Davao City – Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Mr. John Lloyd F. Opello of the SKSU Tacurong Campus for being awarded as Best Paper (Student Category) during the 2nd National Interdisciplinary Research Conference (NIRC) held on February 19–20, 2026 at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases.
Mr. Opello’s award-winning research, titled “Effect of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) Gel as a Substitute for Synthetic Auxins in Rooting Stage of Abaca (Musa textilis) In-Vitro Micropropagation” showcased an innovative and sustainable approach to plant tissue culture technology. The research was conducted under the guidance of his research adviser, Dr. Siony S. Brunio, whose mentorship and expertise played a vital role in the successful completion and presentation of the study.
During the same conference, Professor Joemarie A. Pono, MS Econ, also represented SKSU under the Professional Category, presenting their research entitled “Household Resilience in Ligawasan Marsh, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Using a Resilience Index Approach” together with fellow research members University President Samson L. Molao, EdD, Mitos D. Delco, PhD, Efren R. Flores, PhD, and Rodel A. Catalan, MBA.
The active participation and recognition of both presenters highlight SKSU’s strong commitment to research excellence, innovation, and community-responsive scholarship.
This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support, visionary leadership, and continued encouragement of the University President Dr. Samson L. Molao, whose commitment to advancing research and academic excellence empowers faculty and students to thrive and succeed on national platforms.