On its first ever launch, researchers from Cebu Normal University (CNU) secured the second place in the nationwide action research contest and got formally awarded with the Lockton Legacy Award at the Center for Teacher Excellence (CEFTEX) last January 7, 2020.
The university was presented with certificates of recognition and a cheque of Php 50,000; meanwhile the team’s faculty adviser was given Php 25,000, while the students were awarded with Php 75,000.
The winning team consisted of BSEd – Science 2B students Deann Martin T. Durano, Renz John Espinosa, and Tyra Lee L. Ibale, along with their adviser, Dr. Jennifer D. Paño, with their entry “Women Empowerment, Waste Management, and Livelihood Building Capacity of the Community through Vermicomposting”.
Their research proposal was situated in Tuyan, a coastal barangay in Naga City, where the team promoted solid waste management, livelihood, and empowerment of the women through vermicomposting.
According to Dr. Paño, vermicomposting is a way that they can achieve those three things, especially women empowerment, wherein employment rates were low for them in that area.
Vermicomposting has provided residents a means of income, satisfying and improving the livelihood capacity for the people, while providing an efficient waste management system which helped the environment.
The researchers also expressed their feelings upon hearing the news of the success of their research.
“As a student, it is overwhelming, and maka-flatter nga maka-contribute sa environment through research, especially now that our school is launching environmental advocacy iGreen CNU,” Espinosa said in an interview with Ang Suga.
Durano, on the other hand, cited balancing their time between academics and making the research paper as a challenge that they’ve encountered; while Ibale’s concern was the willingness of the respondents.
In the closing remarks, SUC President III Dr. Filomena Dayagbil expressed her gratitude towards Lockton Philippines and its CEO, Mr. Victorio Valledor, for attending the awarding ceremony to celebrate the researchers’ success in their work.
The Lockton Legacy Awards was launched for the first time last September 18, 2019 by Lockton Philippines on their 25th anniversary to recognize research initiatives that aim to safeguard the environment.
Words by Phebe Soronio and Orly Joromat
Photos by Kim Lysha Parawan
