Curiosity Takes the Stage: Ki Ni Naru 2026 Final Presentation Day
What happens when you give students guidance, along with the freedom and confidence to ask bold questions? You get eight research teams ready to take the spotlight!
After months of asking questions, listing down of observations, collecting data, revising their methodology, and occasionally staring at their results wondering why the numbers behaved the way they did, the Ki Ni Naru 2026 student researchers are set to culminate their journey at the Final Presentation Day on February 28, 2026 at the UST TOMASInno Center.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “Unraveling Nature’s Mysteries and Secrets,” the program challenged students to slow down and look closely at the world around them. Not just scroll past it. Not just memorize it. But investigate it.
From November 2025 to February 2026, students underwent structured research mentorship and modules covering hypothesis formation, experiments, data gathering, and analysis. They learned that science does not only live in advanced laboratories, but also in soils,in rivers,in plant fibers, in the air, and even in community-level problems waiting to be examined carefully.Now, they are ready to present!
The Research Teams and Their Questions
|
School |
Research Topic |
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Morong National High School |
Grow Slow or Go: The Effect of Different Fertilizers (Organic, Chemical, Mixed, and No Fertilizers) on Lady Fingers (Abelmoschus esculentus) |
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Birdbox Bataan: A Wildlife, Biodiversity, and Environmental Monitoring System Enhanced by Drone and AI Technologies |
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Quirino High School
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Project SISID: Smart Inspection System for Industrial Discharges – An Arduino Robot for Detecting Thermal Pollution in River Water |
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Mariveles National High School – Poblacion (Team 1)
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GUSO-COIR: Development of Cottonii Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) – Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir Pellets for Soil Moisture Regulation |
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Mariveles National High School – Poblacion (Team 2) |
Exploring the Antibacterial Property of Banana (Musa acuminata) Leaves for Food Preservation |
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Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 1 |
ECOMORI: Development of a Biodegradable Fertilizer Seedling Sack Using Banana Trunk Fibers, Leaves, and Agricultural Waste as an Alternative to Black Plastic Sacks |
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Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 2 |
Code Red: An Arduino Uno-Based Carbon Monoxide Detector |
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Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 3 |
KAMFIRE: Testing the Productivity of an Alternative Biofuel Production Using Averrhoa bilimbi (Kamias) and Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) |
Each study reflects what Ki Ni Naru stands for: curiosity translated into real world ideas.
Pinoy Scientists Joins as Supporting Partner
This year marks another meaningful collaboration. Pinoy Scientists joins Ki Ni Naru 2025 – 2026 as a Supporting Partner, bringing Filipino scientists working across biology, chemistry, engineering, space science, and conservation into the same room as high school researchers.
Their presence is not only symbolic. It is collaboration at its sweetest spot. Filipino scientists from diverse institutions will engage directly with students offering technical insights, challenging assumptions, and sharing their personal journeys, as well as what scientific careers and fields look like beyond textbooks and classrooms. This collaboration reinforces Ki Ni Naru’s goal of nurturing youth curiosity. Through these engagements, students will graduate from the program with a stronger sense of guided curiosity — clearer about where to channel their interests and what next steps they can take based on their STEM aspirations.
Advisory Board for Ki Ni Naru 2025 Final Presentation
The Final Presentation Day will be evaluated by an esteemed Advisory Board composed of leaders from industry, academia, technology, and government. However, their role extends far beyond assessment. Drawing from their expertise, they will provide constructive critique, strategic guidance, and practical insights to help students refine their research, identify meaningful next steps for further development, and pursue future research endeavors.
| Name, Position, and Affiliation | Bionote |
|---|---|
Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos |
Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos leads Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc., advancing initiatives that bridge science, education, and industry. She is a licensed Chemical Engineer from the University of the Philippines Diliman and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management at UP Open University, with a strong focus on environmental research education. |
|
Ms. Abigael Go |
Abigael Go is the Communications Lead for Lockheed Martin across Maritime Southeast Asia. With over a decade of experience in strategic communications, she has designed and executed regional and local campaigns for technology companies. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ateneo de Manila University and a Master’s in International Business from EAE Business School in Madrid, Spain. |
|
Mrs. Hanny S. Camerino-Ines |
Hanny Pearl S. Camerino-Ines is a STEM education project manager known for advancing hands-on learning initiatives. At Jeremake Innovations Inc., she contributes to the Makeroscope project, promoting accessible scientific exploration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Science Teaching from the University of the Philippines and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. |
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Engr. Marlon G. Chin |
Engr. Marlon G. Chin, ECE, RME, CEA, is the Technology Officer of the TOMASInno Center and a licensed Electronics Engineer, Registered Master Electrician, and DOE Certified Energy Auditor. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of San Agustin and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas. With expertise in electrical systems, instrumentation, and energy management, he conducts Level 1 and Level 2 Energy Audits for commercial establishments and industrial plants, providing technical analysis and energy efficiency recommendations aligned with national standards. |
|
Dr. Reinabelle Reyes |
Dr. Reinabelle “Reina” Reyes is an astrophysicist and science communicator serving as Director of the Space Science Missions Bureau at PhilSA. A recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Young Scientist Award for Astrophysics, she earned her PhD from Princeton University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago. |
|
Instructor |
Dr. Roberth Rondilla is a faculty member at Southern Luzon State University focused on strengthening student research competencies and promoting scientific inquiry. He advocates for structured mentorship and critical thinking as foundations for sustainable research culture development. |
Curiosity Pathways Discussion
The Final Presentation Day does not end with the oral presentations. The afternoon segment features “Curiosity Pathways: Mapping Possibilities” a special session where students can further explore their interests through a booth hosted by Lockheed Martin and interactive roundtable discussions with Pinoy scientists, designed to connect student curiosity with real-world STEM pathways.
How It Works?
During the Curiosity Pathways: Mapping Possibilities roundtable sessions, guest scientists engage students in facilitated, moderated discussions designed to move them from the open exploration Ki Ni Naru provides toward identifying where they want to take their curiosity next. Students draw real-world prompts from a curated set of questions sometimes responding first to spark dialogue before scientists offer perspective grounded in lived professional experience, academic pathways, and industry realities. Each session concludes with a Leave a Nest moderator synthesizing key insights before students rotate to the next table.
Rather than a lecture, the session is structured as a meaningful exchange. Students articulate their thinking, receive informed feedback, and begin mapping how their present curiosity can evolve into future academic and career pathways. More than a culmination of months of research training and project development, the Ki Ni Naru Final Presentation Day becomes a launching pad — transforming curiosity into direction, and direction into possibility.
Roundtable Speakers
| Name, Position, Affiliation | Bio |
|
Dr. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr. rer. nat. Faculty Researcher (Biology – Ecology, Microbiology)University of Santo Tomas – Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) |
Dr. Dagamac is a Filipino ecologist and microbiologist specializing in terrestrial ecology, microbial biodiversity, and myxomycetes (slime molds). He completed his Doctorate in Natural Sciences at the University of Greifswald, Germany. A DOST Balik Scientist, he integrates molecular tools, environmental niche modeling, and GIS technologies in biodiversity research and conservation initiatives in the Philippines. He has authored over 135 peer-reviewed publications cited internationally. |
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Dr. DJ Donn C. Matienzo, PhD Faculty Member (Chemical Engineering)Technological Institute of the Philippines |
Dr. Matienzo is a chemical engineer and academic whose work bridges engineering principles with applied research and innovation. His expertise includes process systems, sustainable technologies, and engineering education. He actively mentors students in research design and promotes industry-relevant engineering competencies. |
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Ms. Gracile Celine Roxas, MPhil Senior Museum Researcher (Heritage Science & Conservation Chemistry)National Museum of the Philippines |
Gracile Celine Roxas is a textile conservator and science researcher specializing in historic textiles, dyes, pigments, and tropical fibers. She completed her postgraduate conservation training at the University of Glasgow and gained professional experience at the National Maritime Museum in London and the British Library. She holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and currently leads conservation and collections management initiatives at the National Museum of the Philippines. |
Students will sit face-to-face with scientists who actively publish, conduct research, and contribute to national and international scientific communities
Booth Engagement and Industry Partners
During the Curiosity Pathways core time, a partner booth will be open for deeper engagement. Representatives from Lockheed Martin, the program’s main partner will interact with students to discuss innovation, technology development, and global STEM landscapes. This transforms the event into more than a school activity. It becomes a miniature ecosystem of science, industry, and mentorship.
An Interaction Between Generations
The Ki Ni Naru Project has never been solely about showcasing outputs. At its core, it is about cultivating students’ understanding of the research process and nurturing their curiosity. On February 28, that curiosity takes center stage — strengthened by data, sharpened through critique, and deepened by reflection. Ultimately, it is a moment where young student researchers are reminded that their questions matter, that they matter, and that their ideas have a place in the real world.
For inquiries regarding the Ki Ni Naru 2026 Final Presentation Day, please contact: Edriel – [email protected], Jewel – [email protected], Airiel – [email protected]