Curiosity Takes the Stage at the Ki Ni Naru 2025 – 2026 Final Presentation Day

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — What happens when students are given the guidance, freedom, and confidence to ask bold questions? You get young researchers ready to take the spotlight.

After months of asking questions, recording observations, collecting data, revising methodologies, and occasionally staring at their results wondering why the numbers behaved the way they did, the Ki Ni Naru 2025 – 2026 student researchers culminated their journey at the Final Presentation Day on 28 February 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, investigating natural phenomena through different lenses of science and fields of knowledge.

From November 2025 to February 2026, Ki Ni Naru students underwent intensive research training, including personalized mentorship, structured learning modules, laboratory work, and assessments covering the fundamentals of research. Alongside their module deliverables, students also developed their own investigatory projects, giving them the freedom to apply their newly acquired knowledge in exploring research topics they are genuinely passionate about. Through this process, students were reminded that science is not limited to sophisticated laboratories; it can be found in everyday environments and explored by anyone with curiosity and determination.

The Final Presentation Day commenced with an Opening Ceremony led by the master of ceremonies, Ms. Krisha Corbo. Following the prayer and the singing of the national anthem, Mr. Edriel Lee, Project Leader of Ki Ni Naru 2025 – 2026, delivered the welcoming remarks. In his message, Mr. Lee expressed his gratitude to the partners and participants who helped bring the program to life and reminded attendees that the day was ultimately a celebration of curiosity and the journeys it continues to inspire.

Mr. Edriel Lee, Project Leader of Ki Ni Naru 2025–2026, opened the program with his welcoming remarks.

Representatives from the program’s partners also shared their remarks. Engr. Marlon Chin, Technology Officer of the University of Santo Tomas TOMASInno Center (UST TIC), spoke about the role of their Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and their commitment to supporting Leave a Nest initiatives such as Ki Ni Naru. He emphasized how collaborative programs like these align with their shared mission of nurturing innovation.

Engr. Marlon Chin, Technology Officer of UST TIC, shared his message during the opening segment.

This was followed by Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, Executive Director of Pinoy Scientists, one of the new Supporting Partners of Ki Ni Naru 2025 – 2026. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of empowering Filipino scientists and nurturing curiosity among the youth. She highlighted the value of supporting initiatives that encourage students to explore the world around them, enabling the development of critical thinking and essential research skills.

Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, Executive Director of Pinoy Scientists, delivered an inspiring address.

Leave a Nest Philippines also acknowledged the invaluable support of the program’s partners, namely Main Partner Lockheed Martin, as well as Supporting Partners Nama Urban Farm Inc. and Jeremake Innovations Inc.

Ms. Krisha Corbo, Master of Ceremonies, conveyed the team’s appreciation to its partners.

The program then transitioned to the student research presentations, beginning with the introduction of the esteemed Advisory Board. Unlike conventional judges, their role extended far beyond assessment. Drawing from their expertise, the advisors provided 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. The Advisory Board members are as follows:

Name	Bionote
Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos Managing Director Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc.	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 Masters Degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management at the UP Open University with strong focus in environmental research education.
Ms. Abigael Go Communications Lead Lockheed Martin	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.
Ms. Hanny S. Camerino-Ines Project Manager Jeremake Innovations Inc.	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.
Engr. Marlon Chin Technology Officer UST TOMASInno Center	Engr. Marlon G. Chin, ECE, RME, CEA, is currently 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 presently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas. With a strong background in electrical systems, instrumentation, and energy management, Engr. Chin is actively involved in the conduct of Level 1 and Level 2 Energy Audits for various commercial establishments and industrial plants, providing technical analysis, load assessments, and energy efficiency recommendations aligned with national energy conservation standards.
Dr. Reinabelle Reyes Director Space Science Missions Bureau, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)	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.

Advisory board members were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation

With the Advisory Board formally introduced, the program proceeded to the student presentations. Organized into two batches with a short break in between, the session provided student researchers the opportunity to present their investigatory projects and share the results of the research they had developed throughout the program. Each team was given six minutes to present their work, followed by four minutes for discussion with the Advisory Board during the question-and-answer session. The research teams and their corresponding topics are as follows:

School	Research Topic
Morong National High School	Grow Slow or Go: The Effect of Different Fertilizers (Organic, Chemical, Mixed, and No Fertilizers) on Lady Fingers (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Pagalanggang National High School	Birdbox Bataan: A Wildlife, Biodiversity, and Environmental Monitoring System Enhanced by Drone and AI Technologies
Quirino High School	Project SISID: Smart Inspection System for Industrial Discharges – An Arduino Robot for Detecting Thermal Pollution in River Water
Mariveles National High School – Poblacion (Team 1)	GUSO-COIR: Development of Cottonii Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) – Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir Pellets for Soil Moisture Regulation
Mariveles National High School – Poblacion (Team 2)	Bananaks: Exploring the Antibacterial Property of Banana (Musa acuminata) Leaves for Food Preservation
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
Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 2	Code Red: An Arduino Uno-Based Carbon Monoxide Detector
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)

A representative from the GUSO-COIR team presented their research project.

 

The ECOMORI team took part in a discussion with members of the advisory board.

The Final Presentation Day, however, did not end with the oral presentations alone. The afternoon segment featured “Curiosity Pathways: Mapping Possibilities,” a newly added special session where students further explored their interests through a booth hosted by Lockheed Martin and interactive roundtable discussions with scientists from Pinoy Scientists, designed to connect student curiosity with real-world STEM pathways.

Ki Ni Naru students visited and explored the Lockheed Martin booth.

During the roundtable discussions, guest scientists engaged students in facilitated conversations aimed at helping them move from open exploration toward identifying where they might take their curiosity next. Students responded to curated prompts designed to spark dialogue, after which scientists shared insights grounded in their professional experiences, academic journeys, and work in industry. Students were also encouraged to raise their own questions within the scope of the discussion. Each session concluded with a Leave a Nest moderator synthesizing key insights before students rotated to the next table. The guest scientists are as follows:

Name	Bionote
Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr. rer. Nat. Faculty Researcher University of Santo Tomas – Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS)	Dr. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac is proof that curiosity and passion can take a Filipino scientist to the global stage. Born and educated in the Philippines, he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) before completing his Doctorate in Natural Sciences at the University of Greifswald, Germany, in 2016 — a journey fueled by sheer scientific drive. A trailblazing expert in terrestrial ecology, microbial biodiversity, and slime molds (myxomycetes), Dr. Dagamac has authored over 135 internationally recognized publications cited more than 1,300 times by scientists worldwide. His groundbreaking research maps the hidden microbial life in Philippine forests, grasslands, and coastal ecosystems — organisms most people overlook, but which are vital indicators of environmental health. What makes his story even more inspiring is his fearless dedication to conservation science. As a DOST Balik Scientist, he pioneered the use of molecular tools, environmental niche modeling, and GIS technology to protect critically endangered species such as the Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) in Mindoro, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep love for Philippine wildlife.
DJ Donn C. Matienzo, PhD Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Head and DOST Balik Scientist Technological Institute of the Philippines	Dr. DJ Donn Matienzo obtained his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines – Diliman. Then, through the Erasmus Mundus Master Course – Chemical Innovation and Regulation program, he earned a joint master’s degree diploma from the Università di Bologna (Italy), and Universitat de Barcelona (Spain). He then obtained his PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Chemistry and Technology – Prague (Czech Republic) in 2021 through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network. Alongside his educational background, he has several research and industrial experiences in various fields such as oil and gas, environmental compliance, and water electrolyzer and chlor-alkali systems both in the Philippines and abroad. He joined a short program for startup founders in Antler Amsterdam where he underwent several masterclasses, seminars, workshops, and design sprints about tech startups. He has several startup experiences, having worked as an R&D advisor for a climate tech startup (NeoCarbon) in Germany. Additionally, he is currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer of Nascent Technologies, Corp., a battery startup in the Philippines. He has been awarded the DOST-PCIEERD Long-term Balik Scientist Long-term University of the Philippines Diliman and the Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) as his host institutions. He now works at T.I.P. Technopreneurship and Collaborative Applied Research (TechnoCoRe) as the Head of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer. He is also the Project Leader of a Hydrogen Energy Project titled,  SOL-H₂CORE: SOLid-State H₂ Containment and Optimized Reserve for Energy
Gracile Celine Roxas, MPhil Senior Museum Researcher  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.

Through the booth, representatives from Lockheed Martin, the program’s main partner, interacted with students to discuss innovation, technology development, and the global STEM landscape. Rather than a lecture, the segment was structured as a meaningful exchange, where students articulated their thoughts and gained insight into future academic and career pathways. Altogether, the Final Presentation Day served as a launching pad, transforming curiosity into direction and direction into possibility.

Ki Ni Naru students interacted with Dr. Dagamac during the session.

Ki Ni Naru students exchanged insights with Ms. Roxas.

Ki Ni Naru students engaged in discussions with Dr. Matienzo.

Building on a day marked by curiosity, discovery, and passion, the program transitioned to the awarding ceremony. At this juncture, resource speakers from the roundtable discussions and members of the Advisory Board were presented with tokens and certificates of appreciation in recognition of their invaluable time, expertise, and contributions to this year’s Ki Ni Naru Project. Shortly thereafter, student teams were recognized for the strengths they demonstrated through their research. Upon careful deliberation by the Advisory Board, each team received an award highlighting a distinct strength in their research work or presentation, reflecting Ki Ni Naru’s role as a developmental platform that fosters continuous learning and growth. The list of awards and corresponding teams is as follows:

Award	Ki Ni Naru Student Team Awardee
Best Integration of Technology	Quirino High School
Engaging Communicators Award	Mariveles National High School – Poblacion (Team 2)
Resourceful Adaptation Award	Mariveles National High School – Poblacion (Team 1)
Eco Innovators Award	Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 1
Community Catalyst Award	Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 2
Comprehensive Mastery Award	Morong National High School
Exceptional Scientific Inquiry	Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School – Team 3
Emerging Scientist Award	Pagalanggang National High School

The program concluded with closing remarks delivered by Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos, Managing Director of Leave a Nest Philippines, who expressed appreciation for the participation of all attendees and emphasized that the event marks only the beginning of the students’ learning journeys. She reaffirmed Leave a Nest’s commitment to supporting young researchers and expressed enthusiasm for what they will pursue next.

Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos, Managing Director of Leave a Nest Philippines, concluded the event with closing remarks.

At its core, the Ki Ni Naru Project has never been about showcasing outputs or outcompeting peers. Rather, it is about cultivating students’ understanding of the research process and nurturing their curiosity by providing a safe space where they can explore ideas and learn from mistakes without fear. The Final Presentation Day served as a reminder that students’ questions matter, that they matter, and that their ideas have a place in the real world.

Needless to say, Leave a Nest remains steadfast in its commitment to providing opportunities like Ki Ni Naru for the next generation of Filipino scientists and STEM leaders. The organization continues to welcome partners who share its mission of strengthening the local STEM education and looks forward to expanding the impact of the Ki Ni Naru program in the years to come.

For inquiries regarding the Ki Ni Naru 2025 – 2026 Final Presentation Day, please contact [email protected] with attention to Mr. Edriel Lee, Ms. Jewel Santos, and Ms. Airiel Baldemoro.