January 2026

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement (OVCRIGE) of Mindanao State University at Naawan successfully convened its Annual Updates and Presentation of 2025 Accomplishments and 2026 Targets on January 20, 2026. Held at the Audio-Visual Room of the DARES Center, the day-long event served as a pivotal platform for assessing institutional performance, sharing updates from specialized centers, and presenting the outputs of internally funded research and extension projects. The program commenced with preliminaries, featuring an invocation led by Dr. Aida D. Perpetua. Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement, delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for University Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, who gave a welcome message emphasizing the university’s trajectory toward global competitiveness and community impact. Following the opening formalities, Dr. Capangpangan presented the consolidated OVCRIGE 2025 accomplishments and the strategic targets for 2026. A significant portion of the morning focused on updates from the university’s specialized research and extension centers. Dr. Capangpangan provided the status of the Research on Environment and Nanotechnology Laboratories (REYLabs), followed by updates from center heads: Ms. Sherley Ann T. Inocente for the Center for Microplastic Research and Innovation (CMRI); Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy for the Sea Cucumber R&D Center (SCRDC); Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero for both the Coral Reef Management Hub (CoReM) and the TBTI Northern Mindanao Hub; Dr. Venus E. Leopardas for the Environmental DNA Research and Development Center (eDNA); and Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao for the Crustacean Research and Innovation Center (CRIC). Additionally, Mr. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso presented updates for the Center for Innovative Aquaculture and Sustainable Marine Resources Research (iAQUA) and the T.I.L.A.P.I.A. Center, while Mr. Christian Fel S. Batoctoy reported on the Cacao Hub: A Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (CHRIS Center). The session then transitioned to the presentation of 2025 internally funded research projects, showcasing a diverse range of studies. Mr. Christian Fel S. Batoctoy presented his rapid assessment on the production and post-harvest of fruits and vegetables, followed by Mr. Edwin E. Dumalagan, Jr., who discussed the quality of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in Naawan. Mr. Emmanuel S. Delloro, Jr. shared his work on the digitization of commercially important marine fishes, while Ms. Maria Leah E. Suazo presented a SWOT analysis and needs assessment for microenterprises. The session also highlighted social and environmental studies, including Mr. Pat Ray M. Dagapioso’s research on road-related accidents; Ms. Sylvia C. Labial’s study on global skills and career concepts; Ms. Dinah Kendra A. Lumactad’s cultural mapping for heritage preservation; and Mr. Gleven Jay V. Laraño’s comprehensive assessment of butterflies and weevils in the Initao–Libertad protected landscape. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the presentation of 2025 internally funded extension projects, demonstrating the translation of research into community action. Environmental initiatives were led by Ms. Anna Winnielyn J. Galeos through her Clean Ocean Action project. Educational advancements were addressed by Ms. Arlene A. Castillo, Ms. Rizza Paz S. Organiza, and Mr. Jan Cleo D. Canoy, who presented their respective interventions on English writing skills, science learning competencies, and mathematics performance. The program also featured livelihood and agricultural extension projects, including Mr. Edgar D. Castañares’s Moriculture Establishment for Sericulture Production; Mr. Russel D. Bañoc’s container gardening and fruit tree growing; Ms. Richelle A. Niepes’s HERBALARYO project aimed at livestock health; Mr. Michael James O. Baclayon’s disaster risk reduction program for Gitagum; and Ms. Liberty E. Taneo’s women empowerment project through alamang processing. The gathering, facilitated by emcee Ms. Sherley Ann T. Inocente, concluded with the ceremonial contract signing for the 2026 internally funded research and extension projects. Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute, delivered the closing remarks. This annual review reaffirms MSU at Naawan’s steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and community service, ensuring that its scientific outputs remain relevant, sustainable, and beneficial to the wider community in Northern Mindanao.

Researchers from Mindanao State University at Naawan showcased innovative poultry nutrition studies during the International Conference on Agricultural Research and Innovation (ICARI) 2025, held at the Gov. D.O. Plaza, Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, from December 1 to 3, 2025. The conference was organized by the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology under the theme “Agricultural Innovation for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.” The event gathered agricultural researchers, academicians, extension workers, and industry stakeholders from various institutions to exchange research findings that support sustainable and resilient food production systems. Despite the challenges brought about by recent earthquakes in the region, ICARI 2025 successfully provided a venue for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the pursuit of agricultural innovation. Assoc. Professor Mechie Ann C. Florida presented her study titled Pest to Feed: Utilization of the Invasive Mussel (Mytella strigata Hanley) as Protein Feed in Broiler Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.), which explored the potential of converting invasive mussels into an alternative and sustainable protein source for poultry feeds. Meanwhile, Ms. Rochelle A. Paculba, MSc., presented her research entitled Dietary Supplementation of Fermented Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) and its Cost Benefits, which highlighted the effects of fermented aquatic plants on broiler performance and production economics. Their presentations contributed to discussions on waste resource utilization, feed innovation, and cost-efficient poultry production. Both researchers also actively participated in networking sessions and collaborative exchanges with fellow delegates, opening opportunities for future research partnerships. The participation of MSU at Naawan in ICARI 2025 reflects the university’s strong commitment to advancing high-impact agricultural research, promoting sustainable technologies, and strengthening its linkages with partner institutions in support of a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.