MSU at Naawan Faculty Recognized at 3rd ICFAS in Indonesia
Faculty members of Mindanao State University at Naawan showcased their expertise in agricultural sciences during the 3rd International Conference on Food and Agricultural Sciences (ICFAS), held on August 26–28, 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Associate Professor Richelle A. Niepes was acknowledged for her paper, “Physiological and Stress Responses of Broiler Chicks to Water Supplementation with Different Sugar Additives During the Brooding Stage,” co-authored with Assistant Professor Mark Anthony T. Maña and researcher Mc Alryn D. Patindol. The study provides valuable insights for the poultry industry by identifying cost-effective and practical strategies to reduce stress among broiler chicks during the crucial brooding stage, ultimately contributing to improved animal welfare and production efficiency.
Assistant Professor Maña also received distinction as the 2nd Best Presenter for his study, “Silage Quality and Nutritional Profile of Mombasa Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximum Jacq.) Combined with Selected Forage Legumes.” His research highlights the potential of integrating forage legumes with Mombasa Guinea Grass to enhance silage quality and nutritional value. This offers livestock farmers more sustainable feed alternatives that can improve animal nutrition while reducing dependency on expensive commercial feeds.
With the theme “From Smart Agriculture to Secure Plates: Ensuring Food Safety and Sustainability,” the conference provided a platform for researchers, scientists, and educators worldwide to exchange knowledge, innovations, and practices in advancing food security and agricultural sustainability.
Organized by the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, the event emphasized the role of collaborative research in addressing pressing global challenges.
The recognition of MSU at Naawan faculty at this international academic gathering reflects the university’s commitment to generating research that is not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant, supporting farmers, strengthening food security, and contributing to sustainable agriculture practices in the Philippines and beyond.
