June 2024

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.

Showing their athletic prowess in arnis, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Kingfishers bagged 15 gold, 10 silver, and 3 bronze medals during the MSU System Athletic Association (MSUSAA) Unity Games 2024 at MSU General Santos City. Held at Robinson’s Place General Santos City, arnis games happened on July 2, 2024, simultaneous to other sports events that took place within and outside the premises of MSU-Gen San. “My MSUSAA experience is unforgettable, especially in meeting my fellow MSUans from different places, and it’s been an honor to witness their amazing skills in various sports,” shared Mr. Michael Domat-ol, a 1st-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student and a gold medalist in arnis. Here are the arnis medalists: 𝗠𝗰𝗥𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗟. 𝗚𝗮ñ𝗮 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Spada Y Daga (Indiv. Anyo) – SILVER Synchronized Single Weapon Anyo – GOLD Full Contact – Welter Light Weight Category – GOLD 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Double Weapon (Indiv. Anyo) – GOLD Synchronized Single Weapon Anyo – GOLD Full Contact – Light weight Category – GOLD 𝗖𝗹𝘆𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘇 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗻 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Synchronized Single Weapon Anyo – GOLD Full Contact – Light Heavyweight – GOLD 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗝𝗿. 𝗠. 𝗦𝘂𝘆𝗮𝘁 (𝗦𝗠𝗙𝗧) Synchronized Double Weapon Anyo – GOLD Synchronized Spada Y Daga Anyo – GOLD Bantam Weight Full Contact – BRONZE 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗚. 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Synchronized Double Weapon Anyo – GOLD Synchronized Spada Y Daga Anyo – GOLD 𝗜𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻 (𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦) Synchronized Double Weapon Anyo – GOLD Synchronized Spada Y Daga Anyo – GOLD 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Full Contact – Flyweight Category – GOLD 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁-𝗼𝗹 (𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦) Full Contact – Featherweight Category – GOLD 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶ñ𝗮𝗼 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Full Contact – Featherweight Category – SILVER 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Synchronized Single Weapon Anyo – SILVER Synchronized Spada Y Daga Anyo – SILVER 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 (𝗦𝗠𝗙𝗧) Spada Y Daga (Indiv. Anyo) – BRONZE Synchronized Spada Y Daga Anyo – SILVER 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘆 (𝗖𝗠𝗔𝗦) Synchronized Single Weapon Anyo – SILVER Synchronized Spada Y Daga Anyo – SILVER Full Contact – Flyweight Category – SILVER 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮 𝗧. 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗹 (𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦) Synchronized Single Weapon Anyo – SILVER Double Weapon (Indiv. Anyo) – SILVER Full Contact – Bantamweight Category – BRONZE The student-athletes were coached by Ms. Jonnabel R. Mamailao. As of writing, playoffs and elimination games on other sports events are still ongoing, and the winners will be awarded on June 5, 2024. The officials, faculty, and staff of MSU at Naawan are immensely proud of your achievements, MSUN Kingfishers!