𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐒𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

KABACAN, Cotabato – Showcasing research excellence and innovation, South Cotabato State College (SCSC) proudly celebrates the achievement of its student researcher, Jeffer Kitz B. Cuales, who secured 2nd Place in both the Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation categories during the 1st Regional Student Research and Development Congress held on November 11, 2026, at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, Cotabato.

Cuales represented the College through the research study entitled “Quality of PalayPel Seed Paper Influenced by Different Ratios of Caustic Soda,” under the advisorship of Nikki C. Cordero, MAST.

The study explores the potential of rice straw, an agricultural waste material, as a sustainable raw material for producing PalayPel seed paper—an innovative, environmentally friendly, and value-added alternative to conventional paper products. Specifically, it examines how varying ratios of caustic soda influence the quality of the seed paper, particularly its water absorptiveness and tensile strength. Through this investigation, the researchers aim to identify the most suitable caustic soda ratio to produce quality seed paper, contributing to agricultural waste utilization and sustainable product development.

The student researcher was accompanied by Dr. Dexter C. Necor, Research and Development Director, and Spencer Jem T. Quijano, MAT, who provided support and guidance throughout the research presentation.