Anchored on the theme, “Advancing Fisheries and Marine Sciences for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems and Resilient Coastal Communities”, the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS) celebrated the dedication and excellence of its student researchers during the CFMS Student Research Colloquium 2026, held on June 25, 2026. 

The event provided a platform for students to present the outcomes of their research, demonstrating months of rigorous scientific work and their commitment to addressing pressing issues in fisheries, marine, and aquatic sciences.

In his keynote address, Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos emphasized that research extends far beyond the fulfillment of an academic requirement. He underscored that the thesis-writing process cultivates critical competencies by challenging students to identify relevant societal concerns, formulate meaningful research questions, apply appropriate scientific methods, and defend evidence-based findings. 

More importantly, he noted that the completion of a thesis equips students not only with an academic degree but also with essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and decision-making—competencies that remain invaluable as they pursue professional careers and respond to the challenges beyond the University.

During the graduate category presentations, Angela Grace E. Singson received the Outstanding Dissertation Award for PhD Marine Biology for her study, “Population Genetic Structure and Biogeographic Distribution of Tropical Halodule uninervis in the Bohol Sea and Adjacent Waters in the Philippines.” In the PhD Aquaculture category, Ryan V. Fabay was conferred the Outstanding Dissertation Award for “Fishery Assessment, Market Potential, Genetic Diversity, and Larval Rearing Technology of Giant Freshwater Prawn in Ligawasan Marsh.” At the master’s level, Fernie A. Catienza earned the Outstanding Thesis Award for MS Marine Biology for “Exploring Bioactive and Biochemical Properties of Bottleneck Sea Cucumber Holothuria impatiens (Forsskål, 1775) and Notes on Its Biology and Ecology from Plaridel, Misamis Occidental,” while Cheeny A. Honcanda-Tira was recognized with the Outstanding Thesis Award for MS Aquaculture for “Potential Application of Liquid Fermented Pineapple Silage to Enhance Growth, Gut Microbiota and Water Quality in Tilapia spp. Nursery Culture.”

The undergraduate category likewise showcased emerging researchers from the College. Josef Manuel S. Cortezano was named Best Presenter, followed by Shine C. Lajos as Second Best Presenter and Franzel Mae G. Mendoza as Third Best Presenter. For the Best Paper Awards, the top honor was awarded to Josef Manuel S. Cortezano, John Eric C. Bulaan, and Michelle Jane M. Canitan for “Nutritional Profile, Biochemical, and Antimicrobial Properties of Madre de Agua (Trichanthera gigantea) Leaves as Alternative Feed Source for Moina sp.” The Second Best Paper award was conferred upon Tara Inada Laranjo and Hannah Jene Futalan for “Occurrence and Characterization of Microplastics on the Enhalus acoroides Blades and Surface Seawater in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte,” while John Leo T. Salva, Leanie Larot, and Nicca Landra Eliza M. Capitan received the Third Best Paper award for “Value Chain and Food Safety Perceptions in Mangrove Clam Polymesoda sp. Industry in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental: Basis for Standardizing a Depuration Protocol for Microbial Reduction.”

Beyond the awards, the colloquium highlighted the dedication, discipline, and perseverance demonstrated by every student researcher throughout the research process—from conceptualizing studies and conducting field and laboratory work to refining manuscripts and presenting their findings before peers and faculty. Their accomplishments not only reflect individual academic excellence but also underscore the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences’ commitment to cultivating research that addresses real-world challenges in fisheries, marine, and aquatic sciences.

As the 2026 CFMS Student Research Colloquium drew to a close, it reaffirmed the vital role of research as a cornerstone of academic and scientific advancement. More than fulfilling a degree requirement, the studies presented showcased the capacity of student researchers to generate knowledge, propose evidence-based solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of aquatic ecosystems and resilient coastal communities.

The Mindanao State University at Naawan extends its heartfelt congratulations to all presenters, advisers, panel evaluators, the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and award recipients for making this year’s CFMS Student Research Colloquium — a remarkable celebration of academic excellence, collaboration, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge. May this milestone serve as a springboard for even greater discoveries in the years ahead.