1-31 October 2018 Chancellor’s Report

Goal: To contribute to development through

Intellectual Property resources for Commercialization

Enterococcus Faecium DMF78 microorganism was delivered to UP Mindanao from the custody of the Phil. National Collection of Microorganisms on 4 October 2018. This microorganism was isolated by former UP Mindanao Prof. Dulce M. Flores as the key element for the one-step production of lactic acid from starch. The microorganism is being handled by Dr. Melvin Pasaporte of the Technology Transfer & Business Development Office.

Curricula and Research for Policy with Public service

REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS: Society and Environment Vol. 13 (2019) journal accepted for publication the article "The use of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology and GIS in the assessment and mapping of bioresources in Davao Region, Mindanao Island, Philippines" by Annabelle U. Novero (Dept. of Bio. Sci.), Melvin S. Pasaporte, et al, on 18 October 2018. This is a product of the UP Mindanao Phil-LiDAR 2 project implemented in 2014-2017.

Collaboration for strengthening of Research and Curricula

THE MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY OF THE PHILIPPINES-Mindanao Research Conference & Organizational Meeting held on 24-26 October 2018 awarded Best Poster to Prof. Ritchie Mae Gamot of Dept. of Math., Physics, and Computer Science for her research "Modified intelligent water drops algorithm with perturbation operators for atomic cluster optimization".

Strengthening Academic curricula thru Innovation in Pedagogy

SEMINAR-WORKSHOP ON BLENDED LEARNING was held on 1-2 October 2018 for new and continuing faculty members with UP Open University faculty members Patricia B. Arinto, Charisse T. Reyes, and Roja L. Rivera as resource persons. The lectures were on the concepts, principles, and planning for Blended Learning, Teaching with Online Resources, and Integrating Online Discussion, Assessment Strategies, quizzes and exams, e-Journals, Collaborative writing, and Online presentations. Workshop activities were on finding an online resource and designing an online resource-based activity, planning an online discussion, designing an online assessment activity and an evaluation tool.

Strengthening Research agenda and Policy research with Public service

The PCAARRD-UPMindanao-Landcare LIFE (PULL) project sites in the Municipality of Surallah and Koronadal City, both in South Cotabato province, were provided with a workshop on drafting a memorandum of agreement and making a baseline survey for a community on 3-6 October 2016 by Ms. Shangrila Fuentes of Dept. of Social Science and Mr. Michael Gatela of the Office of Extension and Community Service.  Visits to the farms of individual and institutional partners were made as a form of inspiration. The research study dwells on agricultural practices in conflict-affected areas.

Strengthening Curricula with Policy research and partnership

PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPINES was a forum organized for Master of Management students and public officials on 6 October 2018 with Atty. Antonio B. Arellano, a member of the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution, as discussant. Atty. Arellano reviewed creation of each Philippine constitution, he described the characteristics of federalism in the Philippine context, the working process that his Committee undertook, and the features of the draft Constitution produced by the committee. The forum was co-organized by SOM Lecturer Maria Belen "Mabel" Acosta.

Strengthening research agenda and public service with internationalization

Visiting researcher Ms. Nipada Ranmeechai from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand met Chancellor Concepcion upon completing her March-October 2018 study tour in UP Mindanao with Prof. Emma Ruth Bayogan. Ms. Ranmeechai did research in eggplant and rice varieties that took her to Tagum City, the UP-Laak Land Reservation, Bayugan City, and Cabadbaran City as part of teams doing extension work with farmers.

Strengthening academic curricula with internationalization

ESSAYIST WILFREDO PASCUAL was invited to speak by Prof. John Bengan on the "Art of the Essay" to BA English students on 9 October 2018. He shared his personal process and its roots, starting with being an active youth, growing to be observant, developing reflection, and extensive travel, that grew into the seeds of his writing.

PROFESSOR ROBERT SMITH? of the University of Ottawa Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Medicine visited UP Mindanao on 10 October 2018 to give two lectures. "Can mathematics change the world?" discussed how mathematics guided public health policy in Canada. The second lecture "When zombies attack!" used a fictional situation to solve real-world problems. Prof. May Anne Mata (Mathematics) provided the linkage as an alumna of the University of British Columbia.

Strengthening Curricula and Research agenda with Public service  

DSS LECTURE SERIES continued with another episode on 12 October 2018 with the lecture "Reframing Metropolitan Governance for Disaster Resilience and Local Sustainability in the Philippines" by Prof. Weena Gera of UP-Cebu Dept. of Political Science.  The Panel of Reactors was composed of Prof. Minerva Rosel and Prof. Isidoro Malaque, both of the Dept. of Architecture. Remarks were given by Social Science Dept. Chair Prof. Raymundo Pavo and College Dean Jean Juanga.  

Strengthening the Academic curricula

"CRITICAL ARTS: A ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION" was organized by Prof. Jay Jomar Quintos on 19 October for communication and writing students with discussants Zig Dulay, film co-writer of “Liway”, and Giancarlo Abrahan, film co-writer of "I'm Drunk, I love you". They showed clips of their films and related the events behind the productions and the skill sets they developed and strategies they adopted to further their art and careers.

Strengthening the Academic curricula with Pedagogy, Public service, and Internationalization

“Women Empowerment through Sport” (WEtS) is a 2-year capacity-building to develop new educational methodologies for young women’s empowerment through sport, and to enhance the capacity of the partner-organizations and beyond. Six organizations from Bulgaria, Italy, Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal, and the Philippines met in Nepal on the week of 25 October 2018 for the partner-country reports and agenda for research and extension. Instructor Albert Francis Ramos of Dept. of Human Kinetics represented the Philippines, following his previous involvement in a related project.

XIAMEN UNIVERSITY Faculty of International Relations, Research School for Southeast Asia Studies, and Institute for Malaysia Studies Vice Dean and Deputy Director Prof. Xueqin Shi visited UP Mindanao on 16 October 2018, with Phil. Consul General to Xiamen Julius Caesar Flores, to promote academic exchange between XU and UP Mindanao. Also known as Amoy, Xiamen is the origin of most Filipino-Chinese, including Dr. Jose Rizal, who is honored in Xiamen with the only park in his name in China. Prof. Shi showed a video showing the campus and the graduate programs in economics and foreign affairs available in the medium of English. The forum was attended by faculty and graduate students.

THE 28TH ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION CONGRESS 2018 held in KL, Malaysia on 31 October 2018 awarded the Philippine Football Federation with the League Development Award for its creation and governance of the Philippine Football League which had its inaugural season in 2017 with eight participating clubs. The Philippine delegation was composed of PFF Governors Prof. Erwin Protacio (Dept. of Human Kinetics), Atty. Edwin Gastanes, PFF Pres. Mariano Araneta Jr., and Ricardo V. Yanson Jr.
Collaboration in Public service

"Nurturing Grassroots Change through Partnerships" Skills Camp continued on its second month by proceeding to the Technical Skills Training Program on 13-14 October 2018 under the Dept. of Food Science and Chemistry. Having completed their modules in business, the trainees from Bgy. Bangkas Heights learned principles in cookery from Dr. Jackie Lou Tagubase, Dr. Dann Marie del Mundo, and Dr. Virginia Obsioma, and did practical work in food preparation and processing in the Food Sensory Laboratory.
  
Strengthening Academic competence with Public service

The Society of Agribusiness Economists (SOABE) conducted the UP Economics Mania 2018 on the theme "Leading the way through economics" on 30 October 2018 at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center, Davao City. The event brought students from 14 schools in Davao City with Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao emerging champions followed by Precious International School of Davao and University of the Immaculate Conception.

Partnerships in Development of infrastructure and Public service

Preparations for the Davao Region Athletic Association Meet in January 2019 and the Palarong Pambansa in April 2019 were the subjects of a 29 October meeting among Atty. Lawrence Bantiding of Davao City, the PNP, and the City sports events coordinator; and a 30 October meeting with the DepEd Sports Coordinator and Division Superintendent and the Davao City 911.

Partnership for Public service

"JOINT SEMINAR ON BUDGET FORMULATION AND MANAGEMENT: Current Policies and Best Practices" co-organized by the UP System VP for Planning and Finance and the Dept. of Budget and Management for finance officials of Mindanao State University, UP System, and other government agencies was hosted by UP Mindanao on 29-30 October 2018.
 
Optimize resources through streamlining systems and processes

A SERIES OF EMERGENCY DRILLS were undertaken in October to reinforce the practice of "duck, cover and hold" and an orderly evacuation. Administrative services held a pocket drill on 4 October. A major drill involving the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Management was on 9 October. On 11 October 2018 was the drill for the College of Science and Mathematics.

"COACHING AND MENTORING FOR THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CYCLE" was organized by HRDO for non-teaching staff and unit supervisors on 19 October 2018 with Director Minda Ostique of the Civil Service Commission as resource person.

Welfare benefits thru non-academic services
 
DÚLÂ 2018 UNIVERSITY-WIDE SPORTS FESTIVAL was played in the campus on 22-24 October 2018. The Banner-raising was the opening competition event, followed by basketball, men and women's events in volleyball, table tennis, badminton, dágan dúlâ fun-run, chess, dama, and the Philippine games of túmbang-préso, chinese garter, pikó, and sack race. Exhibition games were played in scrabble, futsal, and cyber-games. In the Cheerdance competition a total of seven academic program-based teams competed, with BS Biology emerging as Champions. Administration Blue Team was the Over-all Winner with 8,650 points, followed by College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) White Team in 2nd Place with 7,300 points, School of Management (SOM) Yellow Team was 3rd with 7,050, and College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Red Team was 4th with 6,950 points. The Closing Ceremony on 24 October 2018 culminated in a fellowship dinner.

"NURTURING TOTAL WELL-BEING IN THE UNIVERSITY" was organized by OSA Counseling Section, Peer Advocates, Fitness Committee, and Omega Alpha organization for faculty and staff on 29 October 2018, with Dr. Violeta Bautista as resource person. In the morning was the seminar for students, and the afternoon session was for faculty and staff.

THE ANNUAL ORIENTATION, RECOGNITION, AWARDING CEREMONIES FOR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS was held by the Office of Student Affairs on 8 October 2018. A total of 34 student organizations were certified as recognized student organizations. Five organizations were awarded Full Loyalty for 15 years of existence; seven were awarded for 10 years of existence; six organizations for 5 years of existence. Most Outstanding Student Organization was Alpha Phi Omega with 82.5%; Most Exemplary was Omega Alpha with 32.99%; Most Responsible was Society of Agribusiness Economics with 31.73%. Various awards and recognition were given to deserving orgs and activities. Chancellor Concepcion stated her hopes for more sports-oriented organizations.

Contribute to development through a search process

THE SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR THE CHANCELLOR of UP Mindanao was created by University President Danilo Concepcion on 5 October 2018. The Committee is composed of Prof. Philip Ian Padilla of UP Visayas as Chairperson, with members Dr. Isidoro Malaque III (Architecture) as Senior Faculty representative, Asst. Prof. Ma. Teresa Escano (Humanities) as Junior Faculty, Dr. Briccio Merced Jr. (Library) as Research Extension and Professional Staff, Mr. Joel Sagadal (Office of the Chancellor) as Administrative staff, Mr. Frederick Omalza (4BS Biology/USC Chairperson) as Student representative, and Prof. Joselito Florendo as President's representative. The Committee immediately issued the Call for Nominations for the stipulated period of 13-26 October 2018. Nominations were received for Dr. Larry N. Digal and Dr. Annabelle U. Novero. The Nominees' Vision Papers and CVs were posted starting 29 October 2018.
 
Partnership for campus development

Some of the sports and academic building projects have reached the stage of completion.

• Stadium Phase 2, for punch-listing
• Coconut Tissue Culture Lab Ph.2, for as-built plans     
• CARIM Phase 1, for as-built/occupancy permit
• CHSS Phase 1, for as-built plans

Contribute to Development thru Public service

UP Mindanao Land Management Office organized the following activities:

In UP Marilog Land Reservation was the "Orientation on Watershed Management" for 33 local leaders held on 17 October 2018 in Barangay Suawan Hall, Marilog, Davao City with resource persons from DENR-XI, DA-XI, and the City Government of Davao.

In UP Laak Land Reservation was the "Educational Training-Workshop on Approaches to Teaching `Community Engagement, Solidarity and Citizenship'" for 14 K-to-12 Teachers on 24-25 October 2018 in Kidawa National High School, Kidawa, Laak Compostela Valley, with Kennemer Foods International (KFI) as partner, and Prof. Raymundo R. Pavo (Social Sciences) as resource person.

CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL GROWTH THRU KNOWLEDGE CREATION

DR. JOSE ILDEFONSO U. RUBRICO was sworn into office as Professor 1 by Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion on 18 September 2018.  Prof. Rubrico is a DOST Balik-Scientist with expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics. He will join the Department of  Math,  Physics  and  Computer  Science,  College  of  Science  and  Mathematics,  UP Mindanao for a term with an appointment approved by the UP Board of Regents in its 1335th Meeting 31 May 2018.

THE THREE MINUTE THESIS international competition of Australian National University included Asst. Prof. Rommel R. Real (Dept. of Math., Physics, and Comp. Sci.), currently a graduate student at ANU College of Science, among the 12 finalists. His research,  "Making blurred images worth a thousand words", that uses mathematics to sharpen images for use in medical and scientific applications, earned him a runner-up prize in the 3MT Competition Final on 12 September 2018.

RESEARCH FROM THE DEPT. OF FOOD SCIENCE AND CHEMISTRY was recognized in the 8th Health R and D Expo of the DOST's Regional Health R&D Consortium XI held on 13-14 September 2018 in Davao City. The research paper, "Utilization of mango seed kernel for the development of antimicrobial films" by Mary Grace Kristine L. Alimpolos (BS Food Technology 2018) and faculty co-authors Assoc. Prof. Noreen Grace V. Fundador, Assoc. Prof. Juma Novie A. Alviola, and Asst. Prof. Rovi Gem Villame, was awarded 1st place in the Oral Presentation-Undergraduate category.

MINDANAO CATTLE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT benefited from a visit by proponent Dr. Cecilio T. Felix and wife Anita on the week of 6 September 2018. Dr. Felix, an alumnus and retiree of the US Dept. of Agriculture, contributed semen from miniature Hereford cattle to the Dept. of Agriculture and UP Mindanao in 2011, which has produced 17 cattle births in the project site on campus under the supervision of project leader Prof. Antonio Obsioma.

NATIONAL COALITION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HIGHER EDUCATION (NiCHE) conducted its 5th NiCHE National Conference on the theme "Indigenous cultural communities and higher education: Innovating learning spaces for indigenous creativities" in St. Mary's University, Bayombong, Nueva Ecija on 5-7 September 2018. Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, together with the heads of member-higher educational institutions, signed the Pledge of Commitment to Support to the Memorandum of Understanding, namely, to build NiCHE and to strengthen and sustain the projects of the member-organizations that are directed towards the objectives of NiCHE.           

LILINAON, the literary journal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, held a book-launch for "Lilinaon: An Anthology of Young Writers (Special Edition)" on 14 September 2018 at the CHSS Audio-Visual Room. According to organizers Dept. of Humanities, Lilinaon--a Maranao word for "a peaceful state of mind"-- has published works by homegrown writers among students and faculty members of UP Mindanao since its first release in the late 1990s. This year the Special Edition was put together by students of BA English (Creative Writing) with faculty members John Bengan, Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz, Nino S. de Veyra, and Genevieve J. Quintero as Editors. 

DISASTER RISK STUDIES were presented at the 2018 Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Governance Academic Seminar held in Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand on 24-26 September 2018. "A Reception Analysis of the risk communication system among the flood-prone communities in Davao City: An Exploratory Sequential Research" was presented by Asst. Prof. Karen Joyce G. Cayamanda (Dept. of Humanities). "Community resilience to urban flooding: A case study of the 2011 flash flood in Matina, Davao City, southern Philippines" was presented by Mitchiko A. Lopez (Office of Research). "Potentials and pitfalls of crowdsourcing in disaster communication: A Systematic Review" was presented by Asst. Prof. Dennis John F. Sumaylo (Humanities). 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP seminar was provided for BS Agribusiness Economics students on 10 September 2018 by the School of Management with speakers from the Dept. of Trade and Industry. "Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset" and "Strategic Approach in Creating Competitive Advantage" were the topics expounded by Romeo N. Vasquez Jr. and Edwin Banquerigo. Dean Larry Digal in his remarks said that UP should develop more entrepreneurs to exploit opportunities in agricultural and agribusiness growth.

PUBLIC SERVICE

TRAINING ON CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) was held on campus on 4 September 2017 for some 83 constituents of Barangays Ula, Mintal, and Bago Oshiro, units of the Dept. of Agriculture, the Army Reserve Command, and staff members and students of UP Mindanao.  Personnel of the Emergency Medicine Dept. of the Southern Phils. Medical Center and Davao City-911 led the training with the slogan "Save a Life, Learn CPR".  Dr. Benedict Edward Valdez, SPMC-EMED chairperson, issued a call for CPR Volunteers for Mindanao to which 20 UP Mindanao students responded for the prospect of becoming trainers themselves.   The training was co-organized by Rotary Club of Calinan and the UP Mindanao Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Administration, the Office of Student Affairs-Health Services, and the Office of Extension and Community Service. 

FIRE SAFETY ORIENTATION AND DRILL was organized for students and staff by the Office of Student Affairs-Health Services Section on 17 September 2018. Bureau of Fire Protection Senior Fire Officer 1 Rodelle G. Estolloso and Fire Officer 2 Orpha D. Sugpatan served as Resource Persons. In the afternoon, a fire drill was conducted in the Elias B. Lopez Hall Dormitory. In his remarks, Student Affairs Director Teody Boylie Perez, commended the students for the big number who attended. He enjoined them to listen seriously and take whatever they can learn what for their future, noting that the right information, skills, and  awareness can possibly save lives, properties, or one's own home or loved ones.

GENDER SENSITIVITY TRAINING was organized for administrative staff, Research Extension and Professional Staff (REPS), and project contractual workers  on 17 September 2018. Prof. Raymundo R. Pavo, Chairperson of the Department of Social Sciences, facilitated the Training. U.P. ANTI-SEXUAL HARRASSMENT CODE Orientation followed on 24 September 2018 for students, faculty, and staff . Ms. Leah Emily Miñoza served as resource person. Both forums were organized by the Office of Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL organized Torch Night, Orgs Shoutout Fair, and Freshman Night in September 2018. TORCH NIGHT was on 13 September 2018 on the theme "Sa lumalalang pasismo..tumindig para sa karapatang pantao" had BS Food Technology as champion in the torch-making competition. ORGS SHOUTOUT FAIR was held on 20 September featuring presentations by 30-plus student organizations, seven varsity teams, three student councils, and three resident companies, with an acoustic musical mini-concert. FRESHMEN NIGHT was held on 27 September 2018 featuring the Search for the Ultimate Isko and Iska pageant by degree program and the Musikabataan concert organized by the College of Science and Mathematics Student Council.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE organized by the USC on 21 September 2018 with a group discussion and photo exhibit. PAGTUKI: A Forum on Current State of Philippine Economy, Environment and Agriculture, and Charter Change was on 25 September 2018 with resource speaker Joseph Purugganan of Focus on the Global South NGO on "Dutertenomics: Recipe for inclusive growth or inequality" and speakers from Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa NGO.

A HELP DESK was set-up in the Administration Building entrance to assist visitors beginning 5 September 2018; an initiative of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Administration in compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA). The Help Desk is equipped with a telephone and directory and is manned by administrative aides S. Aunso and I. Magpusao by rotation.

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Race-to-Serve fun-run held on 30 September 2018 had a UP Mindanao delegation of 33 persons, one of the bigger groups among the participants. 

MS IN FOOD SCIENCE was opened for applicants in July 2018. This is the fourth graduate degree program in UP Mindanao. Some 14 students were enrolled in the program at the start of by August 2018.

UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS University Convocation for First-Year Students was held in U.P. Mindanao on 6 August 2018, the first day of Academic Year 2018-2019. There are 260 first-year students. University Registrar Aurelia Luzviminda Gomez introduced the 260 first-year students by geographical origin, namely: National Capital Region-6; Cordillera Administrative Region-1; Central Luzon-1; Calabarzon-1; Mimaropa (Palawan, Occidental Mindoro)-5; Bicol-1; Eastern Visayas (Leyte)-2; Zamboanga Peninsula-2; Northern Mindanao-15; SoCksarGen-57; Caraga Region-15; ARMM-2; Davao Region-151. Distribution by academic program is, as follows: BS Anthropology-16; BA Communication and Media Arts-39; BA English-14; BS Architecture-51; BS Applied Mathematics-24; BS Biology-46; BS Computer Science-22; BS Food Technology-30; BS Agribusiness Economics-18. Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nilo Oponda each gave welcome messages. The Inspirational Message to the Freshies was given by alumnus Dr. Kenneth D. Barroga (BSAM 2009) wherein he imparted “ten tips for freshmen” infused with insight and humor. The University Student Council 2018-2019, headed by Frederick Omalza (4BS Biology) as chairperson, was administered their Oath of Office by Chancellor Concepcion. The Orientation for parents and “freshies” was held earlier, on 1 August 2018.
 
AS UPCAT TEST CENTER FOR DAVAO CITY, UP Mindanao's Office of the University Registrar accommodated UPCAT applications from walk-in applicants and through postal and courier services up to the close of office hours on 10 August 2018.        
 
LACTIC ACID project of UP Mindanao was featured in the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship Batch 4 (LIF4) Demo Day held on 2 August 2018 at the Asian Institute of Management. The UP Mindanao Technology Transfer and Business Development team operated the project booth and accommodated prospective investors. In the plenary session, UP Mindanao proponent Dr. Melvin Pasaporte delivered his "sales pitch" for the "Polylactic Acid-based Biodegradable Plastic" to popular acceptance by the audience. On 3 August 2018 was held the Closing Ceremonies of Leaders in Innovation Fellowship Batch 4 in the Asian Institute of Management including Dr. Pasaporte. LIF is sponsored by Newton Agham, Royal Academy of Engineering, Dept. of Science and Technology, and Asian Institute of Management

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION READINESS FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOPRENEURSHIP (DOST-HEIRIT) program of the DOST held its Mindanao event in Davao City on 23 August 2018 for the participating universities in the Mindanao cluster, namely Caraga State University, Mindanao State University-Iligan, University of Mindanao, and UP-Mindanao. Asst. Prof. Miguel Carlo Guillermo delivered the Senior Partner Pitch for UP-Mindanao to the prospective investors, students, and other partners, in his capacity as Technology Business Incubator Manager. The HEIRIT is a preparatory program for higher education institutions (HEIs) to implement, build and run a technology business incubator.
 
UNIVERSITY IN-HOUSE R & D RESEARCH REVIEW was organized by Office of Research on 8 August 2018 for the monitoring and evaluation of in-house funded research projects towards their timely completion and publication. The external reviewers were Architect Iluminado Quinto of University of Mindanao, Dr. Mervin Gascon and Dr. Samuel Herbert Mamora of University of Southeastern Philippines, Dr. Doris Montecastro of Ateneo de Davao University, and Dr. Louella Cabahug of Central Mindanao University. The research papers presented were "Reconnaissance of palm trees" by Asst. Prof. John Bengan (Dept. of Humanities), "Christianity among the Matigsalog" by Asst. Prof. Janus Ruel Cabazares (Social Sciences), "Urban and spatial morphology of Mintal" by Asst. Prof. Jean Marie Juanga (Architecture), and "Dance notation of the Ata-Manobo dances" by Instructor Jezreel Abarca (Human Kinetics).  The researches in the natural sciences were "Callus induction for coconut" by Asst. Prof. Cyrose Suzie Millado (Biological Sci.), "Rotavirus A in pig farms" by Mr. Michael Bacus (Biological Sci.), "Consumption of vegetables by children" by Asst. Prof. Aileen Grace Delima (Biological Sci.), "Contamination on banana peels and its suitability for value-added product" by Prof. Dominica Dacera (Food Sci. & Chem.), "Characterization of sago via rDNA Internal Transcribed Sequences" by Asst. Prof. Aileen Delima (Biological Sci.), "Production of coastal fishes for 'amihan' and summer seasons" by Asst. Prof. Leo Manuel Estana (Math., Physics, Comp. Sci.), "Development of anti-microbial films" by Assoc. Prof. Noreen Grace Fundador (Food Sci. & Chemistry), "Effect of processing on the nutrient content of corn" by Asst. Prof. Jennifer Fronteras (Food Sci. & Chemistry), "Assessment of flora and fauna in the campus" by Asst. Prof. Marion John Achondo (Biological Sci.), and "Bio-physical characterization for UP Marilog Land Reservation" by Asst. Prof. Nilo Oponda (Math., Physics, Comp. Sci.). Given recognition for Best Presentations were Prof. John Bengan and Prof. Noreen Fundador for social science/humanities and natural science, respectively.
 
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES 2018 (ICSET 2018) was co-organized and hosted by Mapua University, Manila, Philippines, on 19-21 August 2018. At 2018 ICSET Session 9: "Building Industry and Sustainability", Asst. Prof. Ryan Songcayauon (Dept. of Architecture) was presented with a Certificate of Award for ICSET 2018 Session 9 Best Paper for his research paper titled, "An initial quantification of embodied energy of economic and socialized housing units in Davao City, Phils."
 
BEST PAPER PRESENTATION award was given to Asst. Prof. Karen Joyce G. Cayamanda (D/Humanities) in the Asia Future Conference (AFC) 2018 held at Seoul, South Korea on 24-28 August 2018. The paper titled "Towards a human-ecological dimension of disaster resiliency: Exploring a social vulnerability model for sustainability" highlights the role of culture and symbolism for a context-specific approach to disaster risk reduction and mitigation strategies, using lessons from the Matina Pangi (Davao City) flood incident of 2011.
 
"NIPA HUT" and "Talikud", paintings by Prof. Teody Boylie Perez (Humanities) were on display in the "Celebration of Phillippine Visual Arts" group art exhibit in SM Lanang Mall, Davao City on 1-7 August 2018. The exhibit "showcases Davao's vibrant cultural scene and how the late National Artist Victorio Edades made it his home and influenced a new generation of artists."  

ASST. PROF. DANN MARIE DEL MUNDO (Dept. of Food Sci. and Chem.) reported for work on 29 August 2018 after having earned her PhD in Food Science from Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand. Prof. del Mundo and Asst. Prof. Giovanna Oguis (Dept. of Math., Physics, and Comp. Sci.) are two faculty members who recently completed their PhD degrees from Suranaree.  
 
QUALITY ASSURANCE LEADING TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE workshop was held for faculty members on 31 July-1 August 2018 with Dr. Philip Ian Padilla as Resource Person. The topics were Quality Assurance in UP and in the ASEAN Universities Network and the criteria. Faculty members articulated their expectations and apprehensions and drew up activities for the next six months strategically aligned towards Quality Assurance.

BLENDED LEARNING training-workshop was conducted for faculty members on 31 August 2018 with professors Vicente Calag, Ritchie Mae Gamot, and Nelfa Glova as Resource Persons. The workshop introduced the popular learning management systems, creating and managing on-line classrooms and related issues, and culminated in the presentation of outputs by the participants.
 
THE 12TH PHIL- BIST (PHILIPPINE-BOOK, INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) CONFERENCE AND FAIR was mounted by the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN), which UP-Mindanao is a member, at University of the Immaculate Conception, Davao City on 7-9 August 2018. The Fair was organized by the DACUN Library Committee on the theme, “Sustaining the Standards for Quality Assurance of Institutions of Higher Learning: Repositioning the Role of Libraries and Information Professionals” and featured 6 plenary lectures and exhibits by academic publishers.
 
RESIDENTS OF BGY. BANKAS HEIGHTS, Davao City are the Mindanao beneficiaries of "Nurturing Grassroots Change through Partnerships" Skills Camp in the Project Launch held on 18 August 2018 in UP Mindanao. The beneficiaries selected Baking and Pastry-making as the skill they desire to acquire, to be imparted in consecutive weekends from August through October 2018. The Skills Trainers are Ms. Grace Aponte for Book-keeping, Prof. Lemuel Calatrava for Business Management, and Prof. Virginia Obsioma for Food-making and Baking. Ms. Amparo Tulo of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority said that beneficiaries will qualify for TESDA certification upon their completion. The project is funded by National Grid Corporation of the Phils. for communities traversed by their electrical grids with UP as the project implementer.
 
THE 17th NATIONAL VEGETABLE CONGRESS with accompanying Trade Fair and Exhibit was held on 22-24 August 2018 in Davao City with UP Mindanao, Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao (VICSMIN) Inc., and Department of Agriculture-XI as co-organizers. Some 500-plus farmers and delegates from industry and the regions attended the plenaries and farm tours. UP Mindanao's School of Management (SOM) has been involved with the vegetable industry since 2000 through its agribusiness research and extension, and as a project partner for more than 15 years through projects such as the Gulayan sa Barangay (GSB) projects, Farmer's Training, Vegetable Awareness Campaign, Organizational Development, and vegetable congresses.

EFFECTIVE FARM CULTURAL PRACTICES for cacao production was the subject of training provided for farmers of Special Barangay Talle residing within the UP Laak Land Reservation in Compostela Valley Province on 30-31 August 2018. A total of 36 farmer-beneficiaries (17 male, 19 female) benefited from the Training, one of a series, provided by the Land Reservation Management Office in partnership with Kennemer Foods Int'l and the Talle Barangay council.      
    
THE DEBATE SOCIETY competed in the 11th Visayas-Mindanao Debate Championship held in Fr. Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City, on 24-26 August 2018. UPMin Team B was a Grand Finalist and UPMin Team A was a Semi-Finalist, with students also winning individual awards. Andres Karl Segovia (4BA Communication Arts) was awarded 2nd Best Speaker of the Tournament, Frederick Omalza (4BS Biology) was 3rd Best Speaker, Nissa Caderao (4BS Abribusiness Economics) was 7th Best Speaker, and Bryle Matthew Bacatan (4BS Food Technology) was 10th Best Speaker.   
 
TINUKIB 2018 was held at Abreeza Ayala Mall, Davao City, on 28-29 August 2018 by the Architecture program to promote architecture to high school students. The 2018 theme “Balai Bata: Paaralang Walang Kapansanan, Disenyong Pangkalahatan” promotes architectural design for persons of all sexes, size, age, or disability. Lectures were given by professionals on the topics of accessibility for persons with disability, anthropometrics, design, color theory, and green architecture. Architectural drawings, scale models, and design projects of UP Mindanao students were exhibited. In the workshops, High School students competed in the Balai Bata Model-Making and Mixed-Media Arts.  Tinukib 2018 was co-organized by the UP Mindanao Architecture Student Council, the Dept. of Architecture, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary, and Davies Paint, Solid Steel Machinery and Tools Inc., and Orient Glass Corp. as major sponsors.

THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE ANCIENTS 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS on 15 August 2018 featured Shoutcasting (sports-casting over the internet) services by Instructor Albert Francis Ramos (Dept. of Human Kinetics), and student Paula Yap (BS Computer Sci.).
 
DAVAO CITY ATHLETES AND COACHES' RECOGNITION 2018 was held on 23 August 2018 wherein City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led the rites of recognition to athletes of Team DAVAO--among whom were UP Mindanao Swim Varsity Team Captain Juan Antonio A. Mendoza (4BS Agribusiness Economics) and Team Coach Vasit Venturillo--for their podium finish in the 2018 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL GAMES held on 19-25 May 2018 in Cebu.
 
BADMINTON VARSITY held tryouts on 15 and 23 August 2018 at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex Multi-Purpose Gym.
MEN'S BASKETBALL VARSITY held an orientation for 25 candidates on 23 August 2018 with coach Isidoro Malaque III with trainings and try-outs in the following weeks.
 
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL VARSITY placed 3rd runner-up in the 33rd Kadayawan Futsal Festival (Women's Open) held at the DC-UP Multi-Purpose Gym. The top scorers of the Varsity team were Moira Isabella Calizo with 9 goals, Paula Marielle Elises with 2, and Bess Aparece Tulio, 2.

33RD KADAYAWAN FUTSAL FESTIVAL 16-Under age group was co-organized by Davao-South Regional Football Association with UP Mindanao Women's Football Varsity and Siki ni Obli student group. Boys Division was won by BP-Eagles, BP-Durians, and Black Rose Football Club, as champions and runners-up, respectively, while the Girls Division was won by Sakya FC, Phil. College of Technology, and Calinan FC.

DAVAO CITY-UP SPORTS COMPLEX construction work continued throughout August with civil works on access roads and the Aquatics Center implemented with composite teams composed of surveyors and engineers from Dept. of Public Works, Davao City Engineers Office, UP Mindanao, and contractors, social workers of UP Mindanao, and security personnel from UP Mindanao and the Phil. National Police.

NEW EMPLOYEES WERE ADMINISTERED THEIR OATH OF OFFICE by Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion on 13 August 2018 following their Orientation Seminar by the Human Resource Development Office. Administered their Oaths were Julius Neil Piala (Humanities); Merle Dawn Comidoy (Humanities); Lakan Umali (Humanities); Minerva C. Rosel (Architecture); Micah Amor P. Yares (Architecture); Lennie Leen Uyog (Accounting); Lemuel O. Calatrava (School of Management); Lief Erikson Gamalo (Biological Sci.); Eliezer O. Diamante (Mathematics); Melissa P. Loquias (SOM); Magno Batomalaque (Human Kinetics).

NATIONAL HEROES DAY CELEBRATION was held in Osmena Park, Davao City on 27 August 2018 with City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, war veterans, and the diplomatic community. Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion served as Guest Speaker wherein she related her family's experience to her insight that putting other families before one's own family is a true mark of heroism.