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Mr. Erwin Jones A. Tucong, a faculty member from the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at MSU at Naawan, recently embarked on a highly specialized international learning experience in Japan, immersing himself in an intensive, hands-on workshop focused on the tiny yet ecologically critical world of meiofauna. Mr. Tucong participated in the MeioScool 2025 International Workshop, held from October 6–9 at Kumamoto University’s Aitsu Marine Station in Amakusa, Japan. More than a series of lectures, the event served as a dynamic platform for emerging and established scientists to deepen their technical competence in meiofauna research, equipping participants with essential skills in taxonomy, sampling methodology, laboratory processing, and biodiversity assessment. The training gathered researchers and students from across the globe to exchange expertise on managing and understanding these microscopic organisms that play a vital role in marine ecosystems. The workshop began with an orientation at the Aitsu Marine Station before quickly transitioning to field activities. Participants collected sediment samples from both deep offshore and shallow coastal sites, aiming to investigate how variations in sediment type influence meiofaunal communities. These samples were subsequently processed and sorted in the laboratory, offering attendees a direct, hands-on encounter with real specimens and field data. On October 7, participants attended a lecture on copepod diversity and taxonomy led by renowned expert Dr. Pedro Martinez Arbizu. The session provided an in-depth look at one of the most abundant and diverse meiofaunal taxa. Afterward, the group conducted additional sampling at a low-tide beach, followed by laboratory analysis and microscopy of the newly collected specimens. The final two days featured a combination of advanced lectures and rigorous lab work. Topics included major meiofaunal groups such as nematodes, kinorhyncha, tardigrades, loriciferans, and foraminiferans, alongside sessions on molecular biology, advanced imaging techniques, and the application of scanning electron microscopy and ECOTAXA software for species documentation and identification. Between the expert-led sessions, participants worked individually and collaboratively to identify collected meiofauna under the microscope, reinforcing both their theoretical and practical learning. Beyond technical training, MeioScool 2025 fostered meaningful international collaboration and scientific exchange. Participants had the opportunity to interact with prominent meiofauna researchers and fellow trainees from various countries, building networks that can support future collaborative projects and research endeavors. For Mr. Tucong, this workshop serves as a significant milestone in his professional development as a marine researcher. The knowledge and skills he gained, particularly in specimen collection, taxonomic identification, and analytical techniques, will directly support ongoing and future research initiatives at MSU at Naawan. His enhanced expertise strengthens the university’s capacity to investigate marine biodiversity, contributes to a deeper understanding of local and regional ecosystems, and supports evidence-based conservation and management of coastal and marine environments. Moreover, his participation reinforces MSU at Naawan’s commitment to global engagement and scientific excellence, reflecting the institution’s dedication to nurturing researchers who can contribute to international discourse and research frontiers. The connections and collaborations initiated during the workshop will help open doors for joint studies, academic exchanges, and international partnerships in marine science. Mr. Tucong returns home equipped with sharpened fieldwork and taxonomic skills, ready to share his learnings with students and colleagues and support MSU at Naawan’s expanding role in marine biodiversity research, further advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge that promotes sustainable development in aquatic ecosystems.

Mindanao State University at Naawan recently wrapped up a successful week-long visit from Ms. Maria Angelina Platt of the University of Gießen, Germany, an initiative that significantly boosted the university’s push toward global internationalization. From October 13 to October 17, 2025, Ms. Platt’s presence served as a strategic platform for strengthening academic collaboration, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and exchanging innovative educational practices, fulfilling MSUN’s commitment to enhancing its global visibility. The university specifically aimed to share its best practices in teacher education, which heavily emphasize community engagement and contextualized instruction, while offering Ms. Platt the opportunity to deeply explore Filipino culture through the lens of a local academic environment. The German academic’s itinerary provided a comprehensive look at MSUN’s core functions, beginning with an immersion into the academic heartbeat of the institution. On October 15, Ms. Platt delivered a key talk on educational innovations before engaging in a hands-on Immersion with an Education class within the College of Education and Social Sciences (CESS), allowing her to directly observe local pedagogical styles. This academic focus was further enriched through research tours and knowledge-sharing sessions with the Research on Environment and Nanotechnology Laboratories (REYLabs) and the Center for Microplastics Research and Innovation, as well as participation in an agroforestry fieldwork in Lasang, Initao, Misamis Oriental. A pivotal moment demonstrating the university’s community-centric philosophy was the visit to Lubillan on October 16, where Ms. Platt witnessed the impact of the SAPNAY Project and met with the Higaonon Council of Elders, illustrating how MSUN integrates its academic mission with local development. The entire visit, organized by various offices including the Office of Global Engagement and Partnership, DARES Center, CESS, Office of Gender and Development, and the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao, was deemed a major success, achieving its goal of providing mutual learning opportunities. MSUN faculty and students benefited from exposure to Germany’s teacher education frameworks, enriching their global outlook, while Ms. Platt gained invaluable, firsthand experience with unique Filipino best practices in education. University officials believe this productive exchange with the University of Gießen will pave the way for future, more extensive institutional partnerships, ultimately contributing to MSUN’s broader mission of cultivating globally competent graduates and educators.

Faculty-researcher Ms. Rochelle A. Paculba of Mindanao State University at Naawan earned recognition as Best Presenter during the 7th International Conference on Agriculture and Bioindustry (ICAGRI 2025) held on October 8–9, 2025, at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture of Universitas Syiah Kuala, ICAGRI 2025 served as a global platform that united leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners under the theme “Advancing Global Agricultural Innovations, Sustainability, and Food Security.” The conference aimed to foster meaningful discussions and collaborations shaping the future of agriculture and bioindustry. Ms. Paculba presented her study titled “Effects of Fermented Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) Leaf Meal Supplementation on Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.),” a research highlighting the potential of alternative feed resources for poultry production. The study investigated the effects of incorporating fermented water lettuce leaf meal on broiler chicken performance, carcass quality, and overall meat attributes—providing insights into sustainable feed innovation and livestock nutrition enhancement. Her recognition as Best Presenter underscores the relevance and scientific rigor of her research, as well as her effective delivery and engagement during the presentation. The findings contribute to the broader pursuit of eco-friendly agricultural practices, aligning with ICAGRI’s advocacy for sustainability, innovation, and food security in the global agricultural landscape. Through participation in prestigious international research gatherings such as ICAGRI 2025, Mindanao State University at Naawan reaffirms its commitment to advancing agricultural science, promoting sustainability, and strengthening global research collaborations. Ms. Paculba’s achievement reflects MSUN’s dedication to producing impactful research that bridges local innovation with international scientific excellence.

Faculty-researcher from the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Ms. Raisa Marie H. Bacasnot, presented her team’s research at the 13th International Fisheries Symposium (IFS 2025) held on October 6–9, 2025, at Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia. Hosted by Universitas Diponegoro and organized by ASEAN-FEN, IFS 2025 brought together scientists, academicians, practitioners, and policymakers from across ASEAN and beyond. The symposium served as an important venue for sharing innovative research, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and strengthening regional collaboration in marine science and innovation. Ms. Bacasnot presented the study titled “Status and Baseline Assessment of Coastal Fisheries in RT Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay, Southern Philippines.” The research provided a comprehensive assessment of the current condition and productivity of local coastal fisheries, while also highlighting the socio-economic challenges faced by fishing communities. The team’s findings offered valuable insights into the declining fishery resources in RT Lim and underscored the need for science-based management measures and policy support. By identifying key factors influencing sustainability and local livelihoods, the study contributes to the development of adaptive management strategies, encourages community-based resource stewardship, and supports evidence-based decision-making for coastal governance. Its implications go beyond the local context, offering useful approaches for sustainable fisheries management in other coastal areas of the Philippines and the ASEAN region. Through its participation in global research platforms like IFS 2025, Mindanao State University at Naawan reaffirms its commitment to nurturing sustainable aquatic ecosystems, improving food security, and building stronger international collaborations. Ms. Bacasnot’s presentation embodies the dedication of MSUN researchers to advancing local science with global relevance, empowering coastal communities, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the shared vision of healthy and thriving oceans.

Mindanao State University at Naawan continues to expand its international footprint as it took part in the UTM Global Connect 2025 and the 14th UTM University Presidents Forum (UPF) 2025, held on October 7–8, 2025, at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), this year’s event welcomed more than 50 universities from 18 countries, creating a vibrant community of higher education leaders, industry partners, researchers, and policymakers. Guided by the theme “Navigating the Intelligent Age for Global University Excellence,” the forum served as a dynamic arena where innovation met collaboration, and where global partnerships were strengthened through shared ideas and meaningful dialogue. At the heart of the gathering, the 14th University Presidents Forum (UPF) provided university leaders with an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of higher education in an increasingly complex world, especially in developing nations. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and the UPF Presidents’ Round Table, participants explored how universities can lead in driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development across borders. Representing MSU at Naawan were Dr. Benjoe Rey Visayas, Director for Global Engagement and Partnership, and Assistant Professor Rhoy F. Castillo, Campus Secretary. Both actively joined sessions and discussions that focused on building stronger institutional collaborations, promoting innovation in education, and advancing global engagement. Their presence highlighted MSU at Naawan’s growing visibility in the international arena and its continuing commitment to globally relevant, research-driven education. Running alongside the forum, UTM Global Connect 2025 also featured three major events including the INATEX 2025, NALI 2025, and the 4th D-8 NPRI Summit, each highlighting how technology, artificial intelligence, and research can create real-world impact across sectors. Through its active participation, MSU at Naawan reaffirmed its commitment to internationalization, collaboration, and innovation, in line with the MSU System’s thrusts of global competitiveness and inclusive growth. The university’s involvement in these events strengthens its role as a hub of knowledge and partnership, bridging communities and ideas toward a smarter, more connected, and sustainable future.