A. Duspar, Regional Project Staff for DOST Region 6. Representing Central Philippine University were Dr. Annalee L. Cocjin on behalf of Dean Dr. Stella G. Fernandez of the College of Arts and Sciences; Mrs. Jenie-Lou G. Mosqueda, CPU Purchasing Officer; Dr. Mizpah C. Villalobos, thesis adviser; and Ms. Niel-Ju Angelle C. Cadiao, Chemistry Laboratory Personnel.
During the visit, Tumlos presented the progress of his undergraduate thesis, including the study’s objectives, methodology, and partial results. Challenges encountered were discussed along with proposed solutions and action plans. The presentation also included an update on budget utilization. Afterward, the monitoring team toured the Chemistry Department’s research facilities to see where each stage of the thesis experiments was conducted.
The DOST-PCHRD team also visited two other awardees from the First Call of the 2025 Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products from Iloilo Doctor’s College and West Visayas State University to ensure that all research efforts are on track and supported by proper guidance.