The "Mindanao Symposium on the Future of Agrifood Systems," on 16 November 2023 at the Acacia Hotel Davao, will gather local experts from various higher education institutions and stakeholders from government and other institutions to discuss the future of agrifood systems. The event is organized by the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) in partnership with Visayas State University (VSU) and the Agri-Aqua Value Chain Laboratory.

Acad. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines and UPMin professor emeritus, will headline the event as the plenary speaker. Drawing on his vast experience as a pioneering researcher and advocate for plant breeding, genetically modified crops, underutilized bioresources, and sustainable modern agriculture, he will talk about "Pathways to the Transformation of Philippine Food Systems."

Another highlight of the Mindanao Symposium is a roundtable discussion on the topic featuring the following esteemed panelists: UPMin agricultural economist and former chancellor Prof. Larry N. Digal; UPMin horticulturist Prof. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan; VSU economist Prof. Moises Neil V. Seriño; Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) assistant director Meliza F. Abeleda; and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) executive director Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz.

The invited panelists will bring to the fore their various perspectives on agrifood systems in relation to the rise of Industry 4.0, impacts of conflicts in Mindanao, environmental trade-offs, and the role of R&D in regional and national development. It is hoped that these discussions will lead to a fruitful discussion on potential solutions to the agrifood system challenges of today and spur innovative research that can address the concerns of tomorrow.

Participants of the symposium will also learn about various advances in agrifood system R&D through special sessions featuring outputs from the Agri-Aqua Value Chain Laboratory, a project by UP Mindanao funded by PCAARRD, and the Mindanao leg of the Roadshow of John Dillon Fellowship (JDF) Projects conducted by Philippine scholars (2021–23 cohort), projects funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and brought to different parts of the country through the efforts of VSU. Researches from various higher education institutions (HEIs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) will also be presented in oral and poster sessions.

The "Mindanao Symposium on the Future of Agrifood Systems" is the first of many research communication events that will be organized by the UPMin Office of Research, in partnership with various institutions in the country, to bring together scholars and stakeholders to discuss topics in line with the R&D niche areas of the university, namely: (1) Sustainable Agrifood Systems, (2) Biocultural Diversity, (3) Smart and Sustainable Environments, (4) Health, (5) Sports Development, and (6) Innovation.

The current Mindanao Symposium is also made possible with the support of the UP Mindanao Foundation Inc. (UPMFI) and the Southern Mindanao Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARDEC).

Mr. Jun Cagaanan facilitates the discussion on September 26, 2023

The UPMin officials at the orientation on September 26, 2023

The staff at the orientation on October 4, 2023

Chancellor Lyre Murao gives remarks at the KRA and KPI session on October 23, 2023

UPMin officials and staff began in October 2023 their journey towards creating a Quality Management System (QMS) and earning ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The officials and staff started with an ISO 9001:2015 orientation, the QMS appropriate to a public university. By the end of October, the unit representatives received their writeshop assignments.

From there, the UPMin units will undergo writeshops for QMS Development from 2023 towards the target of ISO Certification in early 2025.

"We are the smallest UP constituent university, but we aspire to be ISO-certified. We are creating a brand. A UPMin brand of service that we can be proud of. That UP Mindanao can offer its customers and stakeholders. I'm inviting you to be part of this journey," said Chancellor Lyre Murao.

"Quality Management begins with customer requirements and ends with customer satisfaction," said Mr. Perfecto "Jun" Cagaanan Jr., UPMin's lead trainer.

Towards ISO certification, the UPMin organization will establish a quality management system that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes.

Going through the cycle of "Plan, Do, Check, and Act" throughout the QMS will ultimately lead to internal and external customer satisfaction.

"It's time to break the silos. It's time to talk to each other and bring to the table our best ideas and best practices on how we can best serve the university, our students, and our partners," said Chancellor Murao.

"I know it's difficult because we have to shift our mindset and break down walls, but it's a wall worth breaking down. So, I hope you will join me to break that wall, shift our mindset, and be more customer-focused. That's the first element of ISO," she said.

UPMin's QMS will incorporate and update existing manuals such as the Operations Manual, the Citizen's Charters, and Administrative and Procurement processes. The UPMin organization will also align itself with PRIME-HRM, a mechanism for government agencies to improve their human resource management skills, systems, and practices.

Chancellor Lyre Murao shakes hands with Calinan NHS Principal Edgar Allan Bantigue

Officials of Calinan NHS (left) and UPMin (right) sign an agreement to collaborate on a sports track program.

UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao expressed confidence in the university's sports programs and its continuing contribution to Mindanao's sports development in remarks made upon signing a memorandum of agreement between UP Mindanao and Calinan National High School on October 20, 2023.

The agreement called for both parties to collaborate in the implementation of the high school's Sports Track program. The goal is to enhance students' interest, knowledge, and skills in sports through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and opportunities in sports.

UPMin will help in organizing the high school's sports program, provide mentors or experts to support the students' learning journey and facilitate opportunities for exposure.

UPMin has sports programs, such as the Associate in Arts in Sports Studies and the Bachelor in Sports Science, which high school graduates could aspire to join. Sports educators, on their part,  can avail of UPMin's Diploma in Exercise and Sports Science and the Master of Science in Human Movement Science.

Principal Edgar Allan Bantigue signed the agreement on behalf of Calinan National High School, witnessed by colleague Edgardo Bariquit.

Vice Chancellor Annabelle Novero, Department of Human Kinetics Chairperson Jezreel Abarca, and Asst. Prof. Erwin Protacio served as UPMin's witnesses to the agreement.