Darlene Reble

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) hosted a Meet and Greet with GREAT Scholars and Thesis/Dissertation Assistance Program Grantees of Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) on July 31, 2024 at the Office of the Chancellor conference room, MSUN. The Meet and Greet was attended by DOST-PCAARRD personnel, including Director Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera and Assistant Director Ms. Adela C. Corpuz from the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD); Dr. Jesselle S. Laranas, Ms. Rita Rowena B. Laquinon, Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon, Ms. Michelle P. Caparas, Ms. Erliza C. Asilo, Ms. Precious D. Libit, and Mr. Rudolph John M. Cabangbang from the Institution Development Division (IDD); Mr. John Benrich M. Zuniga from the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD); and Ms. Fedelia Flor C. Mero and Ms. Geraldin Mae D. Olaer from the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD). The event commenced with the welcome remarks from Prof. Renoir Marino A. Abrea, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and an overview of the program from Dr. Laranas, Senior Science Research Specialist & Section Head, HRDS, IDD. Before the event proper everyone has the opportunity to introduce themselves. The morning session included presentations from Mr. Mark L. Arcilla, Ms. Michelle M. Esling, Ms. Mayenne P. Balaba, and Mr. Romualdo F. Hechanova, Jr., all pursuing advanced degrees in Marine Biology. These presentations highlighted the updates, challenges, and solutions of their respective studies. An open forum followed, facilitating discussion and knowledge exchange among the attendees. The afternoon session continued with presentations from Mr. Joshua D. Zalsos (MS Aquaculture), Mr. Rejomar A. Galleros (MS Fisheries), Mr. Mhar O. Loquez (MS Plant Pathology), Ms. Nerissa D. Roa (MS Environmental Science), and Ms. Nazma D. Eza (PhD in Environmental Biology). Another open forum provided further opportunities for engagement and discussion. The event concluded with the presentation of HRDP Programs Ms. Rita Rowena B. Laquinon, Senior Science Research Specialist, where she presented all scholarship and grantee programs by the DOST-PCAARRD. Lastly , Director Dr. Acedera gives her warm message to the participants  and a closing remark by Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of PCAARRD, through a video presentation. This successful gathering highlighted the ongoing research efforts and achievements of GREAT scholars and Thesis/Dissertation Assistance Program Grantees, helping them in any possible ways for the successful implementations of their study. The Meet and Greet not only celebrated current achievements but also paved the way for future innovations and solutions that could have profound implications for sustainable development and environmental conservation in the Philippines and beyond. On behalf of the three universities, Mindanao State University at Naawan extends its heartfelt gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD for these opportunities, especially with the financial support and the commitment to advancing research, development, and education. Their continued partnership and investment in our scholars and projects are invaluable, and we look forward to furthering our collaborative efforts to achieve greater scientific and environmental milestones. Thank you, DOST-PCAARRD, for empowering our researchers and fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.

Mindanao State University at Naawan recently hosted the Monitoring and Evaluation, and Site Visit for ongoing DOST-PCAARRD funded projects on shrimp, mussel, and aquafeeds. The event, held on July 30, 2024, brought together researchers and project leaders to discuss progress and future directions for these vital aquaculture initiatives. The meeting was graced and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development  – Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (PCAARRD -IARRD) Industry Strategic Science and Technology Program (ISP) Managers, Ms. Fedelia Flor C. Mero and Ms. Geraldin Mae D. Olaer. The program commenced with welcome remarks from Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, followed by Ms. Mero who presented the rationale of the meeting, setting the room for a series of project accomplishment presentations. Projects discussed by the respective project leaders and staff included: 𝘗𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪-𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 (𝘐𝘔𝘛𝘈) 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘦𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘋𝘳. 𝘌𝘭𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘔. 𝘈𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘰 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵- 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘵𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘪 (𝘋𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘯, 1879)𝘋𝘳. 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘔. 𝘈𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘰 𝘜𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴𝘋𝘳. 𝘍𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢 𝘓. 𝘗𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘰 𝘔𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 2- 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘯-𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘭, 𝘔𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘢, 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘸𝘭𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢”𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧. 𝘒𝘢𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘕. 𝘜𝘣𝘢 𝘔𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 3- 𝘗𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘰𝘯-𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘭 𝘔𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘢𝘴 𝘞𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘺 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴𝘔𝘴. 𝘙𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘛. 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘣𝘢 Prof. Renoir A. Abrea, Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension, concluded the session with closing remarks, expressing optimism for the future of these innovative projects. This marked the end of a productive day dedicated to advancing aquaculture research and development.

The Mindanao State University at Naawan proudly announces that one of its esteemed faculty members, 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒐, has been awarded the prestigious 𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑑 𝐹𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝. Ms. Sandra, a dedicated educator and researcher, became the 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑜 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑟, standing out among 3,000 aspirants from 12 countries. Ms. Sandra’s journey is a testament to her relentless dedication to research and education. Before embarking on her PhD studies in Oceanography at Texas A&M University, Ms. Sandra imparted her knowledge in Physics and Physical oceanography to Marine Biology students at MSU at Naawan. Although Ms. Sandra’s academic background is rooted in physics, her passion for the coastal zone and its communities guided her research and teaching. Her work at MSU at Naawan ignited a profound interest in oceanography, leading her to pursue advanced studies in this critical field. The entire MSU at Naawan community celebrates her achievement as a Quad Fellow, a fellowship supported by the governments of the USA, Japan, Australia, and India. Her success brings pride to the institution and serves as an inspiration to current students and faculty members. It also highlights the quality of education and research opportunities at MSU at Naawan. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to her future contributions to oceanography and coastal community sustainability. MSUN stands by her, celebrating her past achievements and eagerly anticipating the impactful work she will undoubtedly accomplish in the future. 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒐! For more info visit this website: https://www.quadfellowship.org/2024-quad-fellows

Mindanao State University at Naawan proudly congratulates Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan for receiving the 2024 Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) Chemhub Technologies Achievement Award for Chemical Research. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Capangpangan’s significant contributions to nanotechnology, especially in its applications to fisheries and aquaculture. Dr. Capangpangan, the Center Director and Principal Investigator for the Research on Environment and Nanotechnology Laboratories and the Center for Microplastics Research and Innovation at MSU at Naawan, also serves as the Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office. With over 80 published papers, contributions to three books, and numerous presentations at both local and international conferences, Dr. Capangpangan’s career is marked by excellence. His pioneering research has earned him multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award (2023) and recognition as a Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) EPIC Awardee. At MSU at Naawan, Dr. Capangpangan has spearheaded the establishment of the Research on Environment and Nanotechnology Laboratories (REY Labs) and the Center for Microplastic Research and Innovation. His research portfolio includes work on microplastics, nanomaterials, computational nanotechnology, and sensor development.  Notable projects involve developing nanomaterial-based sensors for aquaculture and creating sustainable technologies to mitigate microplastic pollution in marine environments. Dr. Capangpangan’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing environmental challenges through nanotechnology highlights his commitment to excellence and innovation. His work benefits both the academic community and provides practical solutions to environmental issues, inspiring a new generation of researchers. Mindanao State University at Naawan takes immense pride in Dr. Capangpangan’s accomplishments and eagerly anticipates his continued contributions to scientific research and environmental sustainability.  𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐲 𝐘. 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy and Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador of the ACIAR Sandfish Project, both esteemed faculty researchers of Mindanao State University at Naawan, attended the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2024 conference held in Surabaya, Indonesia from July 2-5, 2024. This prestigious international event, themed “Aquaculture – Driving the Blue Economy,” featured technical sessions and industry exhibits of the newest technology from around the world Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador presented her paper titled “Family-based Sandfish Farming: The Case in Northern Mindanao, Philippines.” Her research highlights the innovative approach of involving local families in sandfish farming, demonstrating the socio-economic benefits and sustainable practices that can be achieved through community participation. Her study emphasized the potential of family-based farming to enhance local livelihoods while contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources.  Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy also presented his study, “Growth Performance of Sandfish Holothuria scabra (Jaeger 1833) in a Community Managed Nursery System in Northern Mindanao, Philippines.”This study focused on the growth rates and overall health of sandfish in a nursery system managed by the local community. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the viability of community-managed nurseries as a sustainable method for sandfish aquaculture, which can lead to enhanced economic opportunities for local communities. The event provided an excellent opportunity for Dr. Uy and Dr. Emperador to meet the entire team of the ACIAR-funded Sandfish Project, including representatives from University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc.(GDFI), Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 3 (RIA3 ) of Vietnam, and University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) of Australia.  From hosting the International Conference on Responsible Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture (ICORFASA 2024) to participating in Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2024, MSUN continues to lead in aquaculture research, contributing to global sustainable practices and innovative solutions. The knowledge and experience gained through these conferences will surely enhance the university’s research capabilities and contributions to the aquaculture industry.

The Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), led by Chancellor Elnor C. Roa, recently conducted a productive visit to the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU), widely known as the “university by the bay.” The MSUN team included Prof. Renoir A. Abrea, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Prof. Arleen B. Uy, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Secretary for the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Faculty Researchers Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao and Fstr. Sherley Ann Inocente. The timing of their visit proved fortuitous as the days of persistent rain in Taiwan gave way to sunny weather, setting an optimistic tone for the meetings ahead. The NTOU team, led by Vice President Cheng-Yu Ku, extended their warm hospitality to the MSUN delegation, accompanied by esteemed professors from the Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology. The meeting commenced with comprehensive introductions from both universities. Chancellor Roa and Vice President Ku delivered opening remarks, expressing mutual enthusiasm for future collaborations. The session highlighted the numerous commonalities between the two institutions, laying a strong foundation for potential joint initiatives. A notable moment in the meeting was the address by Ms. Mariche Natividad, an MSUN alumna and current PhD student at NTOU. Ms. Natividad shared her enriching experiences at NTOU, emphasizing the plethora of opportunities available to MSUN students through such international linkages. She also expressed gratitude to her alma mater, acknowledging how her undergraduate training at MSUN had prepared her for the academic challenges and opportunities she encountered at NTOU. Key points of discussion included proposals for faculty and student exchange programs, the development of dual-degree programs, collaborative research projects, and scholarships for graduate students. The MSUN team was given a comprehensive tour of NTOU’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, further showcasing the potential for meaningful collaboration. The visit concluded on a high note, with both parties agreeing to formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed in the third quarter of 2024. This successful visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at enhancing academic and research capabilities at both institutions.

The MECO-TECO Joint Research Project titled “Development of a Probiotic Bacterium Expressing Nanobody And/Or dsRNAs Against Shrimp Viral Pathogen White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)” was officially signed at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), located in Tainan, Taiwan.  The signing ceremony was attended by esteemed individuals including Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa; Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages; Prof. Renoir Marino A. Abrea, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension; Dr. Ching-Chang Lee, Vice President of NCKU; Dr. Chu-Fang Lo, Principal Investigator; and Dr. Han-Ching Wang, Deputy Director.  This collaborative initiative is a joint endeavor between the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) and Mindanao State University at Naawan (Philippines), in partnership with Academia Sinica and National Cheng Kung University, through Dr. Han-Ching Wang (Taiwan).  At MSU at Naawan, Professor Fernand Fagutao leads the research team in implementing this project. It aims to enhance international ties through faculty and student exchanges for training and research, with great potential for positive community impact. Following the signing ceremony, the team had the privilege to explore the renowned NCKU Library. The library stands out for its wealth of knowledge resources and innovative practices. It houses various facilities such as LibRE, an atrium, a space for prayer and meditation, the Deutsche Bibliothek, and areas dedicated to mental health consultations. The library’s initiatives fulfill its commitment to social responsibility, aligning with sustainable development goals, and promoting knowledge sharing through the integration of diverse resources. In the afternoon, the team visited the International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, under the leadership of Dr. Chu-Fang Lo. The center showcased advanced technology, including the integration of an AI system for resource management. Presentations highlighted opportunities for student exchanges and internships, with the possibility for students to engage in research activities at the center in Annan. Overall, the visit to Tainan was a success in strengthening research collaborations and international partnerships.

Yesterday, May 3, 2024, Dr. Elnor C. Roa, accompanied by delegates from MSU at Naawan including Prof. Renoir Abrea, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension; Prof. Arleen Uy, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development; Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages; Dr. Anabelle Dece Espadero, Secretary for the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension; and faculty researchers Dr. Fernand Fagutao and Ms. Sherley Ann Inocente, convened with representatives from the Institute of Chemistry (IoC) at Academia Sinica in Taiwan, led by Dr. David Tai-Wei Wu. The aim was to explore potential research collaborations, focusing primarily on joint research endeavors. While IoC is renowned for its groundbreaking research in biomacromolecules, batteries, liquid solar panels, and vaccines, the MSUN team emphasized their expertise in fisheries, marine science, and ongoing chemistry research on nanocatalysts. Despite differing research focuses, the discussions were productive and led to plans for future collaborations, including projects on fish disease vaccines, marine resource biochemistry, nanotechnology applications, and proteomics research. Both institutions agreed to develop proposals for submission to the MECO-TECO program, fostering collaboration among project leaders. The meeting concluded with initiatives such as faculty exchanges, PhD student opportunities, internships, and research assistant positions. During the visit, the MSUN team toured Academia Sinica’s laboratories, gaining valuable insights into its infrastructure, and engaging in productive discussions on infrastructure development at the National Biotechnology Research Park (NBRP). Hence, the visit marked significant progress in fostering university collaborations and strengthening international partnerships.

On May 29, 2024, the Office of International Affairs and Linkages, in collaboration with the Office of the Chancellor, spearheaded a Planning Workshop for the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking at the Office of the Chancellor Conference Room. This significant event welcomed distinguished speakers from our sister university, MSU-IIT, notably Dr. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Arnold C. Alguno, Director for Research. The workshop drew participation from various key offices pivotal to our campus’s internationalization efforts. Aligned with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) vision of elevating Philippine universities to global excellence through internationalization, the workshop provided valuable insights. Dr. Petalcorin’s in-depth presentation on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) captivated attendees and shed light on crucial aspects of global impact. Furthermore, Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa expressed sincere appreciation for the workshop, emphasizing its significance in advancing MSU at Naawan’s pursuit of THE World Ranking. Through this, the university remains committed to leveraging expert resources to bolster our internationalization initiatives further.

Today, March 19,2024, representatives from the Iligan City Polytechnic State College (ICPSC), formerly known as Iligan City National School of Fisheries, visited the institution seeking assistance and guidance in operationalizing its newly converted status, particularly in their plan to offer programs such as BS Fisheries, BS Agriculture, BS Agricultural Business. The delegation included Mr. Ronillo C. Apas Sr., School Principal, Ms. Grace D. Cabaron, Head Teacher, Ms. Alecia C. Diaz, and Ms. Megibeth O. Ladlad, along with representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region X, Mr. Elmer C. Lopez, and Ms. Rose Mae T. Lumasag. They warmly welcomed them, with Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Gergie A. Ambato, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Arleen B. Uy, Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado, SMFT Dean, Dr. Fernand F Fagutao, Department of Fisheries Science Chairperson, and SMFT Secretary Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso in attendance. Together, they engaged in discussions and provided insights, particularly on the feasibility of offering a BS Fisheries program at ICPSC. Moreover, CHED Region X representatives meticulously reviewed the requirements for offering the program, ensuring compliance and adequacy. Dr. Roa raised pertinent questions regarding ICPSC’s commitment to the program, especially in areas where they may be lacking. As a center of excellence in Fisheries, Dr. Roa expressed the institution’s willingness to extend assistance and suggested establishing a Memorandum of Agreement to address any deficiencies, particularly in faculty expertise, and to help ICPSC achieve its goals. Through collaborative efforts and open dialogue, the institution aims to support ICPSC in its transition and ensure the successful implementation of quality programs. They look forward to further collaboration and the realization of shared objectives in advancing education and research in these vital fields.