LARENA, SIQUIJOR — Exemplifying the core ideals of academic excellence, leadership, and innovation of Delta Xi Epsilon Philippines Inc., Founding Member Dr. Dina P. Hassan brought immense honor to the fraternity and the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST) by clinching both the Best Paper Award and Best Presenter Award during the 1st International Research and Extension Conference on Innovation, Sustainability, and Local Advancement (IRECISLA 2026) held on October 27–29, 2026, at Siquijor State College. Competing on the international stage under the highly contested Track 2: Engineering, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation (Professional Category), Dr. Hassan’s groundbreaking research stood out among 27 scholarly entries from premier universities and state colleges across the nation.
Her winning paper, titled "Classification of Rubber Tree Seedlings through Leaves Using Modified CNN with LSTM," was presented during the parallel sessions on October 28 at the SSC Gymnasium. The study pioneers the integration of advanced artificial intelligence with agricultural science by utilizing a modified Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) paired with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep learning architecture to accurately classify rubber tree seedlings through leaf imagery—offering a vital technological intervention for agricultural productivity and local farmers.
Dr. Hassan’s presentation and paper underwent rigorous scrutiny by an esteemed panel of evaluators composed of Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangaya-ay, Dr. Rolando Barrameda, and Dr. Michael P. Baldado Jr., with Dr. Ruji Medina presiding as the session chair.
Anchored on the conference theme, "Strengthening the ISLA Pillars: Advancing Innovation, Sustainability, Lifelong Learning, and Authenticity through Research and Extension," IRECISLA 2026 convened top researchers, educators, extension practitioners, and policymakers to advance sustainable and inclusive development.
During the culminating ceremonies on October 29, 2026, Dr. Hassan was formally conferred the twin citations of recognition, signed by Siquijor State College SUC President II Dr. Steven J. Sumaylo, Conference Chair Dr. Dawn Iris Calibo-Senit, and Conference Co-Chair Prof. Philna S. Palongpalong.
As one of the pioneering pillars of Delta Xi Epsilon Philippines Inc. and a distinguished educator at CFCST, Dr. Hassan’s double victory at IRECISLA 2026 stands as a testament to the Deltan commitment to scholarly distinction, service, and transformative research that uplifts communities.
