Congratulations to the 31 student researchers for proudly representing  De La Salle Santiago Zobel School at the 49th World Conference on Applied Science, Engineering & Technology (WCASET) held last December 18-19, 2025 at the Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

Faced with competition from 28 international research groups, our students took center stage. Their dedication resulted in a spectacular sweep of the Best Paper Presentation awards for both technical sessions, as well as the prestigious University Excellence Award for the school.

Champions of Innovation

The study “WasteNado: A Raspberry Pi-Based Automated Waste Collection System for Aquatic Pollution Mitigation” by student researchers Stephon James Anfernee Lizardo (DLSZ 2026), Margaret Nicole Javelosa (DLSZ 2026), Jillian Mae Marcelino (DLSZ 2026), Radzwill Randolf Aquino (DLSZ 2026), Joaquin Gabriel  Dee (DLSZ 2026), and Ryan Steven Torres (DLSZ 2026) developed a sophisticated, automated solution to combat water pollution. Under the guidance of research adviser Mr. Juan Carlo Gumangan, the team pioneered a smart engineering system that utilizes robotics to mitigate aquatic pollution, offering a high-tech answer to a critical environmental crisis. 

The study “Experimental Bioassay of the Absorptive Phytoremediation Capacity of Pontederia crassipes Mart. on Copper, Cadmium, and Lead in Post-Eruption Heavy Metal Contaminated Taal Lake”  by student researchers Audrina Nicole Bertuglia (DLSZ 2026), Indigo Rojo Grey Tolentino (DLSZ 2026), Kyle Axel Spencer Ambrosio (DLSZ 2026), Stephanie Nhol Masin (DLSZ 2026), Celina Joy Balagtas (DLSZ 2026), and Luis Ignacio Sapalo (DLSZ 2026), conducted vital ecological research on the restoration of Taal Lake. Under the guidance of research adviser Ms. Ailyn Anglo-Ojeda, the team pioneered an innovative and sustainable solution to heavy metal contamination. Their research tackles the environmental challenge of post-eruption pollution by proving the capacity of Pontederia crassipes to naturally absorb toxic metals like Copper, Cadmium, and Lead.

Celebrating the Full Delegation

The school’s historic win was a collective effort, made possible by the high-caliber research presented by the entire delegation. The following students, whose rigorous scientific inquiries and professional presentations were essential in securing the University Excellence Award:

• Fire Safety Innovation: Raphael Maglutac (DLSZ 2026), Christine Chanelle Cajayon (DLSZ 2026), Shujah Mughal (DLSZ 2026), Samuel Timothy Suntay (DLSZ 2026), and Angel Jaden Cenizal (DLSZ 2026) pioneered an eco-friendly fire suppressant using eggshell-derived materials.
• Pharmaceutical & Nutritional Research: Julia Bernadette Cruz (DLSZ 2026) and Zirus Lee Quinagoran (DLSZ 2026) explored the anti-nociceptive properties of Vitex negundo, while Venice Abegail Cambarijan (DLSZ 2026), Elijah Phoenix Gaza (DLSZ 2026), and Raye Andrew Enricho Bobadilla (DLSZ 2026) conducted a nutritional analysis of innovative food additives derived from shrimp exoskeletons and Malunggay.
• Environmental & Health Science: Emilio Peralta (DLSZ 2026), Kim Shi Wu (DLSZ 2026), and Jean Gavin Russell Pua (DLSZ 2026) utilized GIS technology for a spatiotemporal analysis of the Imus River. Additionally, Matt Gabriel Nadado (DLSZ 2026), Christine Jade Isip (DLSZ 2026), Julienne Alexandra Delfin (DLSZ 2026), Donna Violet Torreda (DLSZ 2026), Cassandra Simone Aquino (DLSZ 2026), and Ezekiel Niebres (DLSZ 2026) investigated the antibacterial potential of Turmeric leaf extracts.

A Global Statement of Excellence

Beyond these individual wins, the combined efforts of all of the students earned the school the University Excellence Award. This institutional honor reflects the high standard of excellence maintained by the entire student body and their ability to stand head-to-shoulder with international peers in the fields of science and engineering.

These young pioneers are truly praiseworthy for their brilliance, professionalism, and commitment to finding solutions for a better world.

Animo La Salle!