OIBD Director to student researchers: ‘SALIKSIKLABAN is more than a competition—it is a call to action’

Tarlac State University's Office of Innovation and Business Development concluded this year's SALIKSIKLABAN V with an awarding ceremony held on May 14, 2025 at the Alumni Center, Lucinda Campus.

Now in its fifth year, the SALIKSIKLABAN, an annual university-wide undergraduate research competition, featured 31 student research groups competing under two categories: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and ABLESS (Arts, Business, Law, Education, and Social Sciences).

"Your work stands as a testament to the power of young minds to challenge conventions and propose bold, evidence-based solutions… Your inquisitive minds and bold aspirations carry the potential to reshape industries, uplift communities, and inform policies that are not only intelligent, but just and inclusive," OIBD Director Atty. Jayriz D. Dungca said during the closing ceremonies.

"SALIKSIKLABAN is more than a competition—it is a call to action. It does not end here. It is a challenge to continue probing, discovering, and contributing to the collective knowledge of our nation," he added.

Out of the 17 entries in the STEM category, the first place was awarded to student researchers from the College of Engineering for their study titled "Design and Fabrication of a Semi-Automated Coconut Milk Extractor Machine with Integrated Scraper."

Kristine Kelsey F. Panlilio, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student and research proponent, shared that their machine integrates coconut kernel grating and milk extraction into a single, compact, and easy-to-operate unit, which was designed to address common issues faced by coconut vendors in local markets.

According to Panlilio, their machine reduces labor in processing mature coconuts and minimizes exposure to unsanitary environments.

Per their research, the machine's optimum screw press speed was identified at 50 rpm, yielding 56.70% coconut milk. The machine also achieved a milk extraction efficiency of 96.44%, outperforming both local extractors and figures from previous studies.

The group shared that they have already secured the machine's first buyer and are planning to build another unit for a potential client.

Meanwhile, in the ABLESS category with 14 entries, the group from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts, composed of fine arts students Ian Keith J. Palarca and Kenneth D. Mendoza, won first place with their research titled "Visual Preservation: Capturing Challenges and Opportunities of Lantern Makers in Gerona, Tarlac."

In an interview, Mendoza, who hails from Gerona, explained that their project seeks to preserve the lantern-making tradition in Brgy. Caturay, Gerona, through a creative non-fiction book titled "Bawat Likha, Bawat Liwanag."

The book, a result of over a year's work, showcases the stories and history of local lantern makers in Gerona, Tarlac, and the Silawan Festival, an event honoring their craft, through photographs and narrative storytelling.

“Mahirap po siya kasi ‘Ber’ months pa lang, nandoon na kami. Seasonal lang po kasi 'yung mga lantern makers, pati na rin po 'yung Silawan Festival na once a year lang,” Mendoza said, recalling the challenges they faced during the composition of the book.

“Mula bata pa po kami, na-a-amaze na po kami sa mga parol na gawa nila, kaya po we dedicate this to our younger selves na nakatingala lang sa mga parol—hindi namin akalaing makakagawa kami ng libro tungkol sa mga parol makers,” he added.

During the judges' sharing of general impressions, Dr. Philip P. Ermita, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Business Incubation and Development Office director, commended the student researchers for their hard work and dedication.

"Nakikita ko na you are actually addressing the needs of communities. Kasi sa generation ngayon, we want a simple life – 'yung complicated things, we want to make it simpler, and that is the direction towards Industry 4.0. Ituloy lang ninyo, I have seen a lot of potential in all your research," Dr. Ermita said.

In a separate message, Engr. Maria Concepcion S. Zabala, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Intellectual Property Rights Specialist III, underscored the importance of intellectual property registration and commercialization of research.

Joining Dr. Ermita and Engr. Zabala in the STEM category panel of judges is Mr. Arvin E. Guiruela of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

STEM first placers received 20,000 pesos; second place, 15,000 pesos; and third place, 10,000 pesos.

Meanwhile, the 14 ABLESS entries, which were presented on the first day, were evaluated by Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, TSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Mr. Matt Rodnie T. Matias, Wadhwani Foundation Senior Consultant; and Dr. Lino L. Dizon, former commissioner of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

ABLESS winners received 15,000 pesos for the first placers, 10,000 pesos for the second placers, and 7,000 pesos for the third placers.

Best Poster awards for both categories received 3,000 pesos each.

Additionally, the Most Gender-Sensitive Research winners received 5,000 pesos for the first place, 4,000 pesos for the second, and 3,000 pesos for the third place.

All research groups also received 1,000 pesos from the Office of Gender and Development.

This year's SALIKSIKLABAN V was organized by the OIBD, in partnership with the OGAD, the Office of University Research Development, and the Office of Public Affairs. (jlm-OPA)

LIST OF WINNERS