18/05/2026
CHEMISTRY INNOVATION TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE 21st BICOL UNIVERSITY CHEMISTRY COLLOQUIUM
The brightest young minds in chemistry gathered on May 18, 2026 at the Bicol University Food Innovation and Commercialization Center for the highly anticipated 21st Bicol University Chemistry Colloquium on Student Researches (21BCC)!
Anchored on the inspiring theme, “Chemistry-based researches… from bioresources to products for sustainable materials, food, and health,” the event showcased groundbreaking student researches transforming local bioresources into innovative solutions for sustainability, nutrition, health, and advanced materials.
Students proudly presented their studies through Oral and Poster Presentations under four exciting research themes:
🧪 Food Chemistry
🌿 Natural Products Chemistry
♻️ Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry
💻 Computational Chemistry
The event officially opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Samuel C. Bobiles, Chairman of the Department of Chemistry, followed by an inspiring message from Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, Dean of BUCS.
Distinguished experts from academia and industry served as evaluators, recognizing outstanding student researches that demonstrated scientific excellence, innovation, and relevance to community development.
🏆 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINNING RESEARCHES 🏆
🥇 BEST POSTER PRESENTATION
📌 Valorization of Philippine Pili (Canarium ovatum var: Mayon) Leaves and Exocarp as Functional Herbal Teas: Characterization, Bioefficacy Evaluation, Safety Assessment, and Sensory Evaluation
👩🔬 Theresa Angela B. dela Rama & Marian M. Mirabuna
🥈 2ND BEST POSTER
📌 Physicochemical and Nutritional Characterization of Selected Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Mutants in Bicol Region, Philippines: A Comparative Analysis
👨🔬 Fritz H. Ebreo & Ace Drexxer B. Fajardo
🥉 3RD BEST POSTER
📌 Green Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Nanoparticles Derived from Pili Mesocarp Extract for Potential Photocatalytic Application and Semiconductor Use in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
👩🔬 Eowyn Kirby T. Mojal & Masher Alvin A. Vacal
🌿 BEST PAPER – NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY
📌 Phytochemical Screening of Pili Pulp Extract and In Vitro Inhibition of Porcine Pancreatic Lipase
👩🔬 Bea Katrina C. Cope & Diane N. Dalisay
🍵 BEST PAPER – FOOD CHEMISTRY
📌 Valorization of Philippine Pili Leaves and Exocarp as Functional Herbal Teas
👩🔬 Theresa Angela B. dela Rama & Marian M. Mirabuna
♻️ BEST PAPER – ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
📌 Production and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Microparticles from Tilapia Fish Scales for Cosmetic Body Scrub Formulation
👩🔬 Raven Vernadeth M. Contreras
The colloquium once again highlighted the power of chemistry research in addressing real-world challenges while promoting sustainability and innovation rooted in local resources.
This successful event was organized by the BUCS Department of Chemistry and the BU Chemical Science Society, with the full support of the BS Chemistry (Quimica) Alumni.
👏 Congratulations to all presenters, researchers, organizers, and awardees for advancing science and innovation in Bicol and beyond!
Bicol University