By Antonio Miguel T Ladra

Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan’s BS Biology student researchers earned regional recognition after securing Third Place in the Research Poster Presentation–Student Category at the 8th Regional Health Research Conference of Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD), conducted under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from 7-9 October 2025, at Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.

Mr Antonio Miguel T Ladra received the Third Place award during the Research Poster Presentation–Student Category

This year’s conference was anchored on the theme, “Regional Health Research in Action: Driving Innovation, Impact, and Inclusive Growth,” gathering leading student and professional researchers from Northern Mindanao to showcase studies addressing health, environment, and community resilience.

Representing Xavier University, Antonio Miguel T Ladra, a recent BS Biology graduate, presented the study “Nature’s Tiny Health Reporters: Macroinvertebrates in Iponan River,” conducted with co-researcher Shaun Arthur O. Pao under the guidance of Dr. Astrid L. Sinco.

The study earned Third Place in the Research Poster Presentation–Student Category, and Ladra further showcased the research’s impact as a finalist in the Oral Presentation–Student Category, demonstrating the study’s relevance to regional health innovation.

Mr Ladra (left) and study adviser Dr Astrid Sinco (right) pose beside their award-winning research poster.

The research investigates aquatic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators of river health, offering science-based insights on pollution detection and ecosystem monitoring. By identifying species sensitive to environmental stress, the research underscores the need to restore and protect the Iponan River as a vital ecological and community resource.

This recognition serves as a testament to Xavier Ateneo’s unwavering support in cultivating student-led research with a meaningful impact on local communities.

The research team extends its gratitude to the Biology Department of Xavier University and the Kinaadman University Research Office (KURO) for their support and mentorship throughout the research and presentation process.