UEP RDEx

UEP RDEx RDEx is the Official Newsletter of UEP Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) office.

NATURE PROVIDES HEALING WHEN USED SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY‎‎Medicinal plants have long been important components of Filipi...
27/07/2026

NATURE PROVIDES HEALING WHEN USED SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY

‎Medicinal plants have long been important components of Filipino traditional medicine throughout history and are still a readily available treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries. Knowing the benefits and correct application of medicinal plants for common health problems allows people to make informed health decisions, while protecting our valuable heritage of herbal medicine. This Information, Education, and Communication material features the ten (10) medicinal plants approved by the DOH along with their benefits and suggested ways of preparation. This material provides accessible information to improve community health by promoting awareness, responsible use and appreciation of our natural resources.







‎RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Physicochemical Analysis of Biofilms from Coconut Flour and Cassava Starch: Advancing Sustainable ...
16/07/2026

‎RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Physicochemical Analysis of Biofilms from Coconut Flour and Cassava Starch: Advancing Sustainable Packaging Materials

‎The growing demand for eco-friendly packaging has driven researchers to develop biodegradable substitutes for traditional plastics. In the Philippines, cassava and coconut are widely available as agricultural resources, these crops provide valuable raw materials for sustainable packaging development and can contribute to increasing economic opportunities for local farmers and industries.

‎A recent study conducted by George Joseph C. Banda, Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea, and Karina Milagros R. Cui Lim developed biodegradable biofilms using cassava starch, coconut flour with the combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

‎The study showed that the cassava starch and coconut flour biofilms were slightly acidic and insoluble in water, ethano and hexane. These properties suggest that biofilms have potential for packaging applications. The coconut flour biofilm had a higher moisture content and tensile strength than the cassava starch biofilm. This indicates that the coconut flour biofilm was stronger and more resistant to tearing than the cassava starch biofilm.

‎In both biofilms, the researchers detected hydroxyl, alkyl and alkene functional groups. These also improved the strength of the materials. However, the biofilms did not stop the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers suggested that adding antibacterial agents in future studies to improve the biofilms.

‎The study shows that cassava and coconut, which are abundant here in Northern Samar can be used to make biodegradable packaging. This will help lessen plastic waste and open more opportunities for local farmers and businesses.

Read the full article here:
https://journalajacr.com/index.php/AJACR/article/view/279


-friendly




RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: Antibacterial Activity of Datura metel Linn. (Talong-punay) Fruit ExtractIs it possible for a common...
15/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: Antibacterial Activity of Datura metel Linn. (Talong-punay) Fruit Extract

Is it possible for a common medicinal plant to fight off harmful bacteria? As antibiotic resistance grows into a larger issue, scientists are looking for new solutions. Medicinal plants are definitely being examined more closely. A prominent instance is Datura metel Linn., or Talong-punay as people call it locally. Folks have used this plant for ages in traditional medicine.

Karina Milagros Cui-Lim, Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea, and Manuela Cecille G. Vicencio examined closely at what this plant is truly capable of. They tested an extract from Datura metel Linn. fruit against two typical pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Their investigation didn’t end there—they additionally examined which phytochemicals in the fruit might be doing the heavy lifting for its antibacterial properties.

The study found that the fruit extract contains several bioactive compounds: alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. All known because of their antimicrobial effect. When they put the extract to the test in the lab, it stopped both types of bacteria in their tracks. E. coli, in particular, was especially vulnerable. The extract worked almost as well as tetracycline, a well-known antibiotic.

That findings are significant, especially now that antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to threaten public health worldwide. Plant-based treatments like this give an opportunity for affordable, accessible, and maybe even greener remedies. Although more research are needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness, this study sets Datura metel Linn in the spotlight as a promising , natural source against resilient bacteria.

Read full article here:
https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/1629/3265

Linn

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Linguistic Forms of Questions in Reading English Texts: Enhancing Critical Thinking and Comprehensi...
14/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Linguistic Forms of Questions in Reading English Texts: Enhancing Critical Thinking and Comprehension Using Quasi-Experimental Research Design

‎Reading is more than understanding a text. It includes asking questions that strengthen one’s critical thinking and comprehension. Although many college students have serious problems asking questions, the cause appears to be their lack of critical thinking and limited language skills.

‎Maria Cora E. Cabacang’s study examined the impact of visual aids and traditional lectures on students’ ability to ask questions. Cabacang used a quasi-experimental research design involving first-year B.E.Ed. and AB Political Science students at the University of Eastern Philippines.

‎The study revealed that both groups were most likely to develop WH-questions, followed by yes/no questions, while declarative questions were the least likely to be developed. Questions asked were mostly grammatically correct and reasonable, although there were a few that were ungrammatical and incoherent. The use of both visual aids and traditional lectures improved students’ ability to ask questions, and no difference in the impact of both instructional strategies was found.

‎The study emphasized that self-questioning strategies, especially reading activities and reading materials that stimulated students to engage in reading, helped students think critically, improved their self-confidence and self-expression, and improved their language skills. It also suggested that to further improve students’ reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills, self-questioning activities and visual aids be included in English classes.

‎Read full article here: https://share.google/UsQgzxz4IavNzWTpk






RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Pulmonary Lesions in Slaughtered Water Buffaloes: Strengthening Animal Health and Meat Safety in No...
09/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Pulmonary Lesions in Slaughtered Water Buffaloes: Strengthening Animal Health and Meat Safety in Northern Samar

Water buffaloes which is locally known as carabaos plays an important role for agriculture in Northern Samar. They serve as an important source of livelihood, draft power, meat and milk for farming communities in Northern Samar. However animal productivity are affected by respiratory disease and it remain as a major concern because of it potential risk to public health.
A recent study conducted by Dina J. Ocaña, Joseph S. Masangkay, and Veronica A. Matawaran examined the lungs and lymph nodes of 280 buffaloes, from Catarman and San Roque, Northern Samar. Through postmertom examination, lung scoring, and histopathological analysis, the researchers assessed pulmonary lessions to establish baseline data on respiratory disease in the province.
They found out that a lot of buffaloes had lung problems. In fact 37.5% of the buffaloes had lung lesions. The common problem was bronchopneumonia. Some buffaloes did not seem sick all before they were slaughtered. This shows that lung diseases can be hard to detect.
The study also showed that older buffaloes were more likely to have lung problems. The lymph nodes were often swollen and had hyperplasia. This means that the buffaloes had been dealing with lung problems for a time it is very significant to check the animals before and after they are slaughtered to keep animals safe and make sure that it is safe to eat.
The study highlights the importance of routine ante-mortem and post mortem examinations in slaughterhouses as practical tools for disease surveillance. It can be the best way to monitor the health of the buffaloes and to make sure that the meat is safe. This information can use by the Philippine livestock industry to make things better and to make sure that all the buffaloes are healthy.

Read the full article here:
https://scienggj.org/2026/SciEnggJ%202026-vol19-no01-p282-288-Ocan%CC%83a%20et%20al.pdf





scienggj.org
scienggj.org

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Greening Learning in Disaster-Prone Higher Education Institutions: A Teaching-Led Pathway to Sustai...
08/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Greening Learning in Disaster-Prone Higher Education Institutions: A Teaching-Led Pathway to Sustainable Eco-Tourism Futures

Natural disasters and climate change has continue to affect many tourism destinations, particularly in the developing countries. Due to this problem, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have an important part in preparing students to become a responsible future professionals to build resilient and sustainable societies. University can drive meaningful change by not only developing green campuses but also including sustainability directly into teaching and learning.
A recent study conducted by Daisy Lily Mosacre Balanquit explaining how teaching - led greening can help build a more sustainable and disaster resilient tourism industry, it also suggests that by including local knowledge, sustainability and disaster preparedness in the curriculum that a students can cultivate a skills needed to protect the environment while helping the local tourism communities grow.
The study also specify that teaching a sustainability can help and create a skilled workforce, encourage eco-friendly tourism practices and stabilize partnerships between schools, communities and the tourism industry. These endeavour can improve the local livelihoods, increase visitors trust and help tourism destinations become more prepared for future disasters.
To support this idea, the paper introduces a five-pillar teaching framework and a three-horizon roadmap that can guide schools in improving their curriculum and working with different stakeholders. It also recommends conducting more studies to measure how teaching sustainability can contribute to tourism development and community resilience.

The study highlights that classroom is one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable change. By developing the potential of graduates who possess environmental awareness, adaptive thinking and strong community engagement, higher education institution can help to shape a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for tourism in disaster prone region.






Read the full article here:

https://www.emerald.com/jtf/article/doi/10.1108/JTF-10-2025-0311/1382920/Greening-learning-in-disaster-prone-HEIs-a?fbclid=IwVERFWAS4ixhwZG9mAWZkaWQWUKAMLkZL6fClch0blf2BgjZ0tveCwmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5TpkR0txosLFkuVwwy7_e9uKcd1J3uS8zDwpWs-HqwWqWUjhkCninplPLjEw_aem_ykLIFNRy_ihbfAZcIafVFw

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Bioprospecting of Philippine Plants from Northern Samar: Discovering Potential Plant-Based Treatmen...
07/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Bioprospecting of Philippine Plants from Northern Samar: Discovering Potential Plant-Based Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects many people causing memory loss, difficulty in thinking and changing in behavior. Although there were existing medications to manage the symptoms, researcher continue to study and search for most effective and safest way for medications of Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study conducted by Rosemarie Elloisa P. Acero, Camille Ann F. Sapico, Karina Milagros R. Cui-Lim, and Evangeline C. Amor, they explored the medicinal potential of 118 Philippine plant species from Northern Samar as possible sources of compounds that can help to treat Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers specifically investigated the ability of plants to inhibit butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE), an enzyme that plays role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
The findings revealed that there were 23 out of 118 showed strong cholinesterase inhibitory activity, while there were 10 plants extracts selectively inhibited BuChE, that shows it's enough potential in laboratory test in developing medicines for Alzheimer's disease.
Among the evaluated plants, the Curcuma zedoaria(zedoary) and Erythrina variegata var. orientalis showed strongest potential.
The study also identified several beneficial phytochemicals, including terpenoids, flavonoids, tanins, alkaloids and phenolic compounds on which are known because of their medicinal properties.
The study highlights how Northern Samar had a rich biodiversity and it's significant contribution to the discovery of plant based medicines. These findings helped the continued exploration of Philippine medicinal plants as potential sources of safer and more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Read the full article here:
https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/bioprospecting-of-philippine-plants-from-northern-samar-with-butyrylcholinesterase-selective-inhibitory-activity/?fbclid=IwY2xjawS4N9BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe40yoWQGoVbOLS0Ph1G7XEOKiTJUD4Iuu_ws2SdS2-hVppaKjh_4Gh9trPok_aem_zjIZ4Zufi2E7U8RU7AHnGA



'sdisease


Bioprospecting of Philippine Plants from Northern Samar with Butyrylcholinesterase-selective Inhibitory Activity | Philippine Journal of Science
philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Determinants of Success in the Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination: Insights from Successf...
06/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Determinants of Success in the Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination: Insights from Successful Board Passers

Passing Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) Licensure Examination is a significant milestone for every aspiring electrical engineer. Although academic knowledge is important, having discipline in studying, preparation and effective strategies also depends to success in board examination.
A recent study conducted by Bless Ampuan, Mechille Fabialla, Lonel Morado and Kenneth Bryan Abaigar, they examined the factors that contributed to the success of 70 Registered Electrical Engineers from the Universi of Eastern Phillipines who passed the licensure examination between 2010 and 2019. The findings revealed that most of the examinees who passed the Licensure Examination relied on formal review programs, particularly in Cebu City and Manila and they passed the examination on their first attempt.
Problem solving, taking of the notes, reading, being proficient in calculator and reviewing previous board examination questions to recall the learning are among of the most effective preparation strategies to pass the Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination.
The study also emphasized the the importance of financial support for reviewing, structured review programs and active learning techniques such as peer teaching and mental imagery to improve examination performance.

The study highlights that passing the Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination is not only about determining whether you're an academic honors or based on your personal background. Instead, it is achieved through consistent preparation, effective study habits, access to better review opportunities and strong support system which help aspiring engineers to achieve their professional goals.






Read the full article here:
https://share.google/gFzo2s4NRHEaILdII

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT |Blended Learning in Higher Education: Unveiling Student Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities f...
03/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT |Blended Learning in Higher Education: Unveiling Student Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities for Policy Development

The pandemic has completely changed the educational system. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, universities are now being compelled to adopt blended and online learning approaches for all students at once. Though flexibility and a digitalized approach to learning are possible now owing to these changes, there are certain barriers to higher education.

A recent study conducted by Martin L. Nobis Jr., Ronato S. Ballado, and Chona B. Froilan has surveyed 336 students at the University of Eastern Philippines in order to gain a better insight into the experience of blended learning among students and the problems faced during the pandemic. It has been found out that students are becoming better managers of their time and developing work ethics, computer skills and independence. Yet, as per the findings of the researchers, there are some significant barriers to learning due to a lack of reliable internet connection, financial restrictions, an overload of work and mental health issues as well.

The study highlights that in spite of changing the system of education from face to face into blended learning, effective education depends upon not only technology but also knowledge, wisdom, equity and human relations.

Read the full article here: https://share.google/Xl6y6riN1fQHuG9vR





RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Early Detection of Mycoplasma Infections in Philippine Broiler Chickens Using Polymerase Chain Reac...
01/07/2026

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT | Early Detection of Mycoplasma Infections in Philippine Broiler Chickens Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Respiratory diseases from Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae remain a major challenges in the Philippine poultry industry. These bacterial pathogens reduce flock productivity, increase the production cost and broiler producers economic status are affected.

To address this concern, researchers conducted a study using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) a rapid and highly sensitive molecular diagnostic technique to detect the presence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in Philippine broiler poultry. It enables to provide a more and faster accurate identification of these pathogens which allow timely implementation of disease control prevention measures rather than conventional diagnostic method.

The findings highlights the importance of this molecular surveillance to monitor poultry health and the significant of early detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae to prevent the spread of infection within the poultry farm. It also emphasize that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) provides reliable and accurate diagnostic tool for monitoring poultry health.

The researcher contribute accurate scientific evidence that can help veterinarians, poultry producers and any people who owned farms, to develop strategies and strengthen their knowledge to prevent diseases that could affect poultry sector.

Read the full article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/406993262_PCR-based_Detection_of_Mycoplasma_gallisepticum_and_Mycoplasma_synoviae_in_Philippine_Broiler_Poultry_Flocks?__cf_chl_f_tk=4e0dWf_L7auunNHsWc8qW3Gydai8QJ.a4vbDgt6DNYM-1782961703-1.0.1.1-TXW2021Y6TBaKuK80Pwzz_vb7LiaNKf0DSTtctAu5Fg

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