3 Young researchers from Cagayan win 2025 International Creativity and Innovation award for using Calabash leaves in treating wounds

Gattaran, Cagayan - Three brilliant minds from Gattaran, Cagayan proudly brought home the gold award from the prestigious International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) 2025: Global Round and Innovation Award through their scientific research showing calabash leaves as good medicine in treating wounds. 

ICIA is an annual international platform for young innovators, educators, and start- ups around the world to nurture their scientific knowledge and creativity and promote global awareness through real-world applications of science and technology. 

This year, the event was held from April 25 to 27 in Ho Minh City, Vietnam, with over two hundred participants from twenty-one countries. Among those participants were Kathleen Agcaoili, Venice Nicole Salas, and Jan Gabrielle Bassig, from the Calaoagan Dackel National High School in Gattaran, who represented the Philippines.

During the event, the trio wowed judges with their scientific research titled "In Vitro Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus and In Vivo Wound Healing Potential on Excision Wound Model in Rats of Calabash (Cresentia cujete) Leaf Ointment".

Their project explored the medical potential of calabash leaves (a traditional herbal medicine which has been long used in the Philippines), showing both antibacterial and wound-healing properties of the leaves through laboratory (in vitro) and animal testing (in vivo). 

Guided by their coach and science teacher, Unnis Palad Aguilor, these young Cagayano researchers competed against 247 participants representing various countries around the world and emerged victorious. 

The team’s struggles before their success 

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Coach Unnis Aguilor recounted the hurdles the team had to overcome before reaching the international stage. One of the biggest obstacles was the financial difficulties, but their determination, resourcefulness, and the strong support system within their school community enabled them to push through. 

“Financial struggle po, wala pong pondo since outside DepEd ang competition. Pero with the help of our principal, headteacher, and master teacher in science, ginawan po namin ng paraan,” she shared. 

What the coach has to say to Kathleen, Venice Nicole, and Jan Gabrielle

While praising them for their hard-earned success and the honor they brought to their school and to the Cagayan province, Teacher Unnis reminded the three to stay humble, committed, and passionate in all their future endeavors.

“To my dear students who brought honor to us, alam kong minsan naging mahigpit ako sa training. Pero alam ninyo, ginagawa ko 'yon para makita ko kayong magtagumpay. Ang saya ko bilang coach ninyo dahil hindi lang ninyo natutunan ang research, naipakita ninyo ang tunay ninyong galing. I am deeply proud of each one of you. Tandaan ninyo: Your success is also my success. Keep striving. Keep shining.Padayon !,” she relayed.

Coach Unnis advice to other young researchers 

Drawing from her own experience as a student who once struggled with research but never gave up, Coach Unnis encouraged other young researchers to stay determined and resourceful, no matter the difficulties and hindrances they encounter along the way. 

“My very first research involvement as a student remains vivid in my mind. Struggled ako sa research proposal ko—ni-revise ko ‘yon nang 15 beses kasi hindi ko alam kung paano gawin nang maayos ang Review of Related Literature (RRL)…. Through hard work, naunawaan ko nang lubusan ang buong proseso. Yung dati kong frustration ay naging lifelong passion ko. ‘Yan ang dapat nating gawin sa lahat ng bagay para magtagumpay. Maging determinado, maghanap ng resources,gumawa ng sariling oras, at,pag-aralan nang malalim. Kung ganyan ka-sincere at ka-persistent sa anumang goal, hindi lang research ang mapapasunod sa’yo—lahat ng mga pangarap mo ay maaabot morin” she added.