November 2024

With the theme “Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Narratives Behind Community Initiatives,” Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) held its highly anticipated annual Agency In-House Extension Review and Evaluation and 2nd Services/Products Expo, known as Pakiglambigit, on November 12-13, 2024. The event took place at the MSUN Function House and the Natural Environmental Science Building (NESB), bringing together stakeholders from various colleges, local communities, and partners to reflect on the university’s impactful extension programs. Over the course of two days, the event celebrated the successes of MSUN’s extension initiatives through dynamic oral and poster presentations, while also highlighting innovative products and services from both the university’s colleges and community collaborators. At its core, the event emphasized the powerful narratives of key stakeholders whose stories shape the university’s vision for progress and resilience in local communities. In her keynote address, Dr. Maria Teresa M. Fajardo, President of the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. – Region X (PAEPI-X) Chapter, urged the audience to recognize the vital role each individual plays in shaping collective progress. “Let us remember that each one of us plays an integral role in the stories we tell. Our actions, whether big or small, contribute to a broader narrative of progress and resilience,” Dr. Fajardo emphasized. She added, “Researchers, extension workers, program managers, and community liaisons—you are not just facilitators of change. You are custodians of stories. By collecting and amplifying these stories, we ensure that the voices, dreams, and struggles of our communities are never lost or forgotten.” On the first day, 13 presenters from various MSUN colleges and offices showcased their innovative extension programs. These programs exemplified the university’s commitment to addressing critical community needs through research, education, and direct action. The following awards were given for outstanding program presentations: 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗡𝗔𝗬: 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Presented by Dr. Blessa Kay F. Caballero // College of Education and Social Sciences) 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 (Presented by Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso // School of Marine and Fisheries Technology) 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗮𝗻: 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟭 – 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼-𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰, 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹, 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 (Presented by Dr. Nonillon M. Aspe // College of Marine and Allied Sciences) 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 (Presented by Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador // CESS) 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼-𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (Presented by Mr. Stephen Jhon V. Magoncia // College of Business Administration and Accountancy – CBAA) 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 (Presented by Dr. Wenceslao A. Coronado // CESS) 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (Presented by Ms. Rizza Paz S. Onganiza // CESS) 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: 1st Place – Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador 2nd Place – Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso 3rd Place – Mr. Stephen Jhon V. Magoncia Simultaneously, poster presentations were displayed at the NESB, with interactive boards offering a dynamic, sustainable way to engage the audience. The following were recognized for their exemplary contributions to community-based development: 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Presented by Ms. Raisa Marie H. Bacasnot // SMFT) 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 (Presented by Dr. Aida D. Perpetua // College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences) 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (Presented by Ms. Russel D. Bañoc // CAFES) 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: 1st Place – Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao 2nd Place – Ms. Dainna Recel S. Pamisa 3rd Place – Dr. Edgar D. Castañares In addition to program presentations, each college’s extension coordinator shared their respective college-based extension services. These initiatives, designed to address local needs, are crucial to MSUN’s goal of fostering positive social change across communities. The Services/Products Expo also featured booths from various MSUN colleges and community partners, showcasing innovative solutions and products. The College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) emerged as the big winner, receiving the Best Booth and People’s Choice Award, alongside drawing the most visitors. CMAS and SMFT took second and third places, respectively. Pakiglambigit 2024 also served as a platform to strengthen partnerships with local government units (LGUs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD). These collaborations are central to MSUN’s mission of driving sustainable community development across the region. Overall, Pakiglambigit 2024 stood as a testament to MSUN’s unwavering dedication to community development, research, and collaboration for lasting change. The event successfully highlighted the university’s role as a catalyst for positive transformation, with its stakeholders working hand-in-hand to build resilient and sustainable communities. … The highlight video will be uploaded soon. Article and photos by: Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop // OIPP Rhalf Ryan Gejon // OIPP #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN #Pakiglambigit2024

On November 6-8, 2024, a delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan, led by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, attended the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2024 held at the Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel in Xiamen, China. This year’s event, organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and was co-hosted by the China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Xiamen Municipal Government, was themed “Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean” in collaboration with the annual World Ocean Week. Joining Chancellor Roa were MSUN’s Research Director, Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, and Extension Director, Prof. Mariefe B. Quiñones. The Congress served as a platform for reviewing and mapping future strategies for the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). Discussions emphasized collaborative efforts among governments, organizations, and communities to promote sustainable and resilient ocean management. Highlight of their trip was when the delegation participated in the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC) and PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) Joint Forum, which included the PNLC General Assembly. MSUN proudly joins the ranks of the PNLC’s 25 members, contributing to regional efforts as one of the four newly inducted institutions. This international gathering showcased the commitment of Mindanao State University at Naawan to advancing sustainable ocean initiatives, bolstering partnerships, and fostering regional collaboration in support of a healthier and more resilient marine environment.

On November 12, 2024, the Crab Hatchery and Tilapia Hatchery buildings were formally turned over to Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) in a ceremony that highlights the university’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in aquaculture. The turn-over event featured the signing of the certificates of acceptance and project completion by key representatives from both the contractors — VNP Construction and Design and AMIGOS Construction — and MSUN officials. Among the signatories were MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services Ms. Arleen B. Uy, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Initiatives Asst. Prof. Frederick B. Cabactulan, NCARES Director Assoc. Prof. Victor R. Navarro, and Physical Plant Unit Head Engr. Wennie P. Asequia. This milestone event marks the official completion of these state-of-the-art facilities, which will serve as crucial assets for MSUN’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and enhance the university’s research capabilities in marine biology and fisheries sciences. Furthermore, the turn-over ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new era of opportunity and growth for MSUN, reinforcing its role as a leading institution in the region for academic excellence and environmental stewardship. … Article and photos by: Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop // OIPP #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN

Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), MSUN Foundation for Science and Technology Development, Inc. (MSUNFSTDI), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naawan have formalized their commitment to sustainable environmental practices by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the “Grow Talabaan Program Phase 2” at the Office of the Chancellor today, November 12, 2024. This collaboration, titled “Grow Talabaan Program Phase 2: Sustainable Conservation of Natural Resources and Climate Change Impact Mitigation in the Talabaan Watershed through Integrative Watershed Management”, aims to address critical environmental challenges in the Talabaan Watershed area. The MOA was signed by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, MSUNFSTDI President Ms. Grace I. Prado, and Naawan Mayor Hon. Dennis L. Roa, with witnesses including Vice Mayor Hon. Allan B. Roa. and Prof. Renoir A. Abrea, MSU-Naawan Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension. The three-year project, running from August 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, aims to build community resilience and establish sustainable watershed management in Talabaan. This MOA highlights the joint commitment of MSU at Naawan, MSUNFSTDI, and LGU-Naawan to safeguard the Talabaan Watershed, tackle urgent environmental challenges, and build a sustainable future. Backed by local and institutional support, this initiative is poised to enhance watershed resilience and exemplify a collaborative model of environmental stewardship in Misamis Oriental. By fostering an integrative, community-centered approach to conservation, this partnership sets a benchmark for protecting natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem. #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN

On November 6-7, 2024, delegates from Mindanao State University at Naawan, including Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages and Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao and Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso from the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, attended the 9th National Fisheries Biotechnology Symposium held at Iloilo City. This year’s theme, “Fisheries Biotech: Supporting a Sustainable and Resilient Fisheries Industry for a Food-Secure Philippines,” emphasized the role of biotechnology in advancing the nation’s fisheries industry. Organized by the Department of Agriculture – Fisheries Biotechnology Center, the symposium gathered local and international experts to showcase innovations in biotechnology. Presentations covered areas essential to the fisheries industry, such as enhancing productivity, improving disease management, and developing strategies for environmental protection. Furthermore, the event also focused on the potential of biotechnology to contribute to climate change resilience, food security, and sustainable income opportunities for Filipino fishers. During the event, Dr. Capangpangan delivered a talk on “Sustainable Solutions for Enhanced Production, Disease Management, and Environmental Protection.” His presentation emphasizes the importance of integrating biotechnology in sustainable fisheries practices, highlighting its potential to address industry challenges while safeguarding marine ecosystems. Additionally, the Symposium served as a platform for the MSUN delegation to engage actively in the exchange of knowledge and research on fisheries biotechnology, reaffirming its role in promoting a resilient and sustainable future for the Philippine fisheries industry. … Article by: Darlene Reble // OIPP #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN

MSU at Naawan faculty researchers recently showcased their work at the 17th International Kuroshio Science Symposium, held at Kochi University’s Asakura Campus in Japan from November 4-6, 2024. The symposium, themed “Marine Resources Nurtured by the Biological and Environmental Diversity of the Kuroshio Region: Collaborative Research for Innovation in Elucidation, Utilization, and Management,” brought together researchers from countries to discuss innovative research and sustainable approaches to understanding and managing the Kuroshio region’s marine biodiversity. Among the delegates, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Ms. Lovella R. Calala, and Mr. Ramon Francisco Q. Padilla represented MSUN, presenting studies focused on coastal and marine resource management. Dr. Espadero’s presentation, titled “Developing a Coastal Resource and Environment Mapping Protocol using Drone Survey-QGIS-Photogrammetry Applications,” highlighted a new protocol for using drones, QGIS software, and photogrammetry techniques to map coastal resources. Her innovative approach aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of coastal resource assessments, supporting sustainable management efforts in coastal regions. Ms. Calala’s study, “Marine Macrophyte Assessment in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines,” explored the status and diversity of marine macrophytes in Claver. Her findings provide crucial insights into marine vegetation, which plays a vital role in coastal ecosystem health and resilience. Lastly, Mr. Padilla presented his paper, “Macrofaunal Assemblage and Habitat Conditions of River Systems in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.” His research focused on the diversity and habitat conditions of river systems in Claver, providing essential data on macrofaunal assemblages to inform future conservation strategies.  Aside from presenting their research, the faculty members participated in engaging field activities organized by the symposium. Dr. Espadero joined a benthic sampling activity in Tosa Bay, Kochi Prefecture, where she collaborated with local experts to examine and analyze benthic communities and seabed conditions. Ms. Calala and Mr. Padilla, meanwhile, embarked on an excursion to the renowned Ryuga-do Limestone Cave, one of Japan’s three largest limestone caves. The half-day tour allowed them to explore the unique limestone formations and learn about cave organisms and ongoing stalactite dating research conducted by Kochi University. The Ryuga-do Cave, spanning approximately 4,000 meters, offers visitors a glimpse into historical and ecological wonders, including remnants of ancient human activity dating back 2,000 years. The symposium provided MSUN researchers with invaluable opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening MSUN’s commitment to research excellence and sustainable resource management in marine science.