July 1, 2024 – The air was electric as the MSUN Function House came alive for the CMAS Colloquium of Theses and Capstone Projects.

The event kicked off with an opening program that set the stage for a day of academic celebration and scholarly exchange. 

Attendees then moved to the parallel sessions, with Session A for both BS and MS in Marine Biology held at the MSUN Function House and Session B for BS in Information Technology at TSAC 102. 

A panel of esteemed evaluators lent their expertise to the event. Graduate theses were evaluated by Dr. Allyn Duvin P. Hinoguin, Dr. Helen J. Vicente, and Ret. Prof. Henry E. Dejarme. The evaluators for undergraduate theses included Ret. Prof. Henry E. Dejarme, Mr. Erwin Jones A. Tucong, MSc, and Mr. Ariel P. Antinero, MSc. Capstone projects were assessed by Assoc. Prof. Lilibeth Coronel, Mr. Diorey O. Potestas, and Ms. Jehanie May A. Macasawang.

The event concluded with the much-anticipated awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding efforts and achievements of the students. The awards were presented as follows:

Graduate Studies – MS Marine Biology

• Best Thesis Award: Charmjill Y. Bacsarpa for “Microplastics Accumulation in Sandfish, Holothuria scabra (Jaeger, 1833), Sediments and Surface Water in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines”
• 2nd Best Thesis Award: Ayth D. Paragoso for “Seasonal Variation of Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties of the Red Seaweed Gracilaria changii in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte with Notes of its Morpho-molecular Identification”

Undergraduate Studies – BS Marine Biology

• Best Thesis Award: Lyn A. Iniego and Jayeam A. Villanueva for “Age Structure and Biomass of Seagrass Cymodocea rotundata and Thalassia hemprichii in Mangrove and Non- Mangrove Areas of Lugait, Misamis Oriental”
• 2nd Best Thesis Award: Kyrene Angel S. Magsayo for “Taxonomy of Peanut Worms (Sipuncula) in Selected Sites in Murcielagos Bay, Misamis Occidental. Northern Mindanao, Philippines”
• 3rd Best Thesis Award: Alberto A. Barroa II for “Diversity and Dynamics of Biofouling Species on Mariculture Nets in Northern Mindanao Mariculture Park”

Capstone Projects – BS Information Technology

• Best Capstone Project Award: Cruzalex Rigel D. Branzuela Jr., Christian Roy S. Mabilin, and Kyle Adrian R. Mascuñana for “Web Portal for Journal of Environment and Aquatic Resources (JEAR) Publication of Mindanao State University at Naawan”
• 2nd Best Capstone Project Award: Van Jason D. Arellano, Hannah Dianne A. Ricablanca, and Hannie Donelle A. Ricablanca for “Insurance System for Servus Multipurpose Cooperative”
• 3rd Best Capstone Project Award: Trisha Jane A. Bangcong, Riza Mae F. Nevesaga, and Ehnand A. Azucena for “Payroll System for the Local Government Unit of Initao”

This year’s colloquium highlighted the diverse and impactful research conducted by both graduate and undergraduate students. The breadth of topics covered, from marine biology to information technology, showcased the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary scientific inquiry. The recognition of these exemplary projects emphasizes the commitment of MSUN in nurturing a robust academic environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.