Psychology students hailed as CAS Research Fest ‘23 champions

THE PSYCHOLOGY students’ research study won the first prize in the inaugural University of the East (UE)-Manila College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Research Festival on April 24 at the UE Conference Hall.

The winning study, presented by main author Ria Lizzete Ricaro, was titled “Harnessing Climate Change Anxiety: The Untold Stories Behind Filipino Youth’s Climate Action.” Ricaro highlighted the importance of understanding every country’s contribution to climate change, including underdeveloped countries like the Philippines.

“Our Filipino youth climate advocates/activists are at the forefront of our country’s climate action. Their story matters to us, as well as to millions of youth who might be experiencing climate change anxiety but haven’t discovered how to harness it healthily. These youths are not just fighting for themselves but also for us, as we are living under the same sky or perhaps breathing the same polluted air,” Ricaro said. The presenter also discussed the contributions made to the psychology community by Filipino youth activists.

“The field of psychology also has a role in fostering positive youth

by Angela Mae H. Mupada

development, in forwarding the importance of cultivating the youth’s sense of agency, and in calling out the government for creating a policy to guard the Filipino youth’s mental health and well-being in dealing with our generation’s most crucial problem, which is climate change,” Ricaro explained.

The psychology student admitted being nervous when presenting their research. “I felt nervous during the presentation, but thinking about how I could call the attention of our directors, faculties, and students and make them reflect on the issue of climate change anxiety kept me motivated to grab the opportunity.”

Research, she belives, is critical to understanding and increasing awareness of growing societal challenges. “With it and by it, we could find or create a workable solution that could lead to opportunities to better our lives, our society, and even our future.”

Furthermore, Ricaro hopes that the research festival would inspire fellow students to consider research in a positive light, where they can use their talents and enjoy their unique interests.

“Let us raise the youth’s voices and inspire one another to do our part and keep our hope for a better future,” she exclaimed.

Joining Ricaro on the team were John Paul Bedania, Jaume Cacatian, Marteen Kristian Cruz, Crisha Mae Ducay, and Bless Perez.

Meanwhile, the study presented by the medical biology students earned second place. The team is composed of Liezel Monique Dulnuan (presenter), Juan Miguel Austria, John Chester Norcio, and Christian Lee Perez. The research study of the political science students took the third spot. The team consists of Jerome Arguilles (presenter), Patrick John Candano, Alyssa Go, and Aeron Paul Portillo.