By Karren Jay G. Asgar
List of institutions qualified for the 13 grantees of the 2025 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products (2nd call). Photo courtesy of DOST-PCHRD.
Matt Jireh S. Tumlos, a 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student, has been named as one of the recipients of the 2025 Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products (2nd call) by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).
For 2025, DOST-PCHRD sent out two calls for applications to the PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products, the 1st call in March-April 2025, and the 2nd call in September-October 2025. All applications are submitted through the respective Regional Health and Development Research Consortium (RHDRC). During the 2nd call, a total of 120 proposal applications were received from 17 regions nationwide, of which 55 proposals were endorsed by their respective RHRDCs to PCHRD, then 19 were shortlisted, and 13 grantees were finally selected for funding. An online orientation for the grant was held for the 13 grantees on January 13, 2026, via Zoom teleconference.
Tumlos’ research project is titled “Determination of the potential in vitro antihyperglycemic activity of leaf and flower fractions of Pandakaki-puti (Tabernaemontana pandacaqui) via α-glucosidase inhibition”. His thesis adviser is Dr. Mizpah C. Villalobos, faculty of the Chemistry Department under the CPU-College of Arts and Sciences.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Villalobos highlighted the crucial support of Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, acknowledging her unwavering encouragement and dedication to nurturing academic excellence. This endeavor is also made possible by the support of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE), led by Acting VPRDE Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, for empowerment through guidance and research visibility.
Dr. Villalobos and Mr. Tumlos further thanked God, the Chemistry Department, and the College of Arts and Sciences, saying their support, mentorship, and encouragement continue to inspire students to pursue scientific excellence. She shared that before submitting the application, they prayed together, describing the award as “an answered prayer for both of us.”
As thesis adviser, Dr. Villalobos shared her message to Tumlos: “The journey is still long, and there will be many hurdles, but with the help of God, proper guidance, self-discipline, balance, and support from peers and the community, this journey can be successfully completed.”
She noted that Tumlos, as a dedicated and promising achiever, has the talent and determination to succeed, and assured him that she will be behind him every step of the way, offering encouragement and mentorship throughout the research journey.
“You have what it takes to carry out this kind of research. Being awarded this grant is truly a privilege, as the competition was intense and it is not easy to be selected. It is an honor for us to represent Central Philippine University and the CPU College of Arts and Sciences in this significant endeavor,” she added.
According to DOST-PCHRD’s official website, the grant provides financial support to undergraduate students conducting thesis on research on natural products from plants and microorganisms. The program aims to sustain a research culture in natural products, increase the number of studies in the field, and build a pool of researchers and experts. It also supports the Drug Discovery and Development (Tuklas Lunas) initiative, which seeks to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternative drugs from the country’s natural resources. Grants of up to ₱75,000 are awarded to two to four qualified proposals per region, depending on available funds. Upon completion of the projects and submission of deliverables, an oral research presentation competition is held to recognize and disseminate innovative work in natural products.