Estancia, Iloilo - The Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) Main Campus successfully convened its highly anticipated 2025 Research In-House Review (Waragwagan) on September 24–25, 2025, at the R&E Conference Hall, NISU West Campus, Estancia, Iloilo. This vital annual event brought together dedicated faculty researchers to present and subject their cutting-edge proposals and completed studies to rigorous review and evaluation.

Guided by the theme “Synergy in Inquiry: Bridging Disciplines for Innovation, Social Change, and Sustainable Development,” the Waragwagan highlighted the university's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration as a driver for real-world impact. The two-day program was structured to cover a wide spectrum of academic and practical fields, showcasing the depth and breadth of research being conducted at NISU.

Day 1 (September 24) set a high standard with presentations spanning four crucial areas: Education and Social Sciences, Governance and Management, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Engineering and Emerging Technology. These sessions highlighted new strategies for teaching, improved public administration models, and foundational technological advancements.

Day 2 (September 25) maintained this momentum, focusing on research with direct applications in the fields of Product Development, advanced ICT applications, and Fisheries & Natural Sciences. The studies presented here directly address local economic and environmental needs, reflecting NISU’s role as an agent of technological advancement and sustainable development within the region.

The event culminated in an inspiring Closing Program and Awarding Ceremony, which formally celebrated research that stands to make a significant difference.

The Best Paper Awards went to three impactful studies:

1. "Electronic Differentiated Instruction as a Remedial Strategy to Enhance the Reading Skills of Frustration-Level Readers” by Bon Eric A. Besonia, Julie Anne S. Arabia, Regine P. Babas , Aicee N. Luena, Rossandrew B. Villaruel, Carmelie Grace D. Daquin, Mary Ann L. Decrepito, Kaye C. Jardenil, Cristy Mae B. Baclagon, Shiela Mae H. Espora, Marieth Flor M. Bernardez, Vincent G. Nobleta, Myla Jane V. Besonia, and John Michael G. Galagala.
2. "Innovative Utilization of Fly Ash and Hydrated Lime in Paving Blocks: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Alternative to Cement-Based Construction Materials" by Rosalie Grace S. de la Cruz.
3. "Isolation and Characterization of Putative Probiotics from Gut Microflora of ‘Lagao’ (Nemipterus japonicus)" by Jomar Von Laforteza, Ed Jed Zerrudo, Stephen Sabinay, Saturnino Luke Sobrevega, Pastor Jones Denusta, and Cheryl Jela.

Outstanding presentation skills were also recognized. The Best Presenter – Research Proposals awards were secured by Dr. Felipe P. Vista IV, Mx. Jomar Von R. Laforteza, and Dr. Allemar Jhone P. Delima. The Best Presenter – Completed Papers awards were earned by Dr. Bon Eric A. Besonia, Mx. Jomar Von R. Laforteza, and Dr. Rosalie Grace S. de la Cruz.

NISU extends its sincere congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your collective dedication to inquiry and innovation reaffirms the university's position as a leading institution in research.