August 2024

On August 27, 2024, the Chemistry Department of Caraga State University made a significant visit to the Research on Environment and Nanotechnology Laboratories (REYLabs) at Mindanao State University at Naawan. This visit marked an important step towards enhancing academic collaboration between the two institutions, with a focus on developing and implementing a proposed graduate program in Chemistry at CSU. During the visit, Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Principal Investigator of REYLabs, presented an overview of the lab’s completed and ongoing projects, as well as the innovative initiatives he has led at MSUN. Dr. Rey emphasized the boundless potential of chemistry, stating, “Chemistry has no limits in its area of influence.” He highlighted that despite MSUN’s flagship program on Fisheries and Marine Sciences, there is ample opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships across the two different fields. Dr. Rey also encouraged Caraga State University to leverage its position as the leading university in the CARAGA region to foster partnerships with various industries. He noted that REYLabs is already collaborating with CSU’s Chemistry Department on two out of its three ongoing projects, with expectations of further joint ventures in the future. This visit not only strengthened the ties between the two institutions but also set the stage for more collaborative efforts that will benefit both academia and industry in the region.

On August 23, 2024, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) conducted an orientation program for all graduate students at the Function House. Present in the program were Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, College of Marine and Allied Sciences Dean Dr. Jesrael B. Palco, College of Education and Social Sciences Dean Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador, Office of Students Services and Development Asst. Prof. Sylvia C. Labial, Director for Research Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences Dean Dr. Sonny A. Vedra, Campus Librarian Ms. Ethelyn M. Abaday, Accounting Office Staff Mr. Alger W. Cabrera, and Graduate Program Coordinators of different colleges.  Furthermore, the orientation provided students with valuable information about the university’s vision, mission, goals, and academic policies. They also learned about faculty profiles, program guidelines, scholarship opportunities, enrollment procedures, ethics, guidance, counseling services, library and research facilities, and billing processes.

Mindanao State University at Naawan conducted an inception meeting on July 30, 2024, at the Sea Cucumber Museum for the 2nd Re-Entry Project by the DOST-PCAARRD and the first Re-Entry Project of Mindanao State University at Naawan. The project, titled “Reproductive Biology and Genetic Structure of the beche-de-mer Actinopyga echinites (Jaeger, 1833) in Selected Areas of Mindanao, Philippines,” was led by Ms. Marnelle B. Sornito, a recipient of the Thesis/Dissertation Assistance Program of the same agency and an esteemed faculty of the School of Marne Fisheries and Technology. The meeting gathered key stakeholders to discuss the project’s objectives and methodologies, including Ms. Rita Rowena B. Laquinon, Ms. Precious D. Libit, and Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon from the Institution Development Division (IDD) of DOST-PCAARRD. The meeting began with Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, the Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD, delivering welcome remarks through a video presentation, followed by the introduction of each attendee. Ms. Sornito, the Project Leader, provided an overview of the project, emphasizing its significance in enhancing the sustainability and management of the beche-de-mer Actinopyga echinites population in Mindanao. Ms. Laquinon, Senior Science Research Specialist from the Institution Development Division of DOST-PCAARRD, presented the monitoring and evaluation guidelines, as well as the rules and regulations for GIA-funded projects. Her presentation ensured that all participants were well-informed about the compliance and reporting requirements for the project’s successful implementation. An open forum followed, allowing participants to discuss the project details and address any concerns or questions. This interactive session fostered a collaborative environment, enabling the exchange of ideas and insights among the attendees. The synthesis of the discussions was facilitated by Mr. Jomar F. Besoña summarizing the key points and action items from the meeting. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, Director for Research, who expressed optimism about the project’s potential to contribute to marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable aquaculture practices. The inception meeting marked the beginning of a significantresearch initiative aimed at improving the understanding and management of seacucumber populations in Mindanao, promising valuable contributions to marinescience and local communities.

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.