SARAH AQUINO
Ilagan
Summary
Registered Chemist with over 15 years of experience. Conducted and published several research articles. Ensured compliance with ISO QMS 9001 and ISO 17025. Expertise in soil and water analysis, quality assurance, and laboratory operations. Strong skills in client engagement, scientific writing, product development, and Microsoft Office applications, dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices through innovative research.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chemist III (SG18)
Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 02
Ilagan, Isabela
01.2014 - 04.2026
- Oversaw biofertilizer production and distribution processes at DA-Ilagan Soil Laboratory, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Conducted studies isolating indigenous plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi for biofertilizers in Region 02.
- Developed nanocellulose from cocopeat for agro-waste valorization in Region 02.
- Certified pesticide residue analysis reports from RCPC-Plant Health Clinic for compliance.
- Reviewed soil analysis reports from DA-Ilagan Soil Laboratory to verify accuracy.
- Conducted greenhouse gas inventory research using IPCC Inventory Software, establishing a baseline for Region 02.
- Ensured laboratory operations complied with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
- Served as internal quality auditor for Integrated Laboratory Division to maintain quality standards.
Chemist II (COS)
Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 02
Tuguegarao, Cagayan
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Analyzed soil samples to determine pH, % organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium, contributing to accurate environmental assessments.
- Reviewed and signed laboratory reports to maintain consistency and accuracy during supervisor's absence, ensuring reliable data for project outcomes.
Chemist II (COS)
DENR- Environmental Management Bureau Region 01
San Fernando, La Union
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Compiled and analysed laboratory test results for pH, heavy metals, and coliform bacteria, supporting regulatory reporting.
- Conducted analyses on water samples from rivers and beaches, ensuring compliance with environmental quality standards.
- Generated quality control charts to monitor trends and ensure adherence to compliance standards.
- Reviewed test results against specifications, addressing any deviations promptly.
- Oversaw testing procedures to ensure adherence to standard operating methods.
- Executed calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment for quality assurance.
- Managed inventory processes for chemicals and equipment while submitting supply requests.
- Documented all laboratory activities comprehensively to support operational transparency.
Sales Chemist
Sigmatech
Muntinlupa, Alabang
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Arranged client demonstrations and installations to showcase product capabilities.
- Provided technical expertise on analytical laboratory products, including UV-Vis, AAS, ICP, to support client needs.
- Delivered support services for equipment usage and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- Participated in trade shows and seminars to improve product knowledge and industry engagement.
QA/QC Chemist
LEAN Processes
San Pedro, Laguna
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Performed physico-chemical analysis of products, including pH, viscosity, and specific gravity.
- Executed routine and non-routine analyses of finished goods and stability samples.
- Compiled analysis reports summarising findings and actionable recommendations for product quality improvement.
QA Analyst
Interphil Labs
Cabuyao, Laguna
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Conducted physico-chemical analysis of products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Performed routine and non-routine assessments on in-process and finished goods.
- Analyzed stability samples to ensure consistent product quality.
- Calibrated, validated, and maintained laboratory equipment to ensure reliable testing outcomes.
- Prepared analysis reports to provide insights for product evaluation and decision-making.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Crop Science
Isabela State University
2025
Master of Science - Animal Science
Isabela State University
Isabela, Philippines2025
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Central Luzon State University
2009
Regional Science High School
2003
San Ramon Elementary School
1999
Skills
- Client engagement and collaboration
- Scientific writing and research
- Product development and innovation
- Quality assurance and control
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Chemical analysis
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory compliance
- Critical thinking
- Research methodologies
Certification
- Philippine Chemistry Board Exam September 2010
License No: 0010971
- Philippine Civil Service Exam- Professional Level October 2010
Publication/s
- 1. Root Microbes from Wild Tallgrass: Rhizobium tropici and Bacillus safensis for Agricultural and Environmental Applications
· Submitted to Journal of Environmental Science and Management, (JESAM), UPLB, (Scopus-indexed Journal)
Received: May 16, 2025
Reviewed: August 19, 2025 (5th revision)
Accepted: April 07, 2026
Published: —
2. From Tallgrass to Technology: Unexpected Isolation of Rhizobium tropici and Bacillus safensis from Saccharum spontaneum Roots for Biofertilizer Innovation
· Submitted to Asian Journal of Agricultural Development (AJAD), SEARCA, (International Refereed Journal)
Received: January 14, 2025
Reviewed: Mar 05, 2026 (3rd revision)
Accepted:
Published: —
- 3. Methane Emission Inventory from Livestock and Rice Production in Cagayan Valley: Utilizing the IPCC Inventory Software.
· Published at Linker -Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, (JERAFF), ISU(Local Refereed)
Received: Feb 07, 2025
Reviewed: Apr 25, 2025
Accepted: Jun 17, 2025
Published: Jun 30, 2025
- 4. Performance of Dairy Cattle (Bos taurus) Fed with Mineral-Enhanced Concentrate Diet
· Published at Linker -Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, (JERAFF), ISU (Local Refereed)
Received: Feb 11, 2025
Reviewed: Apr 13, 2025
Accepted: Jun 17, 2025
Published: Jun 30, 2025
- 5. Effect of Microbial Ratio, Storage Temperature, and Packaging on the Viability and Stability of Co-Inoculated Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum spp. in Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizer.
· Published at Linker -Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, (JERAFF), ISU(Local Refereed)
Received: October 23, 2025
Reviewed: November 25, 2025
Accepted: Dec 09, 2025
Published: Dec 29, 2025
- 6. Quantification of Nitrous Oxide, Methane, and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Agricultural Machinery in Cagayan Valley Rice Farming Systems.
· Published at Linker -Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, (JERAFF), ISU, (Local Refereed)
Received: Oct 23, 2025
Reviewed: Nov 22, 2025
Accepted: Dec 01, 2025
Published: Dec 29, 2025
- 7. Extraction and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Coconut Coir with Preliminary Evidence of Rhizobium tropici and Bacillus safensis Viability for Use as a Carrier Matrix in Nano-Biofertilizer Systems
· Published at Rice Based Biosystems Journal (RBBJ), PhilRice, (Local Refereed)
Received: Aug 11, 2025
Reviewed: Nov 18, 2025
Accepted: Jan 07, 2026
Published: Feb 03, 2026
- 8. Initial Viability Assessment of Rhizobium tropici and Bacillus safensis on Agro-Waste Carriers for Low-Cost Microbial Biofertilizer Formulation
· Submitted to Rice Based Biosystems Journal (RBBJ), PhilRice, (Local Refereed)
Received: Aug 11, 2025
Reviewed: Dec 02, 20265
Accepted: Mar 24, 2026
Published: —
- 9. Harnessing Agricultural Wastes for Trichoderma spp. Cultivation: A Sustainable and Economical Alternative
· Submitted to Rice Based Biosystems Journal (RBBJ), PhilRice, (Local Refereed)
Received: Aug 11, 2025
Reviewed: Sep 18, 2025
Accepted: —
Published: —
Training
- See attached PDS
Timeline
Chemist III (SG18)
Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 02
01.2014 - 04.2026
Chemist II (COS)
Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 02
01.2013 - 12.2014
Chemist II (COS)
DENR- Environmental Management Bureau Region 01
01.2013 - 12.2013
Sales Chemist
Sigmatech
01.2011 - 12.2013
QA/QC Chemist
LEAN Processes
01.2011 - 12.2011
QA Analyst
Interphil Labs
01.2009 - 12.2009
Doctor of Philosophy - Crop Science
Isabela State University
Master of Science - Animal Science
Isabela State University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Central Luzon State University
Regional Science High School
San Ramon Elementary School