Students from the College of Engineering (CEng) and the Biology Department of the College of Arts and Science proudly represented Rizal Technological University (RTU) in various events during the 3rd Regional Research and Innovation Week (RRIW), hosted and organized by the Southern Tagalog Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research, Development, and Extension Consortium (STAARRDEC) at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, from October 28–30, 2025.

The Rizaliano delegation included Klarisse Fei, Riza Mae Salvania, Julian Nathaniel Peñarubia, Lance Edgard Caro, Laurence James Calañada, Niina Kato, and Ryan Russel Sabalboro, all from the Biology Department. John Clint Aguilar, John Clarence Anareta, and Carlo Cristobal also stood as representatives of CEng. They were guided and accompanied by RTU faculty members, Instr. Harvey C. Almadin, Instr. Kriznald John O. Azucena, and Engr. John Lyndon Menor. These representatives also had the support of Asst. Prof. Jovita A. Anit, former RTU R&D Representative to STAARRDEC.

Fei, Salvania, and Peñarubia participated in STAARRTOK (Southern Tagalog Agriculture, Aquatic, Resources, and Research Technology-Oriented Knowledge), where they creatively showcased their research titled “The Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the Growth and Production of Schizophyllum commune” through an engaging TikTok video presentation. Their creativity and rigor in research won them third place in this category.

Additionally, two Rizaliano delegates bagged another third place in the Quiz Showdown Category. Caro and Calañada masterfully demonstrated their expertise in research, agriculture, and aquatic resources against contenders from seven other academic institutions.

Kato and Sabalboro also presented their research, “Blue Carbon Quantification of Different Mangrove Tree Species in Barangay Nagsaulay, San Juan, Batangas,” under the Natural Science Category of the Student Congress.

Meanwhile, Aguilar, Anareta, and Cristobal showcased their innovative project titled “Development of a Coconut Husk Processing Machine with Interchangeable Blades and Decorticator Mechanism” in the iSIKAT category (Ideate Solutions for Innovation, Knowledge, and Agri-Aqua Transformation Student Ideation and Hackathon). This innovative creation led the Rizaliano student-engineers to clinch 2nd place in the iSIKAT competition.

Anchored on the theme “Sustaining Partnerships: Driving Collaborative Innovation for a Resilient AANR Future,” this year’s RRIW emphasized the significance of partnership and innovation in promoting sustainable development within the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sectors.

The emergence of these Rizalianos as winners in various categories exemplifies Rizaliano excellence, one of RTU’s core values. Their prowess and knowledge in research and development show that the ‘Technological’ in the University’s name is more than just a word.