Welcome to FEU-RISE, a dedicated space for showcasing diverse research endeavors.
FEU-RISE serves as a gateway to our university’s research community. Our primary aim is to spotlight researchers and their projects, providing a platform for showcasing the breadth and depth of research within our academic community while striving to cultivate a thriving research environment. We can achieve this by fostering collaboration, inspiring academic excellence, and contributing to knowledge advancement across various disciplines, closely aligning with the FEU Research agenda. This emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful contributions to addressing local and global challenges underscores our commitment to push the boundaries of knowledge and make a positive impact on society.
The URC aims to realize our research agenda focused on making tangible contributions to sustainable development by generating interdisciplinary studies and creative works that address pressing issues, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and realization of UN sustainable development goals. This commitment underscores our dedication to academic excellence and making a meaningful impact on the 21st society and the environment.
From Kitchen to Clinic: Cinnamon as an Antibiotic Alternative
Antibiotics play a crucial role in combating bacterial infections, acting as effective safeguards against microbial threats (Rohraff & Morgan, 2014). However, the misuse, overuse, and inadequate management of antibiotics have led to an alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance on a global scale, exacerbating the resistance of infections which resulted in heightened mortality rates worldwide (World Health Organization, 2018; Servallos, 2018). Thus, the threat posed by infectious diseases caused by bacterial microorganisms remains a formidable concern in contemporary public health discourse.
Inspired by this pressing concern, Francis Lirag, together with his co-researchers Dr. Johnny Ching and Prof. Ronalyn Sanchez, embarked on the potential of cinnamon to foster innovative treatment modalities.This journey led them to uncover the promising possibilities of cinnamon oil extract as a potent antibiotic against pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections and pneumonia.
Their research emphasized that investigations have shown that terrestrial plants serve as valuable reservoirs of natural products with medicinal benefits, with herbal medicine being utilized by 75-80% of the global population due to its efficacy, accessibility, and affordability (Bilbao, et.al. 2019). Medicinal plants, renowned for their antibacterial properties, offer potential in reducing infectious diseases. Essential oils extracted from these plants, which include cinnamon barks, are believed to possess potent antibacterial activity (Rohraff & Morgan, 2014; Ali, et.al. 2011). Cinnamon, traditionally used for food preservation and flavoring, has been explored for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer prevention (Rao & Gan, 2014). Additionally, research has substantiated the pharmacological effects of cinnamon, highlighting its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential (Bilbao, et.al. 2019).
Furthermore, the study investigates the potential use of cinnamon oil extract as a treatment for bacterial infections, focusing on Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, notorious pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections and pneumonia, particularly among hospitalized and immunocompromised patients.
As per the result, cinnamon oil extract effectively inhibits the growth of three Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli, E. cloacae, and K. pneumoniae. It also outperforms conventional antibiotics against E. coli and shows comparable efficacy against E. cloacae, while yielding no significant difference in growth inhibition for K. pneumoniae. This suggests that cinnamon oil could be a useful alternative to antibiotics for fighting these bacteria, warranting further investigation to see how well it works against other resistant bacteria with varying concentrations.
In offering hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases, the research presents a compelling narrative of innovation and possibility in terms of usage of plants in fighting pathogens.
For the detailed findings of the study, anticipate the forthcoming release of the research titled “Inhibitory Potential of Cinnamomum burmanni (Nees & T. Nees) Blume Oil extract against selected gram-negative bacteria (enterobacteriaceae)” in LASALIKSIK, The Official Publication for Science and Mathematics of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, as it promises to contribute valuable insights into the potential of cinnamon oil extract in combating bacterial infections.
Meet the Featured Faculty Researcher: Francis Lirag

FRANCIS B. LIRAG, an instructor at the Far Eastern University Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing Department of Medical Technology, hails from Pagbilao, Quezon Province. Growing up, he fondly remembers his mother’s preparation of “nilagang herbal” whenever he fell ill, which remarkably aided in his recovery. Despite a brief stint at a local Catholic seminary in Quezon lasting only two weeks, Francis pursued his pasJsion for medical technology, graduating from Calayan Educational Foundation Incorporated in 2017. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Microbiology from the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna Biñan in 2019, subsequently passing the medical technology licensure exam that same year. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Biology at De La Salle University Dasmariñas.
Francis, affectionately known as “Sir JLC” by colleagues and students, is deeply interested in natural products and their bioactive components, a passion ignited by his mother’s influence. Motivated by his mother’s battle with breast cancer in 2014, he aspires to discover a natural compound capable of treating cancer, particularly breast cancer. Beyond his scientific pursuits, Francis is an active Jiu-Jitsu athlete and kickboxer, finding balance in physical activities. He also serves as a dedicated lay minister in his parish, embodying his commitment to community service. A nature enthusiast, Francis actively supports projects aimed at restoring mangrove forests, showcasing his dedication to environmental conservation.
References:
This article feature is based on the study by Francis Lirag, Ronalyn Sanchez and Johhny Ching.
Ali NH, Faizi S and Kazmi SU. 2011. Antibacterial activity in spices and local medicinal plants against clinical isolates of Karachi, Pakistan. Pharmaceutical Biology, 49(8), 833-839, doi: 10.3109/13880209.2010.551136
Bilbao GD, Alimpoos MG, Baguio JN, Sabal SV, Ursal SA, and Picardal JP. 2019. Toxicity evaluation and anthelminthic property of Cebu cinnamon (Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm.) leaf extracts. Recoletos Multidisciplinay Research Journal, 7(1), pp. 48-61. Retrieved from https://ejournals.ph
Rao PV and Gan SH. 2014. Cinnamon: a multifaceted medicinal plant. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2014, 642942. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/642942
Rohraff D and Morgan R. 2014. The evaluation of essential oils for antimicrobial activity. Student Summer Scholars, pp. 1-8. http://scholarworks.gvsu.ed
Servallos NJ. 2018. PH escalates fight vs antibiotic resistance. https://www.manilatimes.ne
World Health Organization. 2018. Antibiotic resistance. https://www.who.int
Beyond the Shadows: Women as Aswang in Philippine Horror
As we honor the remarkable contributions of women during Women’s Month, it is our pleasure to spotlight on one of our faculty members, Reyjane Del Campo, whose research titled “Resistance and conformity to socio-cultural anxieties: A semiotic reading of female aswang characters in select Philippine horror films” was successfully presented during the Communication Research International Conference (CRIC) 2023 and International conference: 2024 Southeast Asian Media Studies Conference (SEAMSC).
With her co-researchers, George Vincent Gamayo and Jessa Ericka Bien-Munsayac, they explored on the Philippine horror cinema. Their study specifically focused on the portrayal of female aswang characters. Through a semiotic lens, the research dissected the intricate ways these characters navigate and embody socio-cultural anxieties, exploring themes of resistance and conformity within the Philippine societal landscape.

The research revealed various thematic focal points, including the struggles of women against conformity, gendered and racialized oppressions, the challenges faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), mental anguish, post-war traumas, hegemonic constructs, and the symbolism of unmasking the real beast. These themes shed light on the socio-cultural dynamics depicted in Philippine horror cinema, offering valuable insights into societal expectations and cultural anxieties.
Join us as we celebrate Women’s Month by delving into the thought-provoking research of Reyjane Del Campo and her co-researchers. Their work not only enriches our understanding of Philippine horror cinema but also contributes to broader conversations surrounding gender, culture, and societal norms.
Let us honor their contributions and continue to champion the voices and achievements of women.
Featured Faculty Researcher: Reyjane Calicdan – Del Campo

Reyjane Calicdan – Del Campo graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Arts and Letters with a degree in MA in Speech Communication. Her bachelor’s degree is BA Communication, Major in Speech, Minor in Broadcast, from the University of the Philippines Baguio. She is a faculty at the Communication Department of Far Eastern University Manila where she teaches research, theory, knowledge management, and speech communication.
She is a PhD in Communication graduate student at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Mass Communication. She is a member of Speech Communication Organization of the Philippines (SCOP), Philippine Association for Communication and Media Research, Incorporated (PACMRI), South East Asian Media Studies Association (SEAMSA). Her research interests include ICT, AI, intercultural communication, chronemics, feminism in media, and political communication.
Contact details: rdelcampo@feu.edu.ph
The Truth in Forests
Imagine you’re in a forest. You are lost, but you don’t panic. You don’t fear because you see Sandra L. Yap. She beckons to you with a wide, welcoming smile on her lips.
“Trees don’t lie,” she says. Your mind translates this to mean that she knows her way around here and that if you stayed just a bit longer and close enough to her you would eventually know your way around here, too. (READ MORE)