Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop

On April 19, 2024, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) paid a visit to Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) to conduct implementation briefing on the project “𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩-𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙧𝙚𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘾𝙊2 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙪-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙉𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙨”. DOST-PCIEERD delegates present were: 𝗠𝘀. 𝗘𝗱𝗻𝗮 𝗖. 𝗡𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗼, Chief, Emerging Technology Development Division (ETDD); 𝗠𝘀. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗗. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗮, Senior SRS ETDD; 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘇 𝗬. 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗼, Lead Project Manager for the project; and 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘇𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲, Project Manager. They were warmly welcomed by MSUN Chancellor, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗘𝗹𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗖. 𝗥𝗼𝗮, along with 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘁. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻, Director for Procurement, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗮𝗱𝗼, University Accountant, and several representatives from the accounting and budget office. Further, the project team includes 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝘆 𝗬. 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 as the Project Leader, supported by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗔𝗺𝘆𝘇𝘇 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮, and 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼 𝗖. 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗼 as Project Technical Assistants, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘇 as Project Administrative Staff, and 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗧. 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 as a CIP Graduate Research Fellow. During the briefing, the delegates had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the members of the project team, establishing a connection that fosters collaboration and effective communication throughout the project’s duration. They engaged in discussions to outline the specific requirements and guidelines crucial for the smooth implementation of the project, ensuring that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, the meeting provided a platform to address any uncertainties or questions related to budget allocation, reprogramming procedures, and the necessary approvals required, all of which are vital elements for ensuring the project’s success.  By clarifying these aspects upfront, the team can proactively address potential challenges and maintain a clear pathway towards achieving the project’s objectives within the designated timeframe and budget constraints.

With the commencement of Phase II of the Mindanao State University at Naawan’s (MSUN) digitalization efforts, the joint venture of Infobytes Solutions Inc. and Remax International Inc. held an On-site Project Kick-off for the project “𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚” on April 16, 2024, at MSUN. At the kick-off event, key stakeholders from MSUN and the implementing companies came together to unveil the project’s management teams and lay out strategic plans. The MSUN project management team is headed by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, while Comm. Raymund E. Liboro oversees the joint venture of contractors Infobytes Solutions Inc. and Remax International Inc. “Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey as we embark on our one-billion-peso project, together. In this kick-off meeting, I would like to emphasize three things: one is the importance of efficiency, second is timeliness, and third is accountability, in the execution of the project,” said Dr. Roa during her welcome remarks. Building upon the success of Phase I, which included Smart Aquaculture, Phase II brings a new dimension with Smart Agriculture initiatives. This phase introduces the Technology Application of Neural Intelligence in Mechanized (TANIM) Agriculture System and the Advanced Watershed Rehabilitation Management Information System (AWaRe MIS) for the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Science (CAFES) while also extending the connectivity towards remote areas around CAFES. Additionally, Phase II includes the Smart Modular Learning Hub, enhancing the groundwork laid in Phase I and ensuring a seamless transition into a digitally optimized educational environment. The project’s overarching goal is to revolutionize the learning experience through comprehensive digital transformation, addressing critical needs for a smart campus. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions, this initiative aims to cultivate an environment conducive to unparalleled educational opportunities and the seamless integration of digital tools across all facets of campus life. From streamlining administrative workflows to enriching interactive learning platforms, the project is poised to elevate MSUN’s academic ecosystem to unprecedented levels of efficiency, efficacy, and student engagement.

To recognize students exceptional academic achievement, the Mindanao State University at Naawan – Integrated Developmental School (MSUN-IDS) conducted 3rd Junior High School (JHS) Reading of Honors at the MSUN Training and Students Activity Center on April 5, 2024. Assoc. Prof. Rosalina L. Divinagracia, Principal of MSUN-IDS, commenced the day’s proceedings by extending a warm welcome to students and parents, applauding their notable accomplishments. Furthermore, Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, delivered her inspirational message urging them to persist in the pursuit of excellence. “To all students, I encourage you to continue pursuing excellence, to believe in yourselves, and to never shy away from reaching for your dreams. Each of you has unique talents and strengths that make you special. Embrace these qualities, work hard, and strive to be the best version of yourselves,” said Dr. Roa. After the reading of honors, the eagerly awaited Mr. and Ms. ReSciMaTech 2024 contest commenced, filling the MSUN TSAC with excitement. Participants from Grades 7 to 12 competed through advocacy videos and discussions on topics related to Research, Science, Mathematics, and Information Technology, showcasing their creativity and knowledge. Candidates from Grade 7 to 12 vied for the title through their advocacy video, wit in explaining the hashtags with topics from Research, Science, Mathematics, and Information Technology subjects, centering on the impact on educational landscape and the society, and recycled materials outfits. As the candidates were down to the top three, they were finally challenged in explaining the picture given to them. These are the results: 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝗠𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗠𝗮𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 – Grade 12 – 𝘿𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙮 𝘾. 𝙑𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽 – Grade 10 – 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙈. 𝙀𝙜𝙖𝙮 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽 – Grade 8 – 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝘼𝙯𝙧𝙖𝙛 𝘿. 𝘼𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙤 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝗠𝘀. 𝗥𝗲𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗠𝗮𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 – Grade 10 – 𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘽. 𝙌𝙪𝙞ñ𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽 – Grade 12 – 𝘼𝙞𝙧𝙖 𝘽𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙖 𝙎. 𝘿𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝘼𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽 – Grade 11 – 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙔. 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙡 These achievers were awarded plaques, rice, various cash prizes, and coupons from event sponsors, celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the academic community.

To foster camaraderie and strong collaboration ties for students, the College of Marine and Allied Sciences (CMAS) conducted Marine Biology (MB) and Information Technology (IT) Days on March 20-22, 2024, at the Mindanao State University at Naawan grounds.  Simultaneous events were organized by the college’s Marine Biological Society and Body of Information Technology Students with themes “Marine Wizard and the Underwater Secrets” and “Pixel Party: Where IT Meets Fun”, respectively. The festivities commenced with energetic morning Zumba sessions and a vibrant parade, setting the tone for three days of excitement. Dr. Jesrael Palco, CMAS Dean, inaugurated the event, emphasizing its significance and the valuable experiences awaiting the participants. Joining the celebration were esteemed figures like Asst. Prof. Edward Rowe Aleluya, CMAS Student Activity Coordinator, who delivered the closing remarks, as well as department chairpersons Asst. Prof. Lovella Calala and Asst. Prof. Cris Neil Anthony Gulfan from the Marine Biology and Information Technology departments, respectively, along with other esteemed faculty members. Jay Ratunil, a Marine Biology student, took center stage as he led his peers in reciting the oath of sportsmanship, setting a tone of integrity and fair play for the event. His confident and inspiring leadership was met with thunderous cheers and spirited yells from students across different year levels, creating an atmosphere of unity and enthusiasm that resonated throughout the gathering. 𝙊𝙛 𝙬𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 Taking the activities to the magical realm of the famous young-adult fiction book and movie series, Harry Potter, the Marine Biological Society divided the students into four well-known Hogwarts houses – Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Students had the opportunity to be sorted randomly and given wands, along with their banners after the House Banner Making, in which they must protect from being stolen by other members of other houses.  Led by Marine Biological Society’s Mayor, Allexc Mae Niez, and other MBS officers, students were able to enjoy the activities such as Amazing Race, contextualized Quidditch Tournament, Treasure Quest, Banner and Poster Making, and riddles connected with marine biology. Students were also able to participate in an engaging discussion on Marine Litter Pollution and Management symposium by Asst. Prof. Ramon Francisco Padilla with the topic “Managing Upland Wastes and Pertinent Laws for the Marine Environment” and Dr. Allyn Duvin Hinoguin for her talk titled “Marine Litter and Threats to Marine Life”. Afterwards, students gave brief explanation with regards to their posters in line with the symposium’s topic. 𝙄𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙡𝙨 While the Marine Biology students roamed around the wonders of Hogwarts, the Body of Information Technology Students organized activities for IT students where teams were from almost everyone’s childhood favorite video games – Donkey Kong, Pac-man, Tetris, Terraria, Sonic, and Super Mario. Moreover, students actively engaged in their Scavenger Hunt, Team Building, IT Student Got Talent activities where their collaborative skills were tested. To ignite students’ entrepreneurial spirit, Ms. Jehanie May Macasawang and Mr. Lord Rynkar Arcamo provided students with ideas on startup and freelancing, delving deeper on the secrets and ways on the digital realm during the Freelancing and Startup Symposium. Furthermore, the highly anticipated conclusion of CMAS Days 2024 is set to unfold tonight at the MSUN Function House. This grand finale will be marked by a captivating masquerade-themed Acquaintance and Victory Party, where attendees will don their finest masks and attire for an evening of celebration and camaraderie. It promises to be a memorable affair, filled with music from Restart Band, laughter, and shared triumphs, as participants reflect on the enriching experiences and friendships forged during this remarkable event. Finally, the students extend their heartfelt appreciation to the MB faculty members and esteemed alumni whose generous support made it possible to sponsor the band. Their unwavering dedication and encouragement have truly been instrumental in bringing this endeavor to fruition. 

As part of the observance of March as fire-prevention month, the Campus Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) at Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) conducted a Fire Safety Lecture and Hands-on Drills on March 20, 2024 at the MSUN Training and Students Activity Center and oval. The event commenced with a comprehensive fire safety lecture delivered by SFO2 Arvie C. Fernandez from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). This lecture aimed to educate participants on essential fire safety measures, protocols, and best practices. Following the lecture, members of the BFP demonstrated practical fire safety drills. These drills included proper techniques for handling fire extinguishers, managing leaking LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), operating fire hoses and nozzles, and participating in a water bucket relay. These hands-on activities were designed to equip attendees with the necessary skills to respond effectively in case of a fire emergency. The event garnered active participation from both students and employees of MSUN, emphasizing the importance of collective awareness and preparedness in fire safety. As the event concluded, Asst. Prof. Jay Philmore B. Ansale, the Coordinator of CDRRMO, delivered closing remarks and facilitated the distribution of certificates to the members of BFP. Overall, the Fire Safety Lecture and Hands-on Drills organized by CDRRMO aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in fire safety, contributing to a safer and more prepared campus community.

For monitoring and compliance of Mindanao State University at Naawan’s (MSUN) offered academic programs, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office-X (CHEDRO-X) officials visited MSUN on January 17, 2024. CHEDRO-X evaluators present were Dr. Miriam B. Fuentes as the Team Leader, Mr. Elmer C. Lopez, Ms. Rosemae Lumasag, Ms. Sarah Jane G. Medez, Mr. Daryl Glenn B. Pamplona, Ms. Susan Daisy Raagas, and Mr. Mark Godfrey D. Torres. They were welcomed with a short program and were introduced to the colleges’ deans. “So there are still 16 programs that have no COPC [(Certificate of Program Compliance)] yet. Today, we are hoping that you can comply with at least the minimum requirements of CHED, and we can give you the COPC, if there’s a need to,” said Dr. Miriam B. Fuentes, Chief Education Program Specialist and the Team Leader of the COPC Evaluators. After the short program, evaluators proceeded with the evaluation of the library, student affairs and services, and different academic programs offered by every college. “The issuance of COPC from CHED affirms MSU at Naawan’s commitment of giving quality education, that our programs complied with the minimum standards set by the Commission. Not only that, having this certification also means that we can apply for higher level of accreditation of our programs,” said Assistant Professor Gergie A. Ambato, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Finally, during the post-conference for the discussion and presentation of the results of the findings, there was a fruitful discussion stressing the growth and progress of MSUN in terms of faculty profile, facilities, and student services. Although there were comments and suggestions for the further improvement of the campus, MSUN is determined to comply with everything for the COPC status.

Bringing together products for technology and smart solutions for agriculture, the Ankara University – Faculty of Agriculture will organize the first International Agriculture Technology Festival on May 13-15, 2024 at its university grounds in the Agricultural Faculty campus in Ankara, Türkiye.  Anticipated to draw participation from over 100 organizations and companies of more than 200 participants and not fewer than 5,000 visitors both domestic and international, the festival serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements and innovations in agricultural technology. The event is expected to feature a wide range of products, services, and solutions designed to enhance and modernize various aspects of agriculture. Among the distinguished partner universities involved in this international gathering is the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN). This collaboration underscores the significance of global academic partnerships in fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Thus, the participation of MSUN as a partner university not only enhances the international scope of the festival but also highlights the commitment to collaboration between Ankara University and MSUN. Furthermore, this partnership is a direct result of the ongoing academic collaboration between Ankara University and MSUN.  Through initiatives like the International Agriculture Technology Festival, these institutions are not only contributing to the dissemination of knowledge but also creating opportunities for joint research, technology transfer, and the exchange of expertise in the realm of agricultural sciences. Additionally, the festival serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing agricultural technology and addressing the evolving needs of the global agricultural community. If you wish to know more about the festival, visit their website at: https://agrifest.ankara.edu.tr/en