Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), together with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), held a meeting on March 20, 2026, to discuss potential collaboration and funding opportunities for agriculture-based climate adaptation projects.
Opening the discussion, MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa highlighted the university’s strengths in agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries, positioning MSUN as a valuable partner in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient initiatives.
Dr. Evelyn Taboada, Climate Change Adaptation Expert of UNIDO, presented the organization’s priorities, emphasizing the impacts of climate change on food systems and the importance of integrating inclusivity and gender equality into development interventions.
Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan presented an overview of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement (OVCRIGE), along with the university’s in-house project on the rapid assessment of fruit and vegetable production and post-harvest systems in Region 10. Mr. Christian Fel Batoctoy, project leader, complemented the presentation by sharing field-based insights and experiences from data gathering activities.
The discussion was further enriched by insights from Mr. Teddy Monroy, UNIDO Country Representative; Mr. Rui Lopes De Aguiar Junior, Climate Change Adaptation Expert; and Mr. Sylvester Sales of MinDA, who underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing climate adaptation strategies.
The meeting, which aimed to strengthen climate adaptation efforts in agriculture, formed part of UNIDO’s stakeholder consultation for the AID4HEARTS Project under the Adaptation Fund.
With the valuable insights and recommendations shared by UNIDO and MinDA, as well as the invitation for MSUN to participate in a co-design workshop, the university is well-positioned to further strengthen its role in developing innovative, inclusive, and climate-responsive solutions for the agriculture sector. This engagement also reinforces MSUN’s commitment to sustainable development and regional resilience.
