July 2024

With the theme, “Empowered Minds Forged for Limitless Opportunities,” Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) held its 36th Commencement Exercises on July 29, 2024, at the Training and Students Activity Center. Setting the tone, Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa delivered her welcome remarks before she introduced the commencement speaker, acknowledging the culmination of the graduates’ hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless pursuit of knowledge. “As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, remember that the education you have received here at MSU at Naawan is more than just a degree. It is a foundation upon which you will build your future, a toolkit that will help you navigate the complexities of the world, and a beacon that will guide you toward making a positive impact on society,” emphasized Dr. Roa. Furthermore, this year’s Commencement speaker was Misamis Oriental Governor Hon. Peter “Sr. Pedro” M. Unabia, who shared his humble beginnings as a scholar of Xavier University’s Jesuit priests and highlighted the importance of education.  “𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘰 𝘰𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘰𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰 𝘴𝘢 𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥, 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘺𝘢, 𝘰𝘨 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘥 (Use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to make a positive impact on your community, our province, and our nation),” stressed Gov. Unabia. With key stakeholders present, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, MSU System President, quoted French chemist Louis Pasteur: “Indeed, fortune favors the prepared,” and added the ancient version: “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat” (Fortune assists the Bold). “In your chosen career, wherever your steps lead you, I hope you carry the sense of mission that MSU has infused in you, the yearning for a more decent and better world order, contributing to peace-building and harmony,” said Atty. Mapupuno. Among the 770 graduates, 43 achieved magna cum laude, 264 cum laude, 4 with high honors, and 54 with honors. Batch Harinawa’s Valedictorian, Aljhun Lloyd A. Barranco, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, was also awarded with University Student Leadership Award, Kampilan Leadership Award, DK Villaluz Sr. University Leadership Award, MSUNFSTDI Science Leadership Award, Leadership Service Award as Supreme Student Council President, Debate Award, Excellent Academic Distinction from BFAR-X, and UniFAST Academic Excellence Award. “Excellence, at its core, is not about surpassing others but about surpassing ourselves. It is about striving to be the best versions of ourselves. When excellence is mistaken for competition, the focus shifts from personal growth to comparison and rivalry,” Barranco emphasized.  He concluded with, “Para kanino ka bumabangon? And I hope your response will be: Para sa pangarap at Para sa bayan.” Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prof. J. Prospero E. de Vera III and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go shared congratulatory messages to the graduates through pre-recorded videos. Moreover, the ceremony also featured a ceremonial turnover of six million pesos in financial assistance from the Project Governance Management Office of Misamis Oriental to MSUN for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The event concluded with the pledge of loyalty to the alma mater by College Leadership Awardee and former SSC President Van Jason D. Arellano, followed by the Alumni Oath presided over by MSU Alumni Regent Hon. Renato D. Boniao. The MSUN administration, faculty, and staff extend their best wishes for continued success to Batch Harinawa in their future endeavors.

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

The Mindanao State University at Naawan ranks 63rd among 300+ universities in the Philippines in the recently published list of Webometric Ranking of World Universities as of July 2024. This ranking places MSUN among the top tier of over 300 universities in the country, marking a significant improvement from its previous position at 192nd. The Webometric Ranking of World Universities evaluates universities based on their web presence, visibility, and impact, providing a holistic view of their reach and influence in the digital space. For MSUN, this rise in ranking reflects not only its enhanced online presence but also its overall academic reputation and institutional advancement. Furthermore, the success of MSUN is mirrored across other campuses within the Mindanao State University (MSU) System. MSU Iligan Institute of Technology securing the 7th spot, MSU Main/Marawi Campus at 9th, MSU General Santos at 53rd, and MSU Tawi-Tawi TCTO at 112th further underscores the collective strength and diverse capabilities of the MSU System. This distributed excellence across multiple campuses highlights MSU’s commitment to providing quality education, conducting impactful research, and contributing significantly to regional development and national progress

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!

Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Sandfish Project that aimed to enhance the skills of sea cucumber farmers in aquaculture and resource management, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) proudly hosted the Regional Sea Cucumber Roadshow – Mindanao Node from July 18-20, 2024.  The roadshow featured practical culture methods, creating new income opportunities and diversified livelihoods, particularly for women in coastal communities.  Participants included Municipal Agriculture Officers from Local Government Units (LGUs) in Mindanao, faculty and researchers from the academe, key personnel from NGOs, DOST, BFAR, industry, and students from various universities.  Furthermore, the program focused on showcasing sea cucumber culture and fishery management initiatives in the Philippines, specifically in Mindanao, discovering new and practical culture methods, and exploring partnerships to expand farming to new localities. Day one began with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by a welcoming ceremony. Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices for sea cucumbers.  Afterwards, Director Dr. Mari-Aan Acedera from DOST-PCAARRD (MRRD) provided an insightful overview of the National Sea Cucumber R&D Framework, outlining the roadmap for sea cucumber research and development in the Philippines.  The afternoon was dedicated to technical sessions, starting with presentations on sandfish hatchery practices, covering spawning and larval rearing techniques. This was followed by a session on sandfish culture in ocean and pond nursery and pen grow-out by Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy, post-harvest processing by Ms. Charmjill Y. Bacsarpa, and community-based sea cucumber farming experiences by Emmylou A. Emperador. The session was also supplemented by Dr. Jon P. Altamirano, scientist from SEAFDEC, on the algal food of sea cucumber sandfish and the BFAR Region 10 on the status of sea cucumbers in Mindanao.  The day concluded with an open forum, allowing for interactive discussions and knowledge exchange among attendees. On the second day, the program continued with a focus on practical applications and industry insights. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the status and trading of fisheries in Mindanao, highlighting current challenges and opportunities within the region by Dr. Elgen M. Arriesgado. A session on the hatchery production of teatfish, exploring best practices and innovative methods by Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado, followed. The concept of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) with sandfish was introduced, showcasing its potential benefits for sustainable farming systems by Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso.  Workshops in the afternoon concentrated on the identification of potential areas, opportunities, issues, gaps and potential interventions that could be done related to  sea cucumbers. These sessions encouraged collaborative planning and the development of strategies for effective resource management.  Moreover, the final day featured a session on genomic population studies sea cucumber and its implication by Dr. Venus E. Leopardas followed by a comprehensive review and presentation of workshop outputs. Participants shared their plans and insights gained from the roadshow, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing sea cucumber aquaculture.  The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where certificates were awarded to participants in recognition of their contributions. Attendees also shared their impressions of the roadshow, reflecting on the knowledge acquired and the collaborative spirit fostered during the event. Concludingly, the Regional Sea Cucumbers Roadshow successfully showcased innovative sea cucumber culture methods and facilitated partnerships aimed at expanding sustainable aquaculture practices across the Philippines. By promoting research, community development, and practical culture methods, the roadshow contributed to the ecological, economic, and social well-being of coastal communities, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future in sea cucumber aquaculture.