By Gian Paula Cecilia, BA ELS-4, The Centralian Link Intern

CMLS holds its Research Colloquium, where top entries will represent the college at CPU RESONATE 2026.

On February 9, 2026, the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) hosted its inaugural Research Colloquium at Central Philippine University’s Educational Media Center. Student researchers presented their findings in various fields of medical laboratory science at the event.

Dr. Rolando Pakingking led the colloquium, which was arranged by the CMLS faculty with support from the CMLS Provincial Student Council. Drs. Peter Palma, Stephen Sabinay, and Evelyn Grace De Jesus-Ayson evaluated the presentations.

A total of eighteen groups presented their research with topics that covered microbiology, parasitology, natural product studies, antimicrobial research, and aquaculture health. Each group was given 15 minutes to present their study, followed by a five-minute question-and-answer portion where the panel of evaluators gave comments and recommendations.

At the end of the colloquium, the top five research papers were recognized.

First place was awarded to Jann Patrick V. Camandillo, Shania Kyle Q. Custodio, Heleana Dulzen Grace K. Donton, and Sachiel Mae T. Tumalaytay for their study titled “Effect of Philippine copper leaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) extract on the hemato-immunological parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).”

Second place went to Jed Melchior P. Labtic, Megan Kaye D. Macaso, Jessel Nean C. Trogo, Joelle Grace S. Umadhay, and Heart Lance S. Villanueva for their research titled “Unlocking natural solutions for aquaculture health: investigating the hemato-immunological effects of gale of the wind (Phyllanthus niruri) extracts in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).”

Third place was awarded to Psalm Angelo G. Tagay, Alex Andrea M. Mendame, Anna Mikhaela Therese M. Muñoz, Franz Celnar P. Peroja, Harlynwinder D. Singh, and Dennise S. Sucaldito for their study “Antibacterial properties of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) bile against selected human pathogenic bacteria.”

Fourth place went to Alfred Gregory C. Algarja, Lyeka R. Ame, Aiza B. Aurelio, Carl Rodolph B. Banzale, Mayadelle G. Barrientos, and Niel Charles T. Custodio for their research on the antibacterial activity of pectin-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles using calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) peels.

Fifth place was awarded to Samson P. Bilbao III, Azalea Lael R. Aragona, Ma. Angelyn T. Borja, Krystelle Kate A. Castillo, Rogie Mae V. Frias, and Ma. Jeala Sofia F. Nuñez for their study on bacterial contamination in Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea).

Jed Melchior P. Labtic also received the Best Presenter award.

The recognition concluded the first CMLS Research Colloquium held at the university. The top five research papers will represent CMLS at CPU RESONATE 2026, the university’s Research and Innovation Week.