November 2025

Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) reached another significant milestone on November 20, 2025, with the launching and ribbon cutting of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Cacao Processing Center for Western Misamis Oriental – an initiative that positions the university as a key driver in strengthening the region’s cacao industry and supporting local farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).  Led by Project Leader Asst. Prof. Christian Fel Batoctoy of the College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS), the project reflects MSUN’s expanding role as a hub for innovation, agriculture-based enterprise development, and community-centered progress. MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa opened the ceremony with a message that underscored the value of synergy in public service.  “This is a good example that when government agencies, the local government units, the provincial government unit, and the various department agencies in the government with the academe collaborating, participating to a common goal, 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘨𝘺𝘶𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘬𝘰 𝘯𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 community [great progress for the community can truly be achieved] – and this is a very good example,” she said.  Dr. Roa further emphasized MSUN’s commitment to transforming the facility into a center of research and innovation. “Because it is placed in a university, 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘥 𝘮𝘪 𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨 research hub – 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘵𝘢 𝘶𝘨 research, 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘢𝘺𝘰 𝘱𝘢 𝘴𝘢 quality 𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 out of this shared facility [we will also strive to make it a research hub – where we can conduct studies that will further improve the quality of what we produce through this shared facility].” 𝘼 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 The cacao processing facility, established under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facility Program, is a response to a request from Deputy Speaker Cong. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano to support and uplift the cacao industry in Misamis Oriental. DTI-10 OIC Provincial Director Ms. Jesusa M. Abear highlighted the strategic value of the project, noting that it aims to address long-standing challenges faced by cacao farmers in terms of processing and product value.  “Why are we doing this? Because we believe in the potential of our farmers and the cacao industry in Misamis Oriental. This project was conceived to address a critical need among cacao farmers in Misamis Oriental… By bridging this gap, we aim to strengthen the cacao industry and position Misamis Oriental as the cacao capital of Region 10,” she emphasized. Western Misamis Oriental comprises 10 municipalities engaged in cacao farming, with 433 hectares cultivated by 499 farmers. Naawan alone contributes 121 hectares and 36,317 kilograms of the area’s total annual production of 126,921 kilograms of dried fermented cacao beans. Despite this abundance, many farmers are limited to selling raw beans at lower margins. The new SSF facility addresses this challenge by providing access to toll processing services that enable the production of higher-value products such as cacao butter and cocoa powder – commodities with significantly greater market potential. 𝘼 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚-𝙤𝙛-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙃𝙪𝙗 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 Located within the MSUN campus, the cacao processing facility is equipped with Php 1.73 million worth of industry-grade machinery, forming part of the project’s total cost of Php 3.9 million. It will operate as a toll processing center, allowing farmers and MSMEs to pay processing fees while retaining control over the marketing and distribution of their finished products.  Its placement at MSUN ensures that the center will not only provide processing services but also serve as a platform for research, product innovation, and technical capacity-building for farmers, students, and micro-entrepreneurs. 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 The ceremony was graced by key national and regional partners who expressed unwavering support for the initiative. Messages were delivered by DTI-10’s Ruel B. Paclipan through Asst. Regional Director Ms. Almer R. Masillones; Mindanao Development Authority Northern Mindanao Area Head Ms. Lordelie Enjambre; and Department of Agriculture–Region 10 Regional Executive Director Mr. Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, represented by Mr. Dryan Anthony Illana. Naawan Mayor Hon. Dennis L. Roa also conveyed the municipality’s full support for the project. Deputy Speaker Cong. Emano, represented by Board Member Hon. Nancy S. Madjos, reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to agricultural and MSME development in the province. The launching event likewise gathered DTI-10 Technical Working Committee Chairman Mr. Ruben A. Vegafria, Senior Trades and Industry Development Specialist Ms. Judy Aclan-Tangkihay; Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center Manager Ms. Phoebe Galeon; former MSUN College of Agriculture and Forestry Dean Dr. Renato Boniao and former DTI-10 Director Linda Boniao; and MSUN’s executive officials including 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 Assoc. Prof. Frederick Cabactulan, DARES Director Dr. Aida D. Perpetua, CELS Dean Dr. Nonillon M. Aspe, CELS faculty and staff, the CDRRM team, security personnel, and other MSUN personnel. Farmers, MSME owners and managers, municipal agriculturists, and representatives from various government agencies also participated in the event, signifying the strong multi-stakeholder support behind the facility. 𝘼 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 The inauguration of the SSF Cacao Processing Facility marks a significant leap forward for Western Misamis Oriental’s cacao industry. It is a testament to what collective effort – anchored on trust, shared vision, and inclusive development – can achieve.  With MSUN serving as the home of this state-of-the-art facility, the university not only strengthens its role as an academic institution but also emerges as a catalyst for enterprise growth, agricultural resilience, and rural innovation. As this facility begins its operations, it is set to empower farmers, uplift local communities, and contribute to a more robust cacao value chain – paving the way for Misamis Oriental to become a leading player in the region’s agricultural economy.

Reaffirming its commitment to disaster preparedness and the safety of its academic community, Mindanao State University at Naawan successfully conducted its 4th Quarter Campus-Wide Earthquake Drill on November 7, 2025. The activity was organized by the Campus Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and actively participated in by university officials, faculty members, staff, and students from various colleges and offices. At exactly 2:00 p.m., the alarm for the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure was sounded, prompting everyone to take immediate cover and move to their designated evacuation areas. Emergency marshals and response teams were deployed across campus to assist participants and ensure that safety measures were properly observed. According to the CDRRMO, this 4th quarter drill aimed to assess the campus community’s readiness and responsiveness during seismic emergencies and to strengthen coordination among different units in times of disaster. The activity also aligns with the university’s proactive stance in promoting a culture of safety, preparedness, and resilience, in line with national DRRM directives. Through this quarterly drill, MSU at Naawan continues to champion disaster awareness and risk reduction, ensuring that every member of the community is equipped to act promptly and safely in the face of natural hazards.

Mindanao State University at Naawan, through the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS), proudly hosted the Educational Field Trip of BS in Fisheries students from MSU Main Campus – Sindangan Extension (MSU-MCSE) on November 6–7, 2025, at the MSUN campus. The two-day academic engagement at the CFMS laboratories and training facilities provided the visiting students with valuable learning experiences in the areas of aquaculture, fish genetics, health management, and nutrition. Specialized lectures and hands-on sessions were conducted by MSUN’s faculty experts, namely: • Ms. Liberty E. Taneo – Fish Genetics and Breeding • Assoc. Prof. Victor R. Navarro – Aquaculture (Shrimp & Tilapia) • Ms. Honielyn Taka – Fish Health Management • Ms. Kezia Esther T. Abal – Fish Nutrition The activity was efficiently coordinated under the supervision of Mr. Josuah D. Zalsos, with Mr. Harvey D. Lobo serving as the event emcee. The program also received dedicated support from Ms. Gailey Hontiveros, Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado, and Ms. Raisah Marie H. Bacasnot, whose assistance throughout the two-day event contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the program. Moreover, the educational visit fostered academic exchange and collaboration between the two MSU campuses, giving students the opportunity to experience applied learning in a professional research environment. With that, the university extends its appreciation to all lecturers, coordinators, and participating students for their engagement and enthusiasm during the activity. This collaborative endeavor underscores MSUN’s enduring commitment to providing quality, experience-based education and to strengthening academic linkages across the MSU System, especially in the advancement of fisheries science and sustainable marine development.

While the SINAG 2025 oral and poster presentations were in full swing across the campus, officials from Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), together with the Department of Health (DOH), conducted an ocular site visit for the University Infirmary Hospital on October 28, 2025. Joining the visit were DOH Health Facilities Enhancement Program Undersecretary Dr. Gregorio T. Murillo, Jr. and DOH Center for Health Development–Northern Mindanao Dir. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr., MD, MPH, FPSMS, CESO IV, alongside MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellors Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, Assoc. Prof. Frederick B. Cabactulan, and Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, together with university engineers, architect, and project contractors. Funded by the Department of Health, this soon-to-rise facility marks a significant step toward strengthening campus healthcare services and advancing MSUN’s commitment to student and community well-being. Once completed, the infirmary hospital will serve as a vital hub for accessible and quality health care – not only for students, faculty, and staff, but also for surrounding communities – enhancing MSUN’s capacity to respond to emergencies, support public health initiatives, and promote a safer, healthier academic environment for all.

Mindanao State University at Naawan once again lit the torch of collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence through SINAG 2025 – Shared Initiatives for Nurturing Achievements and Goals: Illuminating Pathways to Collective Excellence on October 27-29, 2025 at the university’s Training and Student Activity Center.  Anchored on MSUN’s mission of providing transformative education, advancing research, and fostering sustainable community engagement, the three-day event was convened by faculty, researchers, students, and partner institutions to share insights and chart the course toward collective excellence. “Ang SINAG dili lang usa ka tinuig nga kalihokan; it is a symbol of our unity as one academic community —the Mindanao State University at Naawan, built upon our shared vision to serve, to innovate, and to inspire. This year marks the birth of a new tradition — what we now call SINAG,” delivered MSUN Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan on his opening message. He added, “In the previous years, this gathering was known as the Agency In-House Review, but today, it takes on a new name and a deeper meaning. Thus, SINAG 2025 is born — a symbol of light, unity, and shared commitment to nurture achievements and goals that drive inclusive growth through research, innovation, and extension.” As MSUN’s Agency Annual In-House Review, SINAG 2025 served as a dynamic platform for reflection, recognition, and strategic alignment of the university’s programs and initiatives, celebrating milestones in research, development, and extension. At its core, SINAG 2025 embodies MSUN’s core values of being Mission-driven, Sustainable, United, and Nurturing, a reflection of its continuous pursuit of relevance and impact. Through plenary presentations, research colloquia, stakeholder forums, and exhibits, the event showcased the university’s role as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth in Mindanao and beyond. 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙄𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙮 The inaugural day of SINAG 2025 commenced with a vibrant and forward-looking showcase of innovation through the official launch of research and extension e-posters and booth exhibits.  This dynamic display featured the groundbreaking work of Mindanao State University at Naawan’s various research centers, presented alongside key partner agencies like the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD)’s Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) program 10.  The exhibits served as a tangible representation of the university’s diverse and impactful research portfolio, highlighting critical advancements in environmental sustainability, innovative solutions for food security, and effective strategies for community empowerment. As the day progressed, the focus shifted to a rigorous intellectual forum with the Colloquium for Theses and Dissertations. This pivotal session provided a platform for MSUN’s own faculty and staff to present their advanced academic research, sharing the depth of their scholarly pursuits with colleagues and the wider community.  More than just a series of presentations, the colloquium stood as a powerful testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust culture of inquiry.  By championing the continuous professional development of its academic community, MSUN reaffirms its dedication to cultivating an environment where scholarly excellence and intellectual curiosity thrive. 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 The second day featured a series of plenary talks from distinguished international and national scientists whose expertise provided valuable insights into emerging frontiers of science and innovation.  Dr. Fernando P. Siringan, Academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology and Research Professor at the UP Marine Science Institute, opened the plenary with a compelling lecture titled “Submarine Groundwater Discharge: Their Significance in Marine Ecosystems.” His talk shed light on the often-overlooked role of submarine groundwater discharge in shaping coastal water quality, nutrient dynamics, and marine biodiversity, offering critical insights for sustainable coastal management and marine conservation. Dr. Meng Chuan Ong, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, followed with his presentation “Living Sensors: Investigating Pollution through Aquatic Organisms.” His study emphasized how aquatic organisms can act as natural indicators of environmental health, providing an innovative, nature-based approach to detecting and addressing pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Concluding the plenary series, Dr. Chandan Hunsur Ravikumar, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), India, delivered his talk “Smart Sensing for Smarter Farms.” He showcased the transformative potential of nanotechnology in developing intelligent sensing tools for precision agriculture, highlighting how data-driven innovations can lead to more sustainable and efficient farming systems. The afternoon was dedicated to a dynamic series of parallel sessions. These sessions provided a valuable avenue for in-depth dialogue, allowing presenters to share completed studies with conclusive findings, discuss ongoing projects to receive formative peer feedback, and engage in one-on-one conversations through interactive poster presentations.  Moreover, this multifaceted format fostered a vibrant marketplace of ideas, encouraging robust knowledge exchange across various disciplines and allowing attendees to immerse themselves in topics most relevant to their expertise and interests.  Ultimately, these parallel presentations were crucial for building collaborative connections and refining scholarly work within the academic community. 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨’ 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙪𝙢 The final day of SINAG 2025 culminated in a powerful display of synergy between academia, government, and local communities, primarily through a landmark Stakeholders’ Forum.  The session was anchored by an inspiring plenary talk from Mr. Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon Jr., a 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, titled “Abundance, Healthy, Clean, and Safe Environment: Coastal Community Cooperation and Conservation.”  By sharing his compelling, real-world story of successful grassroots conservation, he grounded the day’s discussions in tangible reality, setting a deeply inspirational tone for everyone present. His journey served as a powerful testament to the idea that community-led initiatives are not just a possibility, but a potent force for creating remarkable environmental and social impact.  This provided the assembled academics and government officials with a living, breathing model of success, illustrating how policies and research can translate into meaningful action and demonstrating that true, sustainable change often begins with the passion and cooperation of the community itself. Following his address, high-level representatives from key regional government agencies, including DOST, DICT, DSWD, BFAR, DENR, DOST-PTRI, NOMCARRD, DTI, and