January 2025

On January 23, 2025, a significant milestone in strengthening moriculture and sericulture production in Misamis Oriental was achieved through a collaborative effort involving the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA), the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU at Naawan), the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Naawan and Manticao, Farmer Cooperators, and other key stakeholders. The event highlighted the commitment of these organizations to advancing sericulture as a sustainable livelihood for farmers and communities, ensuring the production of high-quality silk for the textile industry. Representatives from OISCA, a non-profit organization operating in Japan and the Philippines, visited MSU at Naawan to inspect the newly completed greenhouse and solar panel facility at the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). The OISCA representatives included Ms. Angeles Salboro (Auditor), Ms. Rosemarie Tuiza, and Ms. Maribeth Reboton (OISCA Director). From OISCA Japan Headquarters, Mr. Ishibashi Yukihiro (Representative in the Philippines) and Mr. Yasuo Mandai (Director of the Human Resource Development Division, OISCA Shikoku Training Center) also attended. This initiative underscores MSU at Naawan’s dedication to community-driven research and extension programs, reinforcing its mission as a “𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑠, 𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤.” Dr. Edgar D. Castañares, the Focal Person for the Moriculture and Sericulture Project at MSU at Naawan, along with Dr. Elnor C. Roa (Chancellor) and Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan (Vice Chancellor for Research Innovation and Global Engagement), played vital roles in this effort. Also present were Dr. Meriam B. Mondia, Senior Science Research Specialist from DOST Misamis Oriental, and Cheryl G. Lopez, Senior Science Research Specialist from DOST-PTRI. FICCO was represented by Juliefe K. Buzarang, Supervisor of Supply Chain and Logistics Management. The event emphasized the strong collaborative efforts of all participants in promoting sericulture as a promising livelihood for farmers in Misamis Oriental. #Msun #MSUNaawan #RidgeToReef #Forgingmindsbettertomorrow

Representatives from Mindanao State University at Naawan actively participated in the 2025 Mindanao Cluster Call Conference hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on January 27, 2025. The event, held in Zamboanga City, served as a platform for academic institutions to engage in discussions and preparations for the upcoming Call for Proposals under the DOST Grant-In-Aid (GIA) Program for the calendar year 2027. MSU at Naawan’s delegation comprised esteemed faculty members from various colleges, demonstrating the university’s commitment to research and development. Attendees included Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao and Mr. Emmanuel S. Delloro Jr. from the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology; Dr. Trilbe Lizann E. Vasquez and Mr. Edwin E. Dumalagan Jr. from the College of Marine and Allied Sciences; Mr. Kean Roe F. Mazo, Mr. Ramon Francisco Q. Padilla, and Ms. Richelle A. Niepes from the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences; Mr. Kevin Client B. Matutes and Mr. Erniel Ghrizcer G. Ecle from the College of Education and Social Sciences; and Ms. Junaisah L. Nissi Degoma from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy. The conference aimed to equip participants with the necessary guidelines and requirements for preparing and submitting research proposals under the DOST GIA Program. Faculty members were encouraged to develop innovative research initiatives aligned with national development priorities, with proposal submissions set to open from March to May 2025. MSU at Naawan remains committed to research excellence and strengthening its role in advancing science and technology for regional and national progress. The university looks forward to contributing impactful research projects that address societal needs and promote sustainable development in Mindanao and beyond. #MSUNaawan #Forgingmindsbettertomorrow

As part of the end-user training of the project Sustainable Digital Transformation for Enhanced Learning Experience, several office representatives including faculty, staff, and students had a hands-on training session for one of the enhanced campus website’s platforms, on January 28, 2025, at the Campus e-Library. Coordinated through the Office of Information, Press, and Publication, the training provided participants with an in-depth introduction to SharePoint—a powerful platform that will significantly improve collaboration and resource management across the university. During the session, participants learned how to efficiently navigate SharePoint, a crucial tool for accessing and managing various academic and administrative materials. Additionally, the training focused on practical skills such as creating lists and libraries, which are essential for organizing information and ensuring easy access to various resources. The attendees were also guided through the process of editing site contents, ensuring that they are well-equipped to contribute to and maintain the site’s up-to-date information. The SharePoint site for Mindanao State University at Naawan will serve as a central hub for the entire university community. It will provide streamlined access to essential resources, announcements, and communication tools, enhancing collaboration between students, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, this initiative is a part of the broader efforts to implement sustainable digital transformation across campus, aiming to improve the overall learning experience and increase the efficiency of academic and administrative processes. This hands-on session not only equipped participants with technical skills but also emphasized the importance of utilizing digital tools for a more connected, resourceful, and efficient academic environment. With the new platform, MSU at Naawan is taking a significant step forward in creating a dynamic digital learning space that will benefit all members of its community. #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN

On January 23, 2025, LGU Dimataling and MSU at Naawan took a significant step forward to foster sustainable development and community empowerment. A collaborative meeting was held at the Office of the Chancellor Conference Room to discuss a shared vision, harnessing the rich marine resources of Dimataling for the benefit of its communities. The delegation from LGU Dimataling, led by Mayor Avelino Yrauda and Municipal Agriculture Officer Lolito Palamores, showcased the municipality’s rich marine resources, particularly sea cucumbers and seaweed, and their commitment to developing these resources sustainably. They emphasized the potential of these resources to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods for their coastal communities. Representing MSU at Naawan, Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for Research and Innovation Institute Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, and Sea Cucumber R&D Center Head Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy brought their extensive expertise and innovative approaches to the table. They highlighted research-based strategies and technologies that could be utilized to enhance the value chain of sea cucumbers and seaweed while ensuring sustainability and environmental conservation. Key initiatives were explored, including the expansion of sea cucumber grow-out projects, the use of seaweed as organic fertilizer in upland farming, and baseline assessments to update the fisheries code and guide future ordinances. Both parties also emphasized the importance of sustainability and empowering the next generation of marine biologists through scholarships and research opportunities. As this partnership moves forward, MSU at Naawan will take the lead in conducting resource assessments, drafting agreements, and providing technical training, while LGU Dimataling ensures full support and cooperation. Together, we aim to uplift the livelihoods of local communities while preserving the rich biodiversity of the area. This collaboration is more than just a project but a commitment to the environment, to the people, and to a sustainable future. #Msun #RidgeToReef #Forgingmindsbettertomorrow

On January 24, 2025, Mindanao State University at Naawan hosted a significant meeting today with representatives from AgriCOOPh and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to forge partnerships aimed at enhancing the management of the Balingasag Mariculture Park. Dr. Karsten Ludwig Wilhelm Schroeder, AgriCOOPh Development Advisor from GIZ, and Mikhail Manpatilan of AgriCOOPh met with MSUN officials, including Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for the Research and Innovation Institute Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, and Sea Cucumber R&D Center Head Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy. The primary agenda focused on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among MSU at Naawan, AgriCOOPh, LGU Balingasag, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the fisherfolk association in Balingasag. The MOA outlines collaborative efforts to ensure the proper management and sustainable operation of the Balingasag Mariculture Park. Under the agreement, MSU at Naawan commits to providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives. These include training programs and guidance on seaweed cultivation, sea cucumber production, and the management of siganid and milkfish production systems, among others. This partnership aligns with MSUN’s RIIDE Agenda to foster sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices in collaboration with key stakeholders. By leveraging our expertise, we aim to contribute to the development of a resilient and productive Mariculture Park. The meeting also highlighted the significance of a multi-sectoral approach to addressing challenges in aquaculture and ensuring the livelihoods of fisherfolk communities in Balingasag. The partnership is expected to strengthen the operational efficiency of the mariculture park and serve as a model for collaborative fisheries management in the region. #Msun #MSUNaawan #RidgeToReef #Forgingmindsbettertomorrow

As a key institution supporting the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) in Northern Mindanao, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) actively participated in the RAISE Summit 2025, held at Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon on January 21-22, 2025. The MSUN delegation, led by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, included Research and Innovation Institute Director Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) team headed by Assoc. Prof. Floremie B. Apdian, Intellectual Property Rights Office Coordinator Asst. Prof. Dainna Recel Pamisa, the MSUN-Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) team under Asst. Prof. Karem A. Palmes, College of Business Administration and Accountancy faculty members Asst. Prof. Stephen Magoncia and Dr. Manolito Parungao, and Manager of School of Marine Fisheries and Technology Fish Processing Unit Ms. Rowelyn Sargadillos. Their collective presence underscored the university’s unwavering support for the event and its goals. Dr. Roa further demonstrated MSUN’s commitment to the RAISE initiative by signing to Expression of Support, reinforcing the university’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration within the region. Moreover, the Food Category Product Pitching session featured exciting presentations, with Asst. Prof. Magoncia pitching his innovative flavored tilanggit, while Ms. Glaiza Orgino presented Chocolate Coconut Nougat from Incubatee Ms. Careen Joy E. Acut. Ms. Orgino’s pitch earned 1st place, further elevating the product’s recognition. In addition, the Chocolate Coconut Nougat was also awarded Best Food Souvenir during the National Tourism Week of Misamis Oriental 2024. Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, and Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, the summit aims to nurture a thriving innovation ecosystem where groundbreaking ideas can flourish, paving the way for long-term economic growth and food security in the region.