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.