Two undergraduate students supported under the Undergraduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (uGREAT) Program were awarded with Latin honors during the 72nd Commencement Exercises of Visayas State University (VSU) Main Campus, held on July 24-25, 2025.
Ms. Crystel Mae Esyang and Mr. Andrew Joseph Baylon, both BS Chemistry students and graduated cum laude, reflecting the high quality and potential of scholars supported by the uGREAT Program.
Together with Mr. Joey Vatulan, another uGREAT scholar, they represent the first batch of graduates under the project, “Biological and Ecological Approaches for Coconut Pest Management of the Asiatic Palm Weevil and Spike Moth Infesting Hybrids and Parentals (BEACON).” BEACON project is aimed at managing the growing threat posed by the two major coconut pests – Asiatic Palm weevil/s (APW/RPW, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and Coconut Spike moth (CSM, Tirathaba rufivena).
The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) through the Coconut Hybridization Program. Led by Dr. Justine Bennette H. Millado, the BEACON project is being implemented by Visayas State University (VSU) and supports 17 undergraduate students.
The students’ theses contribute directly to two components of the project: (1) Biology and Host Range of emerging coconut pests, APW and CSM and (2) Damage assessment and sustainable pest management strategies for APW and CSM. They presented their theses on July 26, 2025 to the representatives of DOST-PCAARRD’s Institution Development Division and Crops Research Division, along with members of the students’ advisory committee. The thesis defense not only marked the culmination of the students’ academic endeavors, but also demonstrated the impact of the Council’s support in shaping future researchers for the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
The three uGREAT grantees and their research topics are:
- Crystel Mae Esyang – Population Genetic Structure of Striped and Spotted Asiatic Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus spp.) Populations in Baybay City, Leyte (Adviser: Dr Justine Bennette Millado)
- Andrew Joseph Baylon – Characterization and Insecticidal Activity of Pili (Canarium euryphyllum G. Perkins) Leaf Essential Oil Against Coconut Spike Moth (Tirathaba rufivena Walker) (Advisers: Mr. Genesis Albarico and Mr. Kevin Nick Bandibas)
- Joey Vatulan – Characterization and Insecticidal Activity of Pili (Canarium euryphyllum G. Perkins) Resin Essential Oil Against Coconut Spike Moth (Tirathaba rufivena Walker) (Advisers: Mr. Genesis Albarico and Mr. Kevin Nick Bandibas)
Dr. Millado expressed her appreciation to DOST-PCAARRD, stating, “The Department of Pest Management is truly thrilled to have been awarded the first-ever uGREAT project for the Visayas State University, which is also first in the Visayas region. This landmark achievement, through DOST-PCAARRD, has significantly enhanced our capacity to provide students with the support they need to conduct advanced and quality research in management of re-emerging pests such as APW and CSM, where current infestation levels are alarming.”
Through BEACON, VSU was able to provide opportunities for skills development, expert technical guidance, and access to state-of-the-art equipment. Dr. Milado added, “We congratulate our three graduating students for taking the challenge early and successfully completing their thesis on time. We are positive that this once-in-a lifetime experience will not only strengthen our students' backgrounds for future careers in research but also contribute significantly to strengthening pest management strategies for our coconut industry.”
The uGREAT Program, a capacity-building initiative of PCAARRD, aims to foster interest in R&D among undergraduate students by involving them in hands-on research aligned with the Council’s strategic goals. Each grantee receives full support, including a monthly stipend of ₱8,000 during their thesis semester and a funding for research activities from the ₱5-million project grant.