CARIGARA, LEYTE – The Eastern Visayas State University-Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) held its first-ever “Dungog Gara Awards 2025” on October 7, 2025, at the Casa Gara Hotel, Inc. The new institutional program formally recognized faculty, staff, and partner-stakeholders for their exceptional contributions to research and extension services.
The awards initiative was a collaborative effort between the Research and Development Office, led by Ma. Theresa M. Salamida, MBio, and the Extension Services Office, led by Amelita A. Ariza, MAEd.
Dr. Renato E. Martija, Campus Director of EVSU-CC, congratulated the organizing offices for the successful launch and for highlighting the awardees’ contributions to the institution.
Commitment to Nation-Building
University officials stressed the awards’ deeper significance beyond campus recognition. Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, noted, “Through research, innovation, and extension, it is not only bringing the educational institutions such as EVSU to greater heights, but also contributing to nation-building through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Reinbert C. Costelo, Municipal Mayor of Tunga, Leyte, stated, “This kind of event is truly significant for it serves as a motivation to do better… the more they will be recognized, the more they will be very eager to do more.”
The inaugural event, graced by an “elegant black or white” theme, provided a festive and unifying atmosphere for EVSU-CC employees. The evening underscored the institution’s commitment not only to recognizing external accomplishments but also to fostering internal camaraderie and teamwork across different offices and ranks.
Research Awardees
| Award Category | Awardee(s) | Recognized Achievement |
| Exemplary Performance in Research | Anabelle T. Cerezo, MAEd-LI, DPA | Outstanding performance in research, innovation, scholarly publications, and creative works. |
| Scholarly Publication Award | Virginia S. Ariza, Ph.D.; Kareen Lynn E. Negado, MAEd; Kristine E. Clemencio, MC; Ma. Kathleen Mae G. Acopio, MAEd Anabelle T. Cerez0, MAEd-LI, DPA | Outstanding scholarly publication of research papers in a refereed journal. |
| Research Presentation Excellence Award | Ma. Kathleen Mae G. Acopio, MAEd; Ronna Jean A. Agamon, ME; John Niño R. Pallan, MAMEd | Successful presentation of research papers in regional, national, and international fora. |
| Creative Works Award (Original Poem) | Harby Jan Casido, MFT; Jean A. Medino, Ph.D.; Rienze Denise A. Aborque, Ph.D.; Ronna Jean A. Agamon, ME; Mark Glenn O. Narido, MSci; Virginia S. Ariza, Ph.D. | Publication of an original poem reflecting creativity, artistry, and intellectual expression. |
| Creative Works Award (Instructional Materials) | Loise Ada L. Reyes, MAEd; Anthony G. Cotoner, MSIT; Anabelle Cerezo, MAEd-LI, DPA | Exemplary creativity in producing and publishing instructional materials. |
| Research Grant Achievement Award | Ma. Kathleen Mae G. Acopio, MAEd | Scholarly dedication as a Research Grantee under the International Research Grant Program. |
Extension Services Awardees
| Award Category | Awardee(s) | Recognized Contribution |
| Inventive Contribution Award | Jean A. Medino, Ph.D.; Rienze Denise A. Aborque, Ph.D.; Alaiza Lorraine Raquel, LPT | Outstanding creativity in the development of a registered Utility Model. |
| Extension Services Excellence Award | Harby Jan C. Casido, MFT | Exemplary leadership and service as Site Leader of the externally funded “Assessment of MMK (Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan) Program.” |
| Extension Project Leader Award | Anabelle T. Cerezo & Ma. Loida M. Marquez (Project: Leverage Investment through Venture and Empowerment); Jean A. Medino (Project: Scientific Management through Interactive Learning); Rienze Denise A. Aborque (Project: Resilience Education); Ronna Jean A. Agamon (Project: Practical Language for Employment Preparatory); Teodora Arlene D. Cebu (Project: KAANDAMAN: Safe and Emergency Alert System); Anthony G. Cotoner (Project: Exploratory Competency in Information Technology Education); John Niño R. Pallan (Project: Numeracy Upliftment). | Exemplary leadership resulting in the successful realization of project goals and community empowerment. |
| Extension Project Implementer Award (Teaching Staff) | Engr. Leo L. De Guzman, MMEd Kristine E. Clemencio, MC Felixberto Leonido, LPT Kareen Lynn E. Negado, MAEd Alaiza Lorraine Raquel, LPT Roan N. Merelos, Ryan M. Aguilos, MSIT Kim Anthony Pascual | Effective contribution to project activities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. |
| Extension Project Implementer Award (Administrative Staff) | Judy Joyce B. Diaz, MM, MBA; Mary Angelie L. Salvacion, DPA; Chantal Jaye Brazil; Ann Tonytte S. Pamat, Denissa Marie F. Ognilla | Effective contribution to project activities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. |
| Most Punctual Employee | Pamela P. Digman, MM; Carolyn C. Delima; Miko M. Oriol | (Special Award to Administrative Employees) |
Certificates of Recognition
Certificates were also presented to system officials and partner-stakeholders whose support contributed significantly to community-focused programs.
Strong Pillars of EVSU System:
- Dr. Dennis C. de Paz (University President)
- Dr. Analyn C. Españo (Vice-President for Research and Development)
- Dr. Danilo B. Pulma (Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services)
- Prof. Rustom D. Clemente (Director of Extension Services)
- Prof. Bernard Niño Membrebe (Dean of the College of Technology and Concurrent Director for Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center)
Partner Stakeholders and Communities:
- Former Gov. Nestor Villasin (President of Niccolo J. Foundation Inc.)
- Hon. Engr. Reinbert C. Costelo (Municipal Mayor, LGU of Tunga, Leyte)
- Hon. Dr. Aron C. Balais (Municipal Mayor, LGU of Barugo, Leyte)
- Hon. Eduardo T. Ong, Jr. (Municipal Mayor, LGU of Carigara, Leyte)
- Jail Supt. Basilio S. Madua, Jr. (Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology of Carigara)
- Mr. Eduard Azores (Education Program Supervisor, Leyte Division)
- Ms. Jinky G. Barras (Alternative Learning System-Barugo II District)
- Ms. Miguela Macalalag (Alternative Learning System-Barugo I District)
- Brgy. Chairman Felipe Ramos (Brgy. Parina, Carigara, Leyte)
- Brgy. Chairman Wendell J. Agunos (Brgy. Guindapunan East, Carigara, Leyte)
- Brgy. Chairman Grace Cabello (Brgy. Barugohay Norte, Carigara, Leyte)
- Mrs. Alma A Bodo and Company (San Pedro Women’s Association of Tunga, Leyte)
- Mrs. Sharon C. Jacaban (President, SLP Mudcrab Growers Association)
-by AT Cerezo via M. Salamida and A. Ariza
