USM Celebrates Third Kailian Festival, Brings Cultures Closer to Students
September 30, 2026
The Student-based Incubation Program at USM: Bridging Technology and Entrepreneurship by Optimizing Ideas to Leverage Start-up Development (SIBOL) and the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) celebrated student innovation excellence at the Food Innovation Exhibit and Showcase of Technologies on Agri-Aqua Products (FIESTA) Season 3 on September 29, 2026, at the USM-DPTC Building, USMARDC, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Nine colleges, institutes, and campuses gathered to showcase their food and non-food innovations, namely the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (CHEFS), College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), College of Trade and Industries (CTI), College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), College of Business Development, Economics, and Management (CBDEM), College of Agriculture (CA), Institute of Middle-East and Asian Studies (IMEAS), USM-PALMA Campus, and USM-Kidapawan City Campus (USM-KCC).
The opening program was graced by Dr. Jonal L. Pimentel, USM President, who shared his message of support and encouragement to the young innovators. Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele, Consortium Director, gave the rationale for the event. Dr. Esmaira G. Gunsayan, BDC Director, provided the guidelines for FIESTA Season 3, while Ms. Pia Amabelle M. Flores, Project Leader, SIBOL, shared the mechanics of the competition.
The results of the competition across the four (4) categories are as follows:
FOOD CATEGORY
Category: Gourmet and Ready-to-eat
Award: Product Pitch
Rank: 1
Presenter: Irish Jhen B. Cadiz, Jenny Mae Q. Mole, Zayne P. Galakas
Adviser: Analyn A. Gonzales, Mitzi Aileen M. Alba
Product: BLUETERA
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 2
Presenter: Ellen Mae V. Zamora, Allysa Ashley L. Riga, Jenifer L. Gonzales
Adviser: Norselyn Joy E. Lidasan, Ivy Mar B. Cabornida,
Product: COCVINE
College/Institute/ Campus: CHEFS
Rank: 3
Presenter: Rocel A. Bautista, Cesar Ryan O. Pernites, Xriz Cervancia
Adviser: Jestony A. Pan
Product: HITO GOURMET
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
Award: Sensory
Rank: 1
Presenter: Rocel A. Bautista, Cesar Ryan O. Pernites, Xriz Cervancia
Adviser: Jestony A. Pan
Product: HITO GOURMET
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
Rank: 2
Presenter: Khent Bryan M. Lumantas, Karen C. Mansanegra, Ediboy Garcia
Adviser: Jenny B. Mamacus, Glorie Mae Bation
Product: PLANT-BASED NUGGETS
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
Rank: 3
Presenter: Abegail Magbanua, Vince Golilao, Angel Eunice Hernandez
Adviser: Haironesah Akmad
Product: MUSHROOM STEAK
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Award: Promotional Video
Rank: 1
Presenter: Abegail Magbanua, Vince Golilao, Angel Eunice Hernandez
Adviser: Haironesah Akmad
Product: MUSHROOM STEAK
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 2
Presenter: Irish Jhen B. Cadiz, Jenny Mae Q. Mole, Zayne P. Galakas
Adviser: Analyn A. Gonzales, Mitzi Aileen M. Alba
Product: BLUETERA
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 3
Presenter: Rocel A. Bautista, Cesar Ryan O. Pernites, Xriz Cervancia
Adviser: Jestony A. Pan, Jenny B. Mamacus
Product: HITO GOURMET
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
Category: Snacks and Pastries
Award: Product Pitch
Rank: 1
Presenter: Angel S. Tugade, Kessel C. Gebilaguin, Khristan Evangelista
Adviser: Rhea Mae Barbadillo, Jenny B. Mamacus
Product: Dark Chocolate with Cacao Husk
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
Rank: 2
Presenter: Nashrullah Daud, Nadia Nawaz, Nieldwin Estribor
Adviser: Haironesah A. Akmad
Product: COCOBON
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 3
Presenter: Luxianne Jay Sarol, Clair Jaen Lechido, Joevan Galanida
Adviser: Jonna May S. Bagayna, Charmaine Petras
Product: PUCOJAM
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-PALMA
Award: Sensory
Rank: 1
Presenter: Angel S. Tugade, Kessel C . Gebilaguin, Khristan Evangelista
Adviser: Rhea Mae Barbadillo, Jenny B. Mamacus
Product: Dark Chocolate with Cacao Husk
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
Rank: 2
Presenter: Nashrullah Daud, Nadia Nawaz, Nieldwin Estribor
Adviser: Haironesah A. Akmad
Product: COCOBON
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 3
Presenter: Luxianne Jay Sarol, Clair Jaen Lechido, Joevan Galanida
Adviser: Jonna May S. Bagayna, Charmaine Petras
Product: PUCOJAM
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-PALMA
Award: Promotional Video
Rank: 1
Presenter: Chreza Faith Soliva, Sheldon Jet Paglinawan, Larabelle Dawn Padua
Adviser: Cherie Cano-Mangaoang
Product: Phytocon Brownies
College/Institute/ Campus: CSM
Rank: 2
Presenter: Brynt Ray P. Lamban, Twinkle Marie C. De Arca, Neo Manuel Calopez
Adviser: Althea Lou Remandaban, Jenny B. Mamacus
Product: Plant-Based Ice Cream
College/Institute/ Campus: USM KCC
Rank: 3
Presenter: Reyco M. Austero, Kurt Christian T. Abanid, Ronah Jean L. Sabanal
Adviser: Lotis D. Cubin, Mitzi Aileen M. Alba
Product: CASSApao
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Category: Beverage
Award: Product Pitch
Rank: 1
Presenter: Rosette S. Gapoy, Keith Joshua L. Japay, John Roy Espina
Adviser: Dennis S. Muyco
Product: Adlai Rice Milk Cold Brew Latte
College/Institute/ Campus: USM KCC
Rank: 2
Presenter: Diana Notario, Cliefer John Chavez, Girlee Neniel
Adviser: Haironesah Akmad
Product: Buko Sweet Corn Smoothie
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 3
Presenter: Cabanlit, Lagliva, Punto
Adviser: Ellen Tanabe
Product: Oreganade
College/Institute/ Campus: CSM
Award: Sensory
Rank: 1
Presenter: Rosette S. Gapoy, Keith Joshua L. Japay, John Roy Espina
Adviser: Dennis S. Muyco
Product: Adlai Rice Milk Cold Brew Latte
College/Institute/ Campus: USM KCC
Rank: 2
Presenter: Diana Notario, Cliefer John Chavez, Girlee Neniel
Adviser: Haironesah Akmad
Product: Buko Sweet Corn Smoothie
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 3
Presenter: Cabanlit, Lagliva, Punto
Adviser: Ellen Tanabe
Product: Oreganade
College/Institute/ Campus: CSM
Award: Promotional Video
Rank: 1
Presenter: Jasmin Magusali, Analyn Ulama, Hasria Kusain
Adviser: Haironesah A. Akmad
Product: CUCAPINA
College/Institute/ Campus: CBDEM
Rank: 2
Presenter: Reymel M. Tandugon, Krizens John Deslate, Val Joshua Panes
Adviser: Dolly Joy Ogatis, Maria Elena N. Tanabe
Product: SCOByotic
College/Institute/ Campus: CSM
Rank: 3
Presenter: Rosette S. Gapoy, Keith Joshua L. Japay, John Roy Espina
Adviser: Dennis S. Muyco
Product: Adlai Rice Milk Cold Brew Latte
College/Institute/ Campus: USM-KCC
NON-FOOD CATEGORY
Sub-category: Social Work and Creatives
Award: Innovative Pitch
Rank: 1
Presenters: May Chelle Faith Cantomayor Gorreon, Larraine Mae Ferenal Cabanting, April Jay Landero
Adviser/coach: Karizza Jane Pejaner Manangkil
Product: ASTRO-Lits
College: USM PALMA
Rank: 2
Presenters: Irish Jane B. Teleron
Adviser/coach: Rowell P. Nitafan
Product: Policy Brief
College: CASS
Rank: 3
Presenters: Kenneth Jonh G. Ligue, Angel Line E. Estepa, Crystal Jet Alcalde
Adviser/coach: Daryl Cloyd T. Estante
Product: Literary Folio and ILLM
College: USM-KCC
Award: Innovative Design
Rank: 1
Presenters: May Chelle Faith Cantomayor Gorreon, Larraine Mae Ferenal Cabanting, April Jay Landero
Adviser/coach: Karizza Jane Pejaner Manangkil
Product: ASTRO-Lits
College: USM PALMA
Rank: 2
Presenters: Irish Jane B. Teleron
Adviser/coach: Rowell P. Nitafan
Product: Policy Brief
College: CASS
Rank: 3
Presenters: Kenneth Jonh G. Ligue, Angel Line E. Estepa, Crystal Jet Alcalde
Adviser/coach: Daryl Cloyd T. Estante
Product: Literary Folio and ILLM
College: USM-KCC
Award: Promotional Video
Rank: 1
Presenters: May Chelle Faith Cantomayor Gorreon, Larraine Mae Ferenal Cabanting, April Jay Landero
Adviser/coach: Karizza Jane Pejaner Manangkil
Product: ASTRO-Lits
College: USM PALMA
Rank: 2
Presenters: Kenneth Jonh G. Ligue, Angel Line E. Estepa, Crystal Jet Alcalde
Adviser/coach: Daryl Cloyd T. Estante
Product: Literary Folio and ILLM
College: USM-KCC
Rank: 3
Presenters: Irish Jane B. Teleron
Adviser/coach: Rowell P. Nitafan
Product: Policy Brief
College: CASS
Award: Innovative Pitch
Rank: 1
Presenters: Juhaira G. Amella, Angelle A. Lamo, Larry B. Ngamoy
Adviser/coach: Joellee L. Aguirre, Zygote He M. Sorupia
Product: MANISANKAO
College: CSM
Rank: 2
Presenters: Giocil S. Albutra Maria, Christina M. Rentuaya, Kayziah Necole S. Romarate
Adviser/coach: Ma. Elena N. Tanabe, PhD
Product: Lunti Guard
College: CSM
Rank: 3
Presenters: Enero, Cydel F., Crisostomo, Lorenz Kyle A.
Adviser/coach: Joellee Aguirre
Product: CAhamis (Cacao beauty soap)
College: CA
Award: Innovative Design
Rank: 1
Presenters: Juhaira G. Amella, Angelle A. Lamo, Larry B. Ngamoy
Adviser/coach: Joellee L. Aguirre, Zygote He M. Sorupia
Product: MANISANKAO
College: CSM
Rank: 2
Presenters: Giocil S. Albutra Maria, Christina M. Rentuaya, Kayziah Necole S. Romarate
Adviser/coach: Ma. Elena N. Tanabe, PhD
Product: Lunti Guard
College: CSM
Rank: 3
Presenters: Enero, Cydel F., Crisostomo, Lorenz Kyle A.
Adviser/coach: Joellee Aguirre
Product: CAhamis (Cacao beauty soap)
College: CA
Award: Promotional Video
Rank: 1
Presenters: Giocil S. Albutra Maria, Christina M. Rentuaya, Kayziah Necole S. Romarate
Adviser/coach: Ma. Elena N. Tanabe, PhD
Product: Lunti Guard
College: CSM
Rank: 2
Presenters: Juhaira G. Amella, Angelle A. Lamo, Larry B. Ngamoy
Adviser/coach: Joellee L. Aguirre, Zygote He M. Sorupia
Product: MANISANKAO
College: CSM
Rank: 3
Presenters: Enero, Cydel F., Crisostomo, Lorenz Kyle A.
Adviser/coach: Joellee Aguirre
Product: CAhamis (Cacao beauty soap)
College: CA
Sub-category: Agri-Aqua By-Products
Award: Innovative Pitch
Rank: 1
Presenters: Marjune E. Arcenas, Mitch Jasdale M. Quimot
Adviser/coach: Mary Joy S. Cañolas,
Product: CA-rCOAL Mate
College: CA
Rank: 2
Presenters: James Laurence Caang
Adviser/coach: Carlito P. Basay Jr
Product: CalSure
College: CSM
Rank: 3
Presenters: Talaman, Jay Mark C., Mark Juniel Valle
Adviser/coach: Rene Jr. C. Cabahug,
Product: Copra Slicer Machine
College: CTI
Award: Innovative Design
Rank: 1
Presenters: 1. Marjune E. Arcenas 2. Mitch Jasdale M. Quimot
Adviser/coach: Mary Joy S. Cañolas,
Product: CA-rCOAL Mate
College: CA
Rank: 2
Presenters: James Laurence Caang
Adviser/coach: Carlito P. Basay Jr
Product: CalSure
College: CSM
Rank: 3
Presenters: Talaman, Jay Mark C., Mark Juniel Valle
Adviser/coach: Rene Jr. C. Cabahug,
Product: Copra Slicer Machine
College: CTI
Award: Promotional Video
Rank: 1
Presenters: James Laurence Caang
Adviser/coach: Carlito P. Basay Jr
Product: CalSure
College: CSM
Rank: 2
Presenters: James Z. Galaez, Earl Jensen C. Jamon, Joshua S. Canario
Adviser/coach: Dhealyn Decee V. Sabit, Marcial R. Cornelio
Product: ENTOmill
College: USM-KCC
Rank: 3
Presenters: 1. Marjune E. Arcenas 2. Mitch Jasdale M. Quimot
Adviser/coach: Mary Joy S. Cañolas
Product: CA-rCOAL Mate
College: CA
Across all categories, the College of Science and Mathematics emerged as the Overall Champion. The Overall 1st Runner-Up was awarded to USM-KCC, while the Overall 2nd Runner-Up was bagged by CBDEM.
CBDEM was also given a special award, the Trailblazer Award, for adopting the FIESTA framework in their college.
Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, VPRDE, concluded the event with closing remarks, urging the student innovators to continue venturing into this endeavor.
The organizing team also extends deep gratitude to the evaluators for sharing their time and expertise:
Dr. Ivy Mar B. Cabornida
Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom
Mr. Alan V. Coronado
Mr. Anton C. Dorado
Mr. Venjie V. Mencias
Mr. Ivy Joy B. Antiquera
Mr. Samson R. Mate
Mr. Referendo B. Abrenilla
Mr. Mark Nikko Manginsay
The success of the event would not have been possible without the collective efforts and support of everyone who contributed to its realization. Thank you very much to all the people, partners, participating colleges, organizers, presenters, coaches, and individuals who shared their time, talents, and resources. Your dedication and cooperation made this event a meaningful and successful celebration of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Together, we continue to create opportunities that bring ideas to life and strengthen our shared commitment to advancing research, development, and innovation.
