Brent Soriano, News, Communication Management Office
Biology students Trixy Mer Daquiz, Mitzi Joy Pasco, and John Rell Ramos have been awarded the Young Scientist Research Grant under the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST–NRCP) Young Scientist Incentives Program (YSIP) for F.Y. 2025.
Their funded study, “Cutie-san: A Rhizopus oryzae–Derived Chitosan Patch with Tannic Acid and Aloe vera Extracts for Fighting Certain Skin Bacteria”, combines fungal and plant components to tackle problems linked to acne. The project seeks to add knowledge in biology, particularly in microbiology, and to explore potential uses for locally made skin-care products.
Photo source: PUP College of Science
Sharing their motivation in forming the research team, Daquiz said that she looks for research groupmates who believe that “research will contribute to the scientific community.” Pasco emphasized the practical relevance of their work, stating, “We hope to formulate locally developed and research-based certain [pimple] patches that will help combat cutaneous bacterial pathogens (infection-causing bacteria) that are associated with the prognosis of acne vulgaris (common acne).”
Ramos highlighted the importance of mentorship and continuity in research, saying that “research should not begin as something that is revolutionary. With proper guidance and mentoring of advisers, this [research] will go a long way.” He also encouraged fellow students to value the research process, advising them to “be open to criticism and be open to revisions.”
Dr. Lourdes Alvarez, Dean of the College of Science and co-adviser of the study, explained that the project began by encouraging her students to explore fungi-related topics that could be developed into tangible products.
“I asked my students to think of any topics related to fungi, but the focus had to result in a product. And that’s how Team Cutie-San launched their research,” she said.
The project’s co-adviser, Danielito Dollete, likewise underscored the merit of the study, noting, “We realized that their research is truly qualified for the research grant [of the DOST-NCRP] that’s why we applied their study to that grant. If your research is not aligned with the theme of the grant, it is likely to be rejected,” he added.
Beyond institutional recognition, the research also supports the global development agenda of the United Nations through its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. By promoting health-related research, strengthening local innovation, and advancing sustainable biomaterial development, Team Cutie-San’s project demonstrates how student-led scientific initiatives can contribute to national priorities while responding to global goals for inclusive and innovation-driven development.
The recognition of Team Cutie-San under the DOST–NRCP YSIP highlights the growing role of young researchers from the College of Science of our Sintang Paaralan in advancing health research, strengthening scientific collaboration, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
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