BACOLOD CITY — Lasallian biology students secured all top three awards in the Scientific Poster Presentation Contest during the 26th BIOTA–Western Visayas Annual Regional Convention and Scientific Sessions, held December 5–6, 2025, at the University of St. La Salle–Bacolod.

The annual convention, hosted by the Biology Teachers Association (BIOTA)–Western Visayas Chapter, gathered educators, researchers, and students for plenary lectures and workshops centered on advancements in biology and emerging technologies.

The University of St. La Salle recognized three Lasallian research teams for their outstanding studies at this year’s research presentation.

Team EKS-CACAO secured first place for their study, “Characterization and Antimicrobial Metabolites of Rhizobacteria as Biocontrol Agents Against Phytophthora-Induced Black Pod Rot in Cacao.” The team is composed of researchers Edrian Kyle Verzosa, Ken Patrick Bucayan, and Sammi Gabriel Policarpio, with Kyle Patrick Taruc as adviser and Dr. Joval Martinez and Dr. Johnny Balidion as co-advisers.

Taking second place, Team ThermoZyme presented their research titled “Utilizing Hot Spring-Derived Thermophilic JQTJ1 to Enhance Early Sugar Metabolism in Sugarcane Through Enzyme Activity.” The team includes Kelcie Miguel S. Jacob, Ysha Marie M. Delfin, and Jhaztin L. Banico, under the mentorship of Dr. Joval N. Martinez, John Moises Relles, and Kyle Patrick Taruc.

Meanwhile, third place was awarded to Team ActinoDerm for their study, “Bioprospecting Bat Guano-Derived Actinobacteria as Emerging Antifungal Resources Against Candida spp.” The team is composed of Mae Dominique Laporno, Jenny Millares, Aliya Jylianne de Leon, and Andrea Jemino, with Dr. Eva Grace Chavez as adviser and Dr. Joval N. Martinez and Dr. Marian P. de Leon as co-advisers.

The group Frass & Furious also presented their study on black soldier fly frass as a soil amendment in urban ecosystems. The convention concluded with the awarding of winners and closing ceremonies recognizing outstanding contributions to biology education and research in the region.