December 2025

The College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of MSUN proudly participated in the International Workshop and Symposium on Methodology for Citizen Science & the Society (IWSMCS 2025) held at Central Luzon State University last November 24–28, 2025, a week filled with rich learning, collaboration, and groundbreaking insights on advancing citizen science. Ms. Marnelle B. Sornito represented CFMS after receiving a full-expense scholarship to join this international event. IWSMCS 2025 served as the culminating activity of the four-year VLIR-UOS International Training Program, CO-CiPhil: Co-creating Citizen Science Capacity in the Philippines, jointly led by MSU-IIT, Visayas State University, and Hasselt University. The first three days featured an intensive workshop facilitated by Dr. Hazel Jovita-Olvez (MSU-IIT), where participants examined how citizen-generated data can meaningfully influence policy development. Key discussions included good governance, linking community knowledge with policy action, theory of change, evidence-informed decision-making, systems thinking, and policy brief formulation. The succeeding symposium highlighted a diverse range of research on environmental monitoring, biodiversity, climate adaptation, sustainability, community development, and ecosystem and community health. Ms. Sornito presented her research on empowering sea cucumber gatherers through a citizen-science approach in assessing sea cucumber stocks across Mindanao. Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Delloro shared his study online titled “Assessment of Artisanal Fisheries in Selected Municipalities of Northern Mindanao Through a Participatory Approach.” The event also featured plenary presentations from esteemed experts, including Dr. Thomas Neyens, Dr. Oliver Thas, and Ms. Sara Rutten of Hasselt University; Dr. Gella Patria Abella of CLSU; and Hon. Altreb Castañeda, City Councilor of the Science City of Muñoz. A proud moment for CFMS came with Mr. Jomar Besoña, faculty member and current doctoral scholar at Kochi University, who joined the roster of plenary speakers. He showcased MSU at Naawan’s citizen-science initiatives focused on sustainable aquatic resource management in Mindanao. This international gathering not only strengthened the network of citizen science practitioners in the Philippines but also reaffirmed the vital role of communities in shaping science, informing policies, and promoting sustainable development. More photos available here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bn4ZaYgcY/

Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan of Mindanao State University at Naawan represented the institution at the 8th International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Economics, Management, and Business (CIEMB 2025) held at the National Economics University in Hanoi, Vietnam, from November 27 to 29, 2025. During the conference, Dr. Capangpangan delivered a research presentation titled “Exploring the Adoption of Agile Methodologies in R&D Management in the State University.” His work examined how agile principles, commonly used in technology and industrial sectors, can be adapted to improve research and development (R&D) processes within state universities, particularly in the Philippine context. Addressing an international audience of scholars, researchers, and industry practitioners, his presentation contributed to ongoing discussions on innovation, organizational adaptability, and the evolving demands of research management in higher education institutions. Beyond presenting his findings, Dr. Capangpangan actively participated in networking sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative exchanges with delegates from various countries. These engagements opened opportunities for potential joint research initiatives, institutional partnerships, and future academic exchanges, further strengthening MSU Naawan’s global linkages. His participation in CIEMB 2025 aligns with the university’s continuing efforts to elevate its research visibility, expand its international partnerships, and promote multidisciplinary dialogue across borders. Dr. Capangpangan has since returned to the Philippines carrying new insights, international perspectives, and promising collaborative prospects that can enhance MSU at  Naawan’s research and academic programs.

Mindanao State University at Naawan further advanced its research and laboratory capabilities as Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement, successfully completed an official technical training mission in France from November 16 to 24, 2025. The mission forms part of MSU Naawan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its scientific infrastructure and support the growing needs of its research community under the DOST MICEO–TECO project. During the mission, Dr. Capangpangan received specialized training at two world-class scientific institutions. His first engagement was at the Horiba Europe Research Center in Palaiseau, following the formal invitation from Horiba France SAS. Here, he undertook technical orientation on state-of-the-art analytical instruments used in environmental monitoring, materials analysis, and aquatic science applications, areas highly relevant to MSUN’s current research directions. The training allowed him to explore instrument functionalities, software systems, and advanced measurement capabilities that can significantly enhance the university’s analytical precision and research output. From Palaiseau, Dr. Capangpangan proceeded to Seyssinet-Pariset to participate in an intensive three-day electrochemistry and equipment training program at BioLogic headquarters. The sessions covered a comprehensive range of topics, including potentiostat assembly and operation, electrochemical measurement principles, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and data interpretation techniques. The program also included a factory tour, offering insight into BioLogic’s manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and the technological innovations embedded in their research instruments. This mission is expected to contribute significantly to MSU at Naawan’s capacity to operate and maximize electrochemical and analytical equipment. The knowledge and skills gained by Dr. Capangpangan will support improved laboratory proficiency, enhance the quality of ongoing research initiatives, and strengthen the university’s position as a growing hub for scientific innovation in Mindanao and beyond. By investing in international technical training and global partnerships, MSU Naawan continues to elevate its institutional capabilities and uphold its commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and global engagement.

Mindanao State University at Naawan strengthened its international research visibility as two faculty researchers from the College of Education and Social Sciences (CESS) presented their scholarly work at the 2nd TAAL (Thai Association for Applied Linguistics) International Conference 2025. The conference, held on November 14–15, 2025 at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand, centered on the theme “Landscape of Applied Linguistics Research: Shaping GloCal Impact.” Representing MSU at Naawan were Ms. Charry G. Altamia of the Integrated Developmental School and Asst. Prof. Rovi Nofel A. Patadlas of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities. Their research presentations contributed significantly to ongoing academic conversations in applied linguistics and communication studies, underscoring the University’s commitment to producing knowledge that is globally relevant while firmly anchored in local contexts. Throughout the conference, the MSU Naawan delegates actively engaged with various sessions and forums. They attended keynote presentations exploring translanguaging as an instructional strategy for reducing foreign language anxiety and enhancing learner motivation. They also participated in the ASEAN Forum, which examined structural issues and contextual challenges that shape applied linguistics research across Southeast Asia. Their participation broadened CESS’s international footprint and reaffirmed MSU Naawan’s role as a meaningful contributor to regional academic discourse. By showcasing Philippine-based research on an international stage, the presenters demonstrated the University’s sustained dedication to research excellence, one that champions community-rooted insights while contributing to global conversations in the evolving field of applied linguistics.