NEWS | Third-Year FM Students Make History at the Third Annual DFM Research Poster Presentation

BSBAFM 3-1 Group 5, BSBAFM 3-2 Group 2, BSBAFM 3-4 Group 3, and BSBAFM 3-6 Group 6 clinched a historic four-way tie for the top spot at the 3rd Annual DFM Research Poster Presentation, themed “Innovating Finance: Research Driving Sustainable Growth,” held on November 29, 2025, at the PUP Gymnasium.

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The FINASaliksik 2025-2026 achieved landmark victories, as 80 research groups successfully presented and defended their thesis posters, achieving a 100% passing rate and the highest average scores since 2023. The exemplary performance of the junior students established them as financial trailblazers, raising the bar for research excellence within the department.

Among the winners, BSBAFM 3-1 Group 5, BSBAFM 3-2 Group 2, BSBAFM 3-4 Group 3, and BSBAFM 3-6 Group 6 claimed the coveted Top 1 spot for their studies on financial behavior, microenterprise growth, consumer behavior, and local governance impact, respectively.

BSBA FM 3-1 Group 5, composed of Audrey Maurice S. Minlay, Ric F. Capistrano, Aleanna D. Lastrella, Maria Denisse G. Miranda, and Ma. Jesusa Amor V. Nite, presented “The Influence of Familiarity Bias in Investment Decision-Making of Millennial Investors in Makati City.” Reigning from BSBA FM 3-2 Group 2—Iezamarie R. Dimalanta, Kristine Claire U. Alay-ay, Jhon Laurence Christian A. Liad, Nehadh T. Mangulamas, Alpie S. Pamintuan, and Christian G. Santos Jr., unveiled “The Effect of the Pangkabuhayang QC Program on the Growth of Micro-Enterprises in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City.”

Likewise, BSBA FM 3-4 Group 3 with Zhi Xian Cua, Julianah S. Bautista, KC Louise F. Hugo, Alexis Masaganda, and Erika Summer R. Yadao, presented “Shopee Gamified Features and The Buying Behavior of Undergraduate Students Studying in District 2, Quezon City.” While BSBA FM 3-6 Group 6, composed of Azzinette M. Abenaza, Bhea Sherleen P. Camonias, Christian Jay T. Bollido, Jennalyn G. Dizon, and Kelly C. Gestopa, showcased “From Allocation to Action: The Effects of Sangguniang Kabataan Budget Utilization on Project Effectiveness for Youth Beneficiaries in Brgy. 128, Tondo, Manila.”

The four groups impressed the panel of judges with their innovative ideas and tied at 97% in their final scores. Following close at 96.85%, BSBA FM 3-6 Group 5 snatched Top 2 with their study entitled, “Micro-debt Stacking: The Effect of BNPL on Impulse Spending and Debt Management Among Frequent Online Shoppers in Quezon City.” 

Excellence continued with five more groups landing Top 3 with a 96.50% final score: BSBA FM 3-1 Group 3 and Group 6, BSBA FM 3-4 Group 4, and BSBA FM 3-5 Group 1 and Group 6. Furthermore, the Top 4 spot was awarded to BSBA FM 3-3 Group 4, BSBA FM 3-4 Group 6, and BSBA FM 3-9s Group 5, while BSBA FM 3-3 Group 9 secured the Top 5 rank.

Opening the program, the DFM Chairperson Dr. Ria Fajilago delivered her remarks, setting the tone for a day dedicated to research excellence and academic collaboration. In her message, she underscored the value of strengthening research culture within the department.

Accomplished by the collective efforts of Dr. Allan Calderon, the DFM Research & Extension Faculty Coordinator leading the program, the student volunteers DFM Alpha for administration support, the DFM faculty contributing extensive advice and guidance, JFINEX-PUP as one of the main organizers of the event, and the expertise of 21 esteemed evaluators providing quality assessment and insights. Finally, Prof. Gem Galupar and Dr. Allan Calderon gave the closing remarks to conclude the DFM Poster Presentation Program.

For yet another year, FINASaliksik has successfully enriched and bridged knowledge for the future generations of financial professionals.