UP's Pride and Glory

Academic Year 2019-2020 begins

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Achievements

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao opened the first semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 with 111 graduate and 727 undergraduate students. University officials, faculty members and staff welcomed the 340 First Year students at the University Convocation for First-Year Students on 5 August 2019. Chancellor Digal also led the swearing of new University Student Council officers (in photo, right).

In a highlight on 7 August, the School of Management reviewed the agribusiness research and development in Mindanao at the “Agribusiness Economics and Management Forum: Works and Achievements of Prof. Sylvia B. Concepcion” held in Lorenzo Hall. Colleagues recalled the research projects from the vegetable supply chain started by Prof. Concepcion that had grown to include value chain studies in tuna, corn, palay, kalamansi, mango, and Cavendish bananas, and had broadened to encompass aspects of gender, environment, poverty, jobs creation, and capability-building of farmers and researchers. In her response, Prof. Concepcion expressed her satisfaction at seeing people continuing what she started and acknowledged the Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao for having undertaken the development journey alongside UP Mindanao.

In a welcome surprise from students, BA Communication and Media Arts sophomores Catherine Joy Catulong and Jasmine Nicolle Jain won a Special Jury Prize in the 2019 Cinemalaya Campus Short Shorts Competition for their short film "Praktis" in ceremonies held on 13 August. Films by students from the Bicol Region, Iloilo City, and Davao City were showcased in the competition.

On 9 August, the Center for the Advancement of Research and engagement in Mindanao organized the In-House Research Review for selected research projects to prepare these for publication, possible patentable technologies, and contributions to sustainable development goals for Mindanao. The research presentations on smallholder Cavendish banana farmers and livelihood in conflict-vulnerable areas, map-making for flood effects and risks in southeastern Mindanao, and marine fishes in Davao and Sulu were among the externally-funded projects presented. The smallholder goat value chains, the pollination ecology of cultivated durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.), the molecular characterization of bats, and the environmental compliance of the UP Mindanao campus were among the internally-funded projects. In addition, researches on the nitrate/nitrite levels in longgonisa, the potential antioxidant and anticancer food components from various plant sources, and the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolates from the UP Mindanao culture collection completed the presentations that were heard by a panel of experts from partner universities. Assistant professors Joseph Acosta [map-making] and Fritzie Camino [pollination ecology] were named best presenters for the external- and internal-funded research, respectively.

On 15 August, Prof. Joel Cuello, a world-renowned professor of agricultural bio-systems engineering of the University of Arizona, delivered a landmark public lecture on the topic "Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem of the Philippines Toward Inclusive National Development" as part of the UP World Experts Lecture Series. In his talk, Prof. Cuello envisioned a stronger and deeper tripartite partnership between academe, government, and industry in the Philippines in order to create a science and technology innovation ecosystem that can drive the economy forward, similar to Silicon Valley in the United States.

In closing, Prof. Cuello showed photos of his projects such as bio-system farms inside buildings and his academic institution, “This is my university, the University of Arizona in Tucson. I hope you can visit and it is my sincere hope is that we’ll have long term relationship with UP Mindanao,” he concluded.

On 29 August, UP Mindanao welcomed a delegation of professors from the Republic of China (Taiwan) National Sun Yat Sen University (NSYSU) Department of Biological Sciences and the Institute of Medical Science and Technology. The UP Mindanao panel presented its research projects having common areas of study with the visitors: genomics, anticancer drug discovery, reef fisheries, flood hazard mapping, organic polymer science, polylactic acid, and artificial intelligence and robotics. The two parties discussed possible research collaborations, faculty and student exchanges, and joint academic offerings. UP Mindanao also arranged the visits of the NSYSU team to the Davao Colleges and Universities Network, Davao Medical School Foundation, Ateneo de Davao University, and University of Southeastern Philippines.

These public service highlights in August are among the contributions of UP Mindanao in fulfillment of its mandates as a graduate university, a research university, and a public service university as it moves toward it's 25th anniversary in 2020.

Highlights for July, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Achievements

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16 July - UP President's Advisory Council Meeting

17-18 July - UP Mindanao Management Committee mid-year reporting

20 July - Fumigation in the campus

23-24 July - Teaching Effectiveness Workshop

23 July - Bioplastic Global Satellite Symposium in UP Mindanao

26 July - Davao City-wide Earthquake and Tsunami Drill

27 July - Enactus Business Innovation Idea Challenge

29 July - Research Planning Workshop

30 July - Information Seminar on GSIS Programs

ARCHITECTURE GRADUATES PASS BOARD EXAM, 4 JULY 2019

The Professional Regulation Commission released the results of the June 2019 Architect Licensure Exam four days after the end of the exams on 30 June. Some 2,104 passed from among the 3,172 takers, or equivalent to 66%. UP Mindanao's BS Architecture graduates again achieved a 100%-passing rate in the June 2019 Examination with 14 passers. The new licensed architects are Ar. Dax Raymond S. Aznar, Ar. Fayanna P. Cerillo, Ar. John Christien G. Dacalos, Ar. Charisse Alexia S. Dinopol, Ar. Abegail Imee R. Enriquez, Ar. Reyl B. Espirituoso, Ar. Eiries Von B. Estilloso, Ar. Mercy B. Gomez, Ar. Kim O. Laguitao, Ar. Christine C. Laniba, Ar. Jomarie Viel R. Maglunob, Ar. Kate C. Patayon, Ar. Sherwin O. Puntas, and Ar. Ceino Rey U. Quimintan.

BS FOOD TECHNOLOGY THESES AWARDED, 12 JULY

Ms. Ella Angelique M. Bucoya (BS Food Technology 2019, cum laude) and faculty adviser Prof. NGV Fundador won 1st Prize in the 2019 Philippine Association of Food Technologists Undergraduate Research Competition held on 12 July 2019 in Quezon City, for her work on the research entitled, "Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using mangosteen pericarp extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial properties."

Ms. Pete Maverick Nicole Estudillo (BSFT 2019, summa cum laude) was awarded 1st prize for her poster and 2nd prize for her oral presentation of her thesis "Anti-oxidant and anti-cancer potential of artocarpus fruit wastes" in the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Prof. Joel Hassan G. Tolentino served as her thesis adviser.

UPMIN IN THE NEWS IN JULY

"Omics: Unraveling Mindanao's DNA," Read it here, http://bit.ly/2XQo4Yc.

"IN SHOW: 'The City Who Had Two Navels' at the Metropolitan Museum | Inquirer Lifestyle. Read it here http://bit.ly/2Z8Qqyi

"Davao region's top sports facilities," SunStar-Davao. Read it here: http://bit.ly/2Y0sPDq

15 JULY 2019 - LAST CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR ICAEM 2019

The last call for abstracts of papers and posters for ICAEM 2019 is on 15 July 2019. ICAEM 2019, or the 9_^th International Conference on Agribusiness Economics and Management, will be on the theme of, "Inclusivity, Innovation, and sustainability in Agricultural Value Chains." Abstracts may be submitted online to: https://goo.gl/forms/fQdlzSdkl8druNuz2. For more information, visit the website: https://icaem2019.wixsite.com/conference-details, or email <;

VISIT OF NEW ACIAR AGRIBUSINESS RESEARCH MANAGER, 15 JULY

Mr. Howard Hall, the new Research Program Manager for Agribusiness of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and ACIAR Country Ms. Mai Alagcan visited UP Mindanao on 15 July 2019. The ACIAR team was received by Chancellor Larry Digal, research director Dr. Emma Ruth Bayogan, former project proponents Dr. Sylvia Concepcion and Ms. Roxanne Aguinaldo, and ACIAR alumni coordinator and ICAEM conference organizer Ms. Marilou Montiflor. The UP Mindanao team gave a briefing for the ACIAR team on the long-standing ACIAR-UP Mindanao research partnership, particularly in the areas of vegetable and mango value chains, including the experiences and lessons learned in linking smallholder farmers and the private sector. The preparations for the upcoming 9th International Conference on Agribusiness, Economics and Management (ICAEM) that is co-funded by ACIAR, was also shared with Mr. Hall. The ACIAR is a partner of the Australian Government’s aid program in the Philippines to promote prosperity, reduce poverty, enhance stability, and to help respond to the Philippines’ agricultural research and development priorities.

TUKLAS LUNAS MANUALS LAUNCHED, 17 JULY

The Tuklas Lunas® Protocols for Drug Discovery and Development Manuals were presented in a book-launch on 17 July 2019, during the celebration of the 2019 National Science and Technology Week at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila. This is the final output of the “Standard protocols for drug discovery and development Research project” under Dr. Rita Grace Alvero of Pharmalytics Corporation as the project leader and Dr. Amelia P. Guevara as the editor. The seven manuals produced were a collaborative effort of the researchers/experts involved in the Drug Discovery and Development Program of DOST-PCHRD. The team of Dr. Aleyla E. De Cadiz and Mr. Adrian Almeria of the UP Mindanao Department of Biological Science and Environmental Studies wrote the SOP Guidelines on the “Collection and Processing of Terrestrial Plant Samples for Drug Discovery and Development” under the Manual 1: Collection and Extraction of Biosources and Purification of Bioactives.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr Rowena P. Guevara and DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya received the Manuals from Dr. Marita Reyes, Dr. Malou Nicolas, Dr. Christine Hernandez, Dr. Aleyla De Cadiz, Dr. Fabian Dayrit, Dr. Irene Villaseñor, Dr. Rita Alvero, Dr. Hiyas Junio, and former DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Amelia P. Guevara.

FUMIGATION TO PREVENT DENGUE, 20 JULY

The Health Services Section of the Office of Student Affairs, in coordination with the City Health Office, will conduct a fumigation/fogging in the UP Mindanao campus buildings and grounds on 20 July 2019 to control the spread of dengue disease. University constituents are advised to vacate the areas on the said day.

BIOPLASTIC GLOBAL SATELLITE SYMPOSIUM, 23 July 2019

UP Mindanao will host the "Bioplastic Global Satellite Symposium" on 23 July 2019. This is part of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Core to Core Program “Japan-Southeast Asia Collaboration Hub of Bioplastic Study” that started in 2017, a three-year program funded by the JSPS. The program aims to establish linkages on bioplastic-related research between Japan and South-East Asian countries namely Malaysia, Indonesia Thailand, and the Philippines. Participating institutions of this program are Osaka University, The University of Tokyo, Riken, Hokkaido University, Gunma University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Nagoya University, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Chulalongkorn University, Indonesian Institute of Sciences-(LIPI) and University of the Philippines. In 2017, a kick-off symposium was held at Osaka University and a satellite symposium at the University of Tokyo. The following year the symposium was held at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. This year it will be hosted by the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Visit the website here: http://www.jspscorephilippine.com/

TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS WORKSHOP, 23-24 JULY

A Teaching Effectiveness Workshop was organized by the Interactive Learning Center/Learning Resource Center on 23-24 July 2019 with Prof. Roja Rivera and Prof. Maria Rowena Raymundo of UP Open University as resource persons. The participants crafted learning tools that were presented at the culmination of the workshop.

MASTER IN MGT. BRIDGE PROGRAM, 24-25 JULY

The Master of Management program conducted a two-day Bridge Program for incoming MM students. General information was provided by MM program coordinator Asst. Prof. Glory Dee Romo, Registrar John Bengan, College Secretary Vlademir Shuck, and Librarian Briccio Merced. Special topics were discussed by assistant professors Glory Dee Romo, Aurelia Luzviminda Gomez, Roxanne Aguinaldo, Lemuel Calatrava, Thaddeus Acuna, Exegesis Jedidiah Ebarle, and Dean Pedro Alviola IV.

HAWKER PRIZE FOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN POETRY, 25 JULY

Alumnus Jeffrey B. Javier [BA English, Creative Writing] was awarded 2nd Place in the 2019 Hawker Prize for Southeast Asian Poetry in an announcement published online on 25 July 2019. Javier was awarded for his poem “Mama Was Reciting from the Book of Revelation.” Read the poem here: http://bit.ly/2GuOVD7. Jeffrey was a First Prize Winner in the "Reconciliation" Poetry Contest of Cha: An Asian Literary Journal in 2014 for his poem "Blackout." His poems have been published in local and international publications and on-line journals. He was a fellow of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop and the Iligan Writers Workshop. He is currently taking MA in Creative Writing in UP Diliman. He is a member of the Davao Writers Guild and has been designated Workshop Director for the Davao Writers Workshop in November 2019.

3rd DAVAO CITY-WIDE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI DRILL, 26 JULY 2019

"Get READY to SHAKE OUT; 3rd Davao City-wide Earthquake and Tsunami Drill" will be held on 26 July, Friday, 9:00 A.M. All UP Mindanao constituents are called to participate. The UP Mindanao Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Administration is the coordinating unit for the university. For more information, call City Disaster Risk-Reduction and Monitoring Office at (082)2952387 or 2969626 local 211.

ENACTUS IDEA CHALLENGE, 27 July 2019

A mobile game proposal by a team of UP Mindanao students was selected as one of five national finalists in the Enactus Business Innovation Idea Challenge. BS Computer Science seniors Paula Ann Gabrielle I. Yap, Mia Wednesday Faith B. Tom, and Jeselle Kimberly M. Carriedo were selected for their proposal entitled, "Mobile Rabies, Bye Bye." The team described their proposal as a game for mobile phones that is designed for rabies control and eradication. The idea originated from a call for proposals from the S.T.O.P. Rabies research program of UP Mindanao. Asst. Prof. Miguel Carlo Guillermo of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science and Mr. Albert Francis Reginald Ramos of the Department of Human Kinetics are the team advisers. The team will present their proposal in oral presentations in the grand finals to be held at the SMX convention Center in Pasay City on 27 July 2019.

RESEARCH PLANNING WORKSHOP, 29 JULY

A research Planning workshop on the theme "Shaping the Future of Research, Development, and Engagement (RDE) in Mindanao: Setting our Agenda for the Next Five Years" was organized by the newly-constituted Center for the Advancement of Research, Development, and Engagement in Mindanao (CARIM) for UP Mindanao researchers and faculty members. Chancellor Larry Digal gave the welcome remarks and an inspirational message wherein he enjoined everyone to do research in teams by invoking his experiences in the banana research and other projects. CARIM Director Emma Ruth Bayogan presented strategies for research productivity through CARIM. University Researcher Mitchiko Lopez and Extension Specialist Michael Noel Bonghanoy spoke on targeting funding and on strategies for improving research outputs, respectively. Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nilo Oponda gave updates on UP Mindanao's research initiatives. The workshop proper focused on crafting multi- and inter-disciplinary research programs for targeted funding.

INFORMATION SEMINAR ON GSIS PROGRAMS, 30 JULY

Mr. Deity U. Manampan, Branch Head of GSIS Region-XI, will lead an Information Seminar on GSIS Programs on 30 July 2019, 9 AM - 12 NN, at the CHSS AVR, Administration Bldg., UP Mindanao. The Seminar will convey information on the new GSIS benefit programs, refresh knowledge on existing policies, and address/clarify personal GSIS-related concerns. Active GSIS members are requested to review their membership records and statement of loan accounts via the Electronic GSIS Member Online (eGSISMO) facility in preparation for the seminar: https://egsismo.gsis.gov.ph/eGSISMO/

MOA WITH BETA SIGMA FOR "ISKOLAR GUIDE" MOBILE APP, 30 JULY

UP Mindanao and Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association-Southern Mindanao Chapter signed a memorandum of agreement for Betan Kenn Gerard Cal (BS Computer Science 2009) to create, operate, and administer an Android mobile phone application to aid students and the public to navigate the UP Mindanao campus.

WEBOMETRICS RANKING, 2019

The January 2019 edition of Webometrics Ranking of World Universities is published at http://www.webometrics.info/en/Asia/Philippines. University of the Philippines Diliman is still the country's no. 1 university based on web presence, impact, openness and excellence, the Spanish National Research Council’s Webometrics has reported. UP Mindanao is ranked at 13th nationwide and 2nd in Mindanao in the 2019 Top 200 Universities and Colleges in the Philippines.

Architecture grads pass June exam, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Achievements

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BS Architecture graduates of the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao bested the national passing rate in the June 2019 Architect Licensure Examination when they achieved a 100%-passing rate once again. This was revealed after the Professional Regulation Commission released the results of the exam where 2,104 passed among the 3,172 takers or equivalent to a 66% national passing rate. The newly licensed architects from UP Mindanao are Ar. Dax Raymond S. Aznar, Ar. Fayanna P. Cerillo, Ar. John Christien G. Dacalos, Ar. Charisse Alexia S. Dinopol, Ar. Abegail Imee R. Enriquez, Ar. Reyl B. Espirituoso, Ar. Eiries Von B. Estilloso, Ar. Mercy B. Gomez, Ar. Kim O. Laguitao, Ar. Christine C. Laniba, Ar. Jomarie Viel R. Maglunob, Ar. Kate C. Patayon, Ar. Sherwin O. Puntas, and Ar. Ceino Rey U. Quimintan.

The UP Mindanao Architecture program has been able to maintain its 100%-passing record for a number of years and has produced eight passers to the top-ten rankings. Apart from the board exam reviews undertaken outside of the university, students of the program also take mock exams or the architecture instructional exam. The undergraduate thesis topics in the architecture program include housing studies, materials development, and heritage and indigenous architecture, all of which contribute to UP Mindanao’s built environment research. Public service through participation in industry fairs further hone the students’ abilities.

After earning their licenses and proceeding to professional practice, a number of the architects have also pursued careers as faculty members in various architecture schools in Mindanao. Some have taken higher studies in the UP Mindanao Diploma/Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning to better serve the needs of various sectors in the region, particularly in the practice of environment and natural resources, public works, transportation, and estate planning. Graduates from this program have also earned licenses as professional environmental planners, which further extend their scope of service to development in Mindanao.

Highlights in May, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Achievements

SEMINARS ON EARTHQUAKES AND ILLEGAL DRUGS

Earthquake awareness and dangerous drugs were the subjects of seminars organized by the Office of Student Affairs on 6 May 2019 as part of character and leadership development of students, and the well-being of university constituents. The Earthquake Safety Orientation and Level 2 Drill were held in the morning with Mr. Primo Cruz, disaster risk reduction management consultant of Barangay Matina, as resource person. Mr. Cruz reported on the existence of earthquake fault lines in various locations in Davao City. He focused on a fault line in Barangay Mintal, namely the Dakudao Fault which he traced in relation to various local landmarks. The earthquake level 1 and 2 drills were undertaken to rehearse participants to think through emergency response actions during the drill and to review actions afterward. Level 1 drill was the duck-cover-hold practice beginning from the room, extending to movement through the corridor, to building evacuation, and outdoor assembly at the Oblation. Level 2 drill was the basic life safety drill. This included the head-count of evacuees, the search and rescue of missing persons, evaluation of patient condition, application of first aid using bandage, splint, and transporting without a stretcher. The participants were employees, of physical education and NSTP, and dormitory residents. The Lecture on Drugs was in the afternoon. Mr. Noli Nephi Dimaandal, chief of the Preventive Education and Involvement Section of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region XI, served as resource person. Mr. Dimaandal spoke on the laws governing illegal drugs, the penalties, and their agency. He described the effects of illegal drugs on the body and warned against the possession, use, and selling of illegal drugs. He also brought sealed samples of the illegal substances for the viewing of the audience. The seminar audience also included employees, students, and the university security guards.

SOM INVESTMENTS SYMPOSIUM

The School of Management organized the “UP Mindanao School of Management (SOM) Investment Symposium 2019” on 6 May 2019 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Lorenzo Hall, Administration Building. Prof. Lemuel O. Calatrava and his ABE191i class, in partnership with the Society of Agribusiness Economists (SoABE), were the organizers with their objective being to provide a venue for UP Mindanao constituents to enhance their financial literacy. The event was divided into two segments. In Part 1: Investing in Financial Instruments, Mr. John Philip Billones (First Metro Securities Business Development Associate) and Mr. Roberto Marco N. Samson (First Metro Securities Business Development Mindanao Head) discussed the Fundamentals of the Stock Market, and Technical Analysis of Stocks, respectively. In Part 2: Investing in Agricultural Projects, Mr. Edwin O. Banquerigo (Asst. Regional Director of Dept. of Trade and Industry-Region 11) discussed DTI’s RAPID Growth Project. RAPID means Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development. A total of 54 UP Mindanao students and administrative personnel attended the event.

"SAKDAL" DANCE CONCERT

The UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble performed “Sakdal,” a full-length dance concert, on 10 May 2019 at the Mari Dance Studio, Davao City. Admission was open to the general public, free of charge. The show was introduced as a collection of contemporary and improvisational dances on current social issues. The Dance Ensemble is a university resident company that is open for membership to students from all courses. It is housed under the UP Mindanao Department Human Kinetics and is currently led by Coach Ira Sisa Aparra (BACA 2017). See the photos here.

BRONZE MEDAL FROM ARAFURA GAMES

SWIMMER Juan Antonio A. Mendoza (4BS Agribusiness Economics) has returned to the campus after traveling with the Philippine contingent to compete in the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. He reported that the Philippines was in first place among a number of nations represented in the Games. Juan Antonio, himself, won a bronze medal in the 200 meters Individual Medley. He will present it to Chancellor Larry Digal soon. Juan Antonio was away for two weeks, from 23 April-7 May 2019. He described Darwin as a city of the outdoors with a broad coastline and a beach front. Now, he is looking forward to presenting and defending his thesis paper on Filipino production and consumption before his adviser Dr. Pedro Alviola IV. The photo was taken before he left for the Games.

"DUYAN," KORO KANTAHANAY CONCERT

Koro Kantahanay chorale, a UP Mindanao resident company, performed in "Duyan: A Concert for a Cause" on 11 May 2019 at the CAP Auditorium, Davao City. Koro alumni Joey Vargas, Yas Ocampo, Jessi Anne Aligato, and other alumni co-organized the concert for the benefit of House of Hope, a transient home for children undergoing cancer treatment in Davao City. The concert featured student members and alumni who performed their repertoire under student choirmaster Juven Nino Villacastin. The Koro Kantahanay has performed in local and international choral events since it was founded in 2001.

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

A mock-election was carried out by the student council on 8 May 2019, which results were posted on campus bulletin board and on social media. The PRO advertised the UP Dept. of Political Science website, "upsahalalan2019.up.edu.ph," that featured images of ballots in local areas with names of local and national candidates. The website also featured issues on political dynasties and the environment.

S.T.O.P. Rabies music video

Asst. Prof. May Anne E. Mata (Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science), a project leader of the Synoptic Study on Transmission and Optimum Control to Prevent Rabies (S.T.O.P. Rabies) research program, produced a music video to widen public awareness on rabies and its prevention. The video was uploaded to YouTube on 13 May for online dissemination. See the video here: http://bit.ly/2XGQwR4

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CAMP

Teachers from local high schools spent some of their vacation time for learning in the “Molecular Biology Camp for Teachers” at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao on 14-18 May 2019. The training was organized by the Philippine Genome Center-Mindanao Satellite Facility (PGC-MSF) Science Education and Training Division to capacitate teachers and to create interest among their students. The lectures introduced the uses of molecular biology to detect, diagnose, and monitor diseases in health, detect risks and food-borne pathogens in food, diagnose crop or livestock disease in agriculture, and other uses for sustainable development. The hands-on laboratory training included DNA extraction from fish tissue, primer design, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and other techniques. PGC-MSF project leader Prof. Lyre Anni Murao told the teachers, “Our mandate is to spread omics research (e.g. genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics) throughout Mindanao, starting with the teachers. Our next training batch will be with students. We hope you can influence your students to discover the exciting and interesting field of molecular biology and omics.” Speaking on behalf of his fellow trainees, Mr. Sherwin Fortugaliza of Davao City National High School said, “We’ll give our sincere effort to encourage our students to know more of molecular biology as a significant and promising field. With the challenges that the Department of Education family is facing on trainings in the sciences, we will look for ways to motivate our learners to go into the field of molecular sciences.” The other schools who were represented in the training through their teachers were Sirib National High School, Tacunan NHS, Mintal Comprehensive NHS, Catalunan Pequeño NHS, Crossing Bayabas NHS, Panabo NHS, Daniel R. Aguinaldo NHS, Tagakpan NHS, Doña Carmen Denia NHS, Philippine College of Technology, and Ateneo de Davao University.

WRITESHOP ON OMICS RESEARCH PROPOSALS

The Philippine Genome Center-Mindanao Satellite Facility (PGC-MSF) held the “Writeshop on Omics Research Proposals” for personnel of research institutions on 30 May 2019 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao. The organizations who were represented at the write-shop were Tagum Development Corporation, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Bureau of Plant Industry, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Davao del Norte State College, Compostela Valley State College, Ateneo de Davao University, and UP Mindanao. Dr. Lyre Anni Murao and Dr. Annabelle Novero served as Resource Persons through their respective talks on “Principles and Applications from Molecular Biology to Omics” and “How to Write a Good Grant Proposal." Project Officer Ediflor Yanong and Project Assistant Marian Luayon spoke on “Guidelines on Submission of Proposals to DOST and DA.” University Researcher Wilson Aala gave the “Introduction to PGC Facilities.” Dr. Murao, Dr. Novero, Dr. Aleyla de Cadiz and Dr. Joel Hassan Tolentino served as Facilitators in the Breakout Sessions. Some of the participants formulated capsule proposals relating to assessments of diseases or contaminants in selected subjects.

KITE FESTIVAL

The Dept. of Human Kinetics and the NSTP classes organized a Kite Festival on 18 May in the DC-UP Sports Complex. The event is the first in the campus and it is hoped that this will be an annual event ion the future. The Festival theme was on "ASEAN unity," and featured designs from ASEAN member countries. The Festival observed standard rules and criteria. Prof. Armando Salazar, Prof. Maria Stella Salazar, and Instructor Jerzreel Abarca served as judges, while Instructor Albert Ramos served as overall coordinator.

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH MONDE NISSIN CORP.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Monde Nissin Corporation recently for the research, development, and industrial use of Direct Lactic Acid Technology, which can contribute to sustainable production and consumption and other sustainable development goals. UP Mindanao Chancellor Larry Digal and Monde Nissin Executive Vice President Henry Soesanto signed the agreement. With Monde Nissin as an industry partner, UP Mindanao was able to secure funding from the Department of Science and Technology’s Collaborative Research And Development to Leverage the Economy (CRADLE) Program. In the agreement UP Mindanao will pursue further development of its DOST-funded CRADLE project titled, “Fermentation and Purification Research to Produce Food-Grade, Pharmaceutical-Grade and Polymer-Grade Lactic Acid.” Monde Nissin, for its part, will donate the required equipment for the UP Mindanao Fermentation and Purification Laboratory and provide other possible resources for the project to produce products or systems for renewable packaging technology, or other viable industrial applications. UP Mindanao’s collaboration with Monde Nissin is aligned with UP Mindanao’s plan to strengthen both its academe-industry linkage and its research and production process in order to convert the products of research into relevant public service. The collaboration, at the same time, contributes to the sustainable development goals for industry innovation, sustainable communities, responsible consumption and production, and for partnerships towards these goals.

UP Scientist I

Assoc. Prof. Annabelle U. Novero, from the Department of Biological Science and Environmental Studies, received her renewal of appointment as UP Scientist 1 under the UP Scientific Productivity System on 28 May 2019 in UP Diliman. She is the third UP Scientist from UP Mindanao after Prof. Larry Digal and Prof. Emma Ruth Bayogan.

PAINTING SELECTED FOR BEIJING BIENNALE

Asst. Prof. Teody Boylie Perez, from the Department of Humanities, will exhibit an oil painting in the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale in the People’s Republic of China. The painting entitled “Contrast of Life, 2018,” is done in the medium of oil on canvas, and is 4.5 feet high by 6.75 feet wide. The painting will on display at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, from 26 August to 23 September 2019.

NOTABLE PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL/ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

Kobayashi VB. 2019. Weighting strategies for the analysis of secondary outcomes in nested case-control metabolomics data. Paper presented at: Metabolomics 2019 Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands, May 2019.

Gamot RMT. 2019. Virus optimization algorithm for p-median problem. Poster presented at: Mathematical Society of the Philippines 2019 Conference, 27-29 May 2019, General Santos City. Winner: Best Poster.

Bengan JB. 2019. From the mother tongue, into the mother tongue: Translating from Cebuano to English, from English to Cebuano. Lecture given at: Pundok Katitikan 2019 Creative Writing Lecture Series, UP Cebu Creative Writing Program, 10 May 2019.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Frederick P. Omalza (BS Biology) of the UP Mindanao Debate Society was awarded as 4th Best Judge in the Taiwan Debate Open 2019; held in National Chengchi University, Taipei City, Republic of China (Taiwan) on 24-27 May 2019. His participation marks UP Mindanao’s first appearance in an international debate competition. He was selected and invited as an Independent Adjudicator of the tournament, which gathered the best debaters and judges from all over the Asia Pacific Region and Australia. The 2019 TDO Open category champion was Capstone ProAm, a composite team of debaters from China and Australia.

ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS WIN DESIGN CONTEST

BS Architecture students swept the top prizes in the Projéto Design Competition―to create a 30-square-meter living space―held on 11 May 2019 in the Philippine Building and Construction Expo (PhilBex) Davao. The "Flexi Filipino" design by senior students (in photo) was the Grand Winner, and the 1st and 2nd runners-up awards were won by first-year student teams. The entries were developed as exercises in the architecture classes which helped them win in a field of 15 entries from schools and architectural firms.

MANDAYA GRAMMAR WRITING WORKSHOP

The Department of Social Sciences organized a Mandaya Grammar-writing Workshop for teachers from the Mandaya indigenous people. The workshop aims to help localize the language curriculum by developing appropriate materials for better Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education for Kinder to Grade 3 learners, according to the grammar and culture of the indigenous communities. Resource person Dr. Ricardo Nolasco of the UP Department of Linguistics said, “This workshop is historic, for being the first grammar-writing workshop for the Mandaya language.” The participants were also taught the Bloom software application for assembling instructional materials. At the end of the workshop, the participants presented their instructional materials containing samples of Mandaya language spelling and grammar. The workshop was funded through the UP Academic Program Improvement (API) Fund, which is made available in order to strengthen the link and integration of education, research and creative work, and public service.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TRAINING FOR LGUS, SUCS

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao Geo-SAFER research program gave a series of training-seminars on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for academic and government personnel as a contribution to sustainable development in the region. The “Training and Mentoring for Partner Higher Education Institutions” was given on 27-29 May for Compostela Valley State College, Davao del Norte State College, Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, and University of Southeastern Philippines. The “Basic GIS Training” was given to LGU officers of Davao del Norte Province on 21-23 May and for LGU officers from the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Compostela Valley on 29-31 May. The training covered map preparation, flood exposure assessment and map interpretation, use of maps for disaster preparation and mitigation, and other techniques. The participants said the training will help to improve their local Climate and Disaster Risk Assessments and Comprehensive Land Use Plans.

CHED RESEARCH ON PUBLIC HEALTH

Chancellor Larry N. Digal welcomed Dr. Vicente Y. Belizario of the UP Manila College of Public Health and his team to the UP Mindanao campus on 31 May 2019. Dr. Belizario is the Principal Investigator of the research program, “Development of Innovative Strategies for the Control and Prevention of Neglected Tropical Parasitic Diseases to Contribute to Universal Health Care.” Dr. Aleyla de Cadiz of UP Mindanao Dept. of Biological Science and Environmental Studies and Dr. Rohani Cena of UP Manila are the Research Co-investigators. The team was in the campus for the Veterinary Public Health Component Coordination Meeting that brought together the program partners: veterinarians from local agencies, medical technicians, and a municipal sanitary inspector. The research program is funded by the Commission on Higher Education's Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities (DARE TO); a funding program that encourages research partnership among higher education institutions.

Flood hazard maps turned over, 2019

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in Achievements

Researchers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao turned over flood hazard maps to officials of southeastern Mindanao provinces on 11 April in Davao City. Printed copies and soft-copies of the maps, showing the probable flood events based on amounts of rain, were turned over by the Geo-Informatics for the Systematic Assessment of Flood Effects and Risks for a Resilient Mindanao, or Geo-SAFER Mindanao, in the presence of representatives from Department of Science and Technology.

UP Mindanao Project Leader Prof. Joseph Acosta in his remarks said, "It has been two years of field work that included wading into riverbeds. But, in any research endeavor, the most important action is the dissemination of the research output."

Some 24 river system watersheds were mapped by the UP Mindanao Geo-SAFER project over the two-year period: Davao Oriental with seven watersheds; Davao Occidental with four; Compostela Valley with five; Davao del Norte with three; and Davao del Sur with five, including two in Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in her message read by Davao City Planning Officer Ivan Cortez, said, "Being in the Ring of Fire and with the advent of Climate Change, the Philippines must be pro-active in utilizing technological advancement and facilitating information dissemination."

Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario, in his message said, "Filipinos are known for their resilience, but today we aim to become more resilient in terms of preparedness and disaster risk-reduction."

Receiving the maps on behalf of the provinces were their respective Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction Management Council (PDRMMC) representatives, Mr. Ritchie Jermia of Compostela Valley, Engr. Gina Chua of Davao del Sur, Mr. Francis Jason Bendulo of Davao Oriental, Ms. Noviejane Rojas of Davao del Norte, and Mr. Harry Chester Camoro of Davao Occidental. Mr. Jermia said, "The program of Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy is to strengthen the PDRRMC, and these maps will enhance our existing Early Warning Systems." Mr. Camoro said, "These maps will surely save a thousand lives."

As a testimony, Geosafer Mindanao Program Leader Engr. Meriam Makinano-Santillan related the successful evacuation of a village in Surigao from flood earlier in the year following a forecast from the project's computer application.

DOST-XI Regional Director Anthony Sales suggested that, "These maps should be presented to the Regional Development Council-XI to be used as their basis for policy-making and to enjoin the various local government units to use these maps."

UP Mindanao technical experts also provided a mini-seminar for the officials. Mr. Gus Kali Oguis spoke on on "Flood Map Generation", Engr. Ryan Calvo on the "Field Survey", and Ms. Trisha Mae Lopena on "Data Processing". Mr. Ryan Keath de Leon in his talk on "Flood Modeling" showed how to identify the appropriate map based on the period of rain.

Dean Dominica Dacera of the UP Mindanao College of Science and Mathematics in her message invited the attendees to avail of more science and technology facilities and services from UP Mindanao and to encourage their provincial youth to apply for the UP College Admission Test.

Also present in the forum were Office of Civil Defense-XI Regional Director Manuel Ochotorena, DENR-XI Mines and Geosciences Bureau Engr. Elac Paye, Damaso Vertido of MinLand, Bema Tajones of PAGASA, Jasper Cristobal of Mindanao Development Authority, Araceli Malate of Central 911, Lee Datuin of Compostela Valley State College, and their agencies' staff members.

The Geo-SAFER Mindanao program is being implemented by various higher educational institutions in Mindanao, with UP Mindanao assigned to Region XI. It continued the work started by the UP Mindanao Phil-Lidar 1 project which created maps for 13 rivers which were, likewise, turned over to local government units in 2017. The Phil-LiDAR 1 maps are still available at https://dream.upd.edu.ph.

UP's Pride and Glory

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