Tarlac State University - Laboratory School triumphantly clutched the Overall Championship at the Division Science and Technology Fair 2026 Tuklas and Science Innovation Expo, according to the results released by the Department of Education (DepEd) Region III Tarlac City Schools Division through Memorandum No. 429, s. 2026, on November 3, 2026.
Competing with other schools under the Tarlac City Schools Division, the LSian researchers honorably raised the university’s banner of excellence by securing podium spots in various research categories, contributing to the University’s DALAN ng Pananaliksik pathway.
The participants were thoroughly guided by their respective coaches, Mr. Jay-Art Agustin, Ms. Jaira Angeline Balisi, Ms. Catherine Kate Pring, and Ms. Joanna Marie Dizon. The TSU-LS delegation was also supervised by Dr. Norbina Genever M. Castro, School Principal, and Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, Dean of the College of Education. Participants and teams who earned 1st and 2nd place will proceed to the preliminaries of the Regional Science and Technology Fair, where each study will be screened for the RSTF presentation.
The research process officially began last September 17, 2026, with an online meeting with the participants and their coaches. Although on-site classes were halted due to inclement weather and transport restrictions, the student-researchers proceeded with their data collection, research testing, and project development, demonstrating their enthusiasm for their respective fields of study. The 3-week extensive research period concluded with an online submission of output on October 9, 2026.
This year’s DSTF highlights critical thinking, innovation, and creativity through its two major activities, namely Tuklas and the Science Innovation Exposition. The ‘Tuklas’ activity focuses on conducting a STEM-based research project; while the Innovation Exposition, GAWAD AgLiTekno, serves as a platform for students to exhibit and market their innovation.
Under DepEd's initiative, these activities pave the way for recognizing students and their achievements in Science and Technology, preparing them for future pursuits while addressing global and relevant issues.
Teams:
Physical Science - Individual Category - First Placer
Researcher: Kalee P. Navarro
Research Title: Assessment and Characterization of Microplastics in the River Sediments of Ungot Creek Tarlac City
Coach: Ms. Catherine Kate Pring
Physical Science - Team Category - First Placer
Researchers: Santino Angelo A. Suba; Matthan Gabriel Lei D. Villanueva; Emperor Iñigo D. Domingo
Research Title: Assessment and Characterization of Microplastics in the River Sediments of Ungot Creek Tarlac City
Coach: Ms. Joanna Marie E. Dizon
Mathematics and Computational Science - Individual Category - First Placer
Researcher: Althea Jane M. Cornez
Research Title: GIS-Integrated Framework for Flood Evacuation Network Optimization and Minimum-Cost Path Determination Employing the Floyd-Warshall Algorithm
Coach: Mr. Jay-Art F. Agustin
Mathematics and Computational Science - Team Category - First Placer
Researchers: Nicole Fe C. Ramos; Kate Leanne Jean S. Tatu; Ralph Allain R. Villanueva
Research Title: GIS-Based Map of Tarlac River Fractal, Elevation, and Slope Analysis Using Horton-Strahler Classification System and Box-Counting Algorithm
Coach: Mr. Jay-Art F. Agustin
Robotics and Intelligent Machines - Individual Category - First Placer
Researcher: Joshua Reign D. Mariano
Research Title: RFID-Based Prescription Transfer: An ESP32 and MFRC522-Based Medication Prescription Mechanism for Accurate Medication Distribution
Coach: Ms. Catherine Kate Pring
Life Science - Individual Category - Second Placer
Researcher: Rhaye Ann M. Evangelista
Research Title: Antibiotic Susceptibility Evaluation of Bacterial Isolates Characterized From Second-Hand Shirts sold in Selected Ukay-Ukay Stores in Tarlac City
Coach: Ms. Jaira Angeline T. Balisi
Life Science - Team Category - Second Placer
Researchers: Rhiya Lyn M. Evangelista; Rye Jinger D. Dato; Keisha Audriana J. Tarriela
Research Title: Microbiological Detection of Bacterial Contamination and Safety Assessment of Sauces Sold by Ambulant Vendors
Coach: Ms. Jaira Angeline T. Balisi
Science Innovation Exposition - Individual Category- Second Placer
Researcher: Cristella Marie Perez
Research Title: Solar-Driven Thermoelectric Chest: Development and Performance Evaluation of a Cost-Effective Cooling Chest with TEC1-12706 Modules
Coach: Ms. Joanna Marie E. Dizon
Robotics and Intelligent Machines - Team Category - Third Placer
Researchers: Rhed Dale Pineda; Rendell Gutierrez; Enrico D. Isais
Research Title: BasurAlert: An Automated Waste Segregation and Real-Time Monitoring System Driven by ESP32 Architecture, Ultrasonic Sensing, and Servo Actuation
Coach: Mr. Jay-Art F. Agustin
Science Innovation Exposition - Team Category - Participation
Researchers: Jewel Cassiel Reign R. Bognot; Shea Michaela L. Bognot; Dennis Clee Michael C. Rilla
Research Title: Watts on Your Feet: Development and Evaluative Study on Energy Harvesting Piezoelectric Insoles for Standard Phone Charging
Coach: Mr. Jay-Art F. Agustin
