Two researchers from Zamboanga Peninsula garnered the top spots in the Mindanao-wide conference held April 5-6.
Emerging as winners in the poster category during the Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting (MRSM) convened as a virtual conference, Dr. Genelyn Madjos and Dr. Servando Halili with Annie Gonzales won first and second place respectively, competed with six (6) other entries from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, Caraga region, Soccsksargen and the Autonomous region of Bangsamoro.
Taking the gold, Madjos presented the results of her study on the Systematic Review and Declarative Survey of Medicinal Plants used for COVID-19 Prevention and Respiratory Symptom Treatment During the Pandemic in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. The study found that medicinal plants possess metabolites as potent treatment and prevention against SARS-CoV-2.
The Ethnobotanist of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) reported that 91.21% of the respondents used medicinal plants such as garlic and malunggay as preventives and immunity boosters while 81.91% treated respiratory symptoms that may be associated with coronavirus with the lagundi, ginger and calamansi. She further highlighted the need for further studies to determine its effective pharmacological use and application.
Madjos has been a recipient of a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) research fund under the Zamboanga Council for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD).
Runner-up Halili directed his work on the Presence of Microplastics (MP) in the Five Most Commonly Sold Fishes in Zamboanga City. The study revealed that MPs are abundantly present in the gut and meat specimen from galunggung, tulingan, yellowfin talakitok and laosuh fish samples.
The Associate Professor of Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST) indicated that the feeding grounds for the species considered are saturated with MPs and have become part of the food chain which may later translate to serious repercussions to animal and human health. The same fisheries study was a 2020 DOST-funded project through the Regional Research Fund (RRF) of ZCHRD.
Academician Virginia Cuevas, Chair of the MRSM Scientific Poster Session, congratulates the winners on behalf of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines as they have been awarded for their study’s scientific merit and societal relevance. Cuevas hopes for more posters and participants in the next MRSM.
DOST Region IX Director Martin Wee lauded the achievements of the researchers, saying that this year is a good year for Region IX in the Scientific scene. “Zamboanga Peninsula is showing the country that our local researchers deliver high-impact studies recognized at the national level,” he noted.
The MRSM is an annual event conducted to address complex and interrelated S&T issues in the Region. Its 44th iteration focuses on PAGTANAW 2050: Agham Tungo sa Mabuting Kinabukasan – a 30-year foresight plan rooted in Science Technology and Innovation.
For more information on ZCHRD - RRF, please call (062) 991-1024 or text 0995 1548 865 and look for Marielle Atilano, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (MRAtilano, DOST IX Press Release)
