Chancellor’s Report to the PAC: Prof. Sylvia B. Concepcion, 01 – 30 June 2018

Goal: Contribute to National Development

THE U.P. MINDANAO 21st COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES were held on 26 June 2018 at the Administration Building Atrium, UP Mindanao campus in Mintal, Davao City. A total of 250 candidates were declared graduates by 21st University President Danilo Concepcion. At the ceremony, a Conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, was held for Dr. Fortunato de la Peña, Secretary of the Dept. of Science and Technology. Following the Conferment, Secretary de la Peña was introduced as the Guest Speaker. Secretary de la Peña, in his talk, disclosed that it was his first time to be a speaker in a graduation ceremony of a UP constituent university. He recalled his involvement in the beginnings of UP Mindanao during his term as UP Vice-President for Planning and Development. He imparted advice for professional life based on his experience. He enumerated the strategies and programs of the DOST towards nation-building, including an increased number of scholarships. The 21st Commencement was graced with the presence of Regent Francis Laurel, Regent Frederick Farolan, Regent Angelo Jimenez, Student Regent Ma. Shari Oliquino, Staff Regent Analiza Fulvadora, VP Elvira Zamora, VP Nestor Yunque, Secretary of the University Roberto Lara, Ms. Mariquit de la Peña, and Atty. Gabriela Concepcion.     

MONDE NISSIN food company executives Romeo Marañon and Michael Singson visited UP Mindanao on 4 June 2018. They visited the proposed lactic acid project laboratory site and other laboratories in the College of Science and Mathematics. At the Gaisano Room, they listened to product pitches from the faculty of the Dept. of Food Science and Chemistry. Prof. Noreen Fundador discussed bioplastics from renewable resources such as corn or sugar cane that have uses in packaging, textiles, electronics, medical, and agricultural supplies; and of anti-microbial food packaging materials produced with starch extracted from seeds of durian and mango. Prof. Virginia Obsioma presented food products of research that use underutilized agricultural produce such as "ubod ng niyog", squash, banana stem, "puso ng saging", eggplant, "alukbati", "malunggay", and "gabi" to create burger patties, "longgoniza", meatloaf, noodles, cookies, and ice cream that are infused with vitamin A, iron, and other nutrients. Food samples created by students were served for their tasting. She also mentioned her lactic acid bacteria research for producing starter cultures for yoghurt. Prof. Juma Novie Alviola discussed her research on nutritious local flours made from sago, mung beans, banana, rice, and sweet potato.  In closing, it was agreed that a draft collaborative research agreement would be drawn up by the UP TTBDO for consideration by Monde Nissin Corp.  

PROFESSORS Jhoanna Lynn Cruz (Humanities) and Lyre Anni Espada-Murao (Biological Science) were among the speakers in the independently-organized "TEDx ROXAS St" event held at the Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City on 5 June 2018. In her talk “Are Filipinos Low Commitment People?”, Cruz examined some Philippine languages and sayings that show Filipinos to be inclined to have low commitment and if this can possibly be reversed. Murao, a virologist who leads research on threats to animal and public health, revealed information on backyard farm diseases and wildlife in her talk titled, "If Poop Could Talk". The talks of professors Cruz and Murao were delivered in the popular style of TED talks, in line with the strategy towards popularization of research.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR Remigio Domingo contributed to a news feature titled "Internet, academe, and suicide" written by Cristina E. Alivio and published in Sun Star Davao newspaper. In part 3 of the feature published on 6 June 2018 was printed his contribution "The University of the Philippines Mindanao, for example, had a series of fora conducted for its students, faculty and staff". It proceeds to describe "seminars and workshops on mental health/emotional resiliency such as promoting the best practices for a mentally healthy school environment" and on "UP as a healthy, nurturing, and transformative academic organization". 

PROBIOTICS was the subject of a seminar given by Associate Professor Virginia P. Obsioma for distributors of Yakult Philippines Inc. on 21 June 2018 on the week of their National Sales Conference in Davao City. "Healthy Gut: Stress-less Life" was the title of her lecture wherein she presented research showing that certain probiotic substances can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. The seminar was organized by Yakult officials Robert E. Torres, Ulpiano "Jun" Solomon, with guest Akihiro Kaneda from Japan. The distributors who attended the lecture were from Central Luzon, Tarlac, Baguio City, Tuguegarao City, Isabela, Albay, Palawan, Batangas City, Naga City, Mindoro, Bataan, La Union, Bacolod City, Cebu City, Tacloban, Samar, Iloilo City, GenSan, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Butuan City, Agusan del Sur, and Cotabato City.

DEBATE SOCIETY competed in the Philippine Inter-Collegiate Debating Championships held at University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City on 8-13 June 2018. UPMin Team A placed 22nd and UPMin B placed 25th in the field of 40 teams. The teams debated on issues in education, economics, health, gender, the state, international relations, and religion. UPMin A is composed of Frederick Omalza (3BS Biology), Renzo Polinar (4BA Communication Arts), Andres Segovia (4BA Communication Arts). UPMin B was Bryle Matthew Bacatan (4BS Food Technology), Nissa Mariel Caderao (3BS Agribusiness Economics), and Karl Tristan Butalid (4BA Anthropology). Debate Adjudicators were Sarika Rey (3BA English) and Wolfe Schievener Ote (4BA Communication Arts). 

A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION was signed by UP Mindanao and Mindanao Land Foundation (MinLand) on 22 June 2018 to help communities in the Davao City watershed that are vulnerable to natural disasters. UP Mindanao, thru its GeoSafer Mindanao project, will train MinLand personnel in gathering geographical data and its placement into LiDAR maps. MinLand will use these resources for participatory Barangay Development Planning. Signing the Memorandum were UP Mindanao GeoSAFER project leader Prof. Joseph Acosta, Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, MinLand President Mr. Alex Rendon and Mr. Damaso Vertido. The project Geo-informatics for the Systematic Assessment of Flood Effects and Risks for a Resilient Mindanao (GeoSAFER Mindanao) is supported by the UP Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment and Management (DREAM) project, and the DOST-PCIEERD.   

Goal: Promote Access and Diversity          

THE DUAL PhD BY RESEARCH degree program between UP Los Baños, Curtin University in Perth, Australia; and the University of the Philippines Mindanao was approved by the Board of Regents in its 1335th Meeting on 31 May 2018.  

LAUNCH OF THE MASTER IN MANAGEMENT (MM) Degree Program was held on 8 June 2018 at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City. Dean Larry Digal gave the Welcome Remarks to the prospective students who attended. Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, in her message, described the role of the academe and research as being about "giving back to society a better way of doing things." Prof. Glory Dee Romo presented the Revised MM Program. Five alumni, namely, Prof. Lemuel Calatrava, Davao City Councilor Maria Belen Acosta, Lecturer Rene Paraba, Prof. Thaddeus Acuña, and Davao Christian High School principal Jocy So-Yeung, each gave a pitch for the MM program to the prospective students. In closing, Prof. Exegesis Bangcaya also gave a pitch to the professionals present to consider partnerships between their companies and the School of Management, such as "on-the-job" programs.

STATISTICS AND EXPERIMENT DESIGN was the subject of the "Crash Course and Development of Laboratory Materials for Statistical Methods and Experimental Designs/Applied Math 152". This was organized by the Dept. of Math., Physics, and Computer Science and held on 18-22 June 2018 for faculty members, research assistants, and senior students. Dr. Li-Ann Lee C. Nalangan served as Resource Person.

CONFIRMATIONS FROM UPCAT QUALIFIERS for Academic Year 2018-2019 were accepted by the Office of the University Registrar beginning on 19 June 2018. Qualifiers who reside outside Davao City sent in their confirmations through e-mail.    

A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between UP Mindanao and Bridge Institute of Technology (BIT) of Japan was initiated on 26 June 2018. The MOU provides for a 2-year training-to-employment program in Japan for students and alumni of BS Computer Science degree programs to start in April 2019. Asst. Professor Vicente Calag served as UP Mindanao representative in the signing ceremony  with Mr. Jun Hida, Director of Bridge Institute of Technology, held in Tokyo, Japan.

Goal: Optimize Use of Resources

AT "AGHAM BAYAN" held at the Phil. International Convention Center, Pasay City, on 20 June 2018 was held the signing of a Letter of Intent between UP Mindanao and Monde Nissin Corporation. The LOI expressed the interest of Monde Nissin as a "potential commercial licensee for the UP technology titled Direct Lactic Acid Technology". The LOI was signed by Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion for UP Mindanao and Mr. Michael Singson, on behalf of Mr. Romeo Marañon, Director for New Business Development of Monde Nissin Corporation.   
 
DATA PRIVACY ACT Awareness Seminar for faculty and staff was held on 18 June 2018 by Prof. Vicente Calag, the Data Privacy Officer of UP Mindanao. The seminar objectives were to raise awareness about Republic Act 10173 and to familiarize with the provisions, the review current practices in relation to this Act, the rights of data subjects, the threats to data privacy, and to identify the issues and concerns arising from this Act. In her Welcome Remarks, Chancellor Concepcion emphasized the need for everyone to be vigilant about data privacy issues.

CAMPUS PLANNING and Development Office conducted census tagging and land surveying in the campus throughout 5 June and 21 June 2018. These involved participation of personnel from the Dept. of Public Works and Highways, the Davao City Social Services Office, and security personnel working together to open and construct new access roads to the Davao City-UP sports Complex.

Goal: Contribute to national development

A GRAMMAR-WRITING WORKSHOP for MTB-MLE teachers was held on 1-7 May 2018. The activity was for Dept. of Education teachers/leaders of Kindergarten to Grade 3 and aims to localize and indigenize the language curriculum by developing culturally-appropriate lesson exemplars for the MTB-MLE subject for K-3. The workshop included a special training on the Bloom software for creating Big Books. The workshop was made in collaboration between the DepEd, the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL/LEAD) and the UP Mindanao Department of Social Sciences thru a/Prof. Janus Cabazares. The resource persons were Dr. Tom Payne (University of Oregon), Dr. Ricky Nolasco (UP Diliman), and Dr. Bruce and Xinia Skoropinski (SIL LEAD).

MONDE NISSIN Food Corporation expressed its interest in the UP Mindanao technology for producing lactic acid for use in creating bio-degradable plastic for food packaging. This was reported by Chancellor Concepcion following the 18 May 2018 meeting among Monde Nissin Manager Romeo Marañon, Chancellor Concepcion, Dr. Luis Sison and the UP Mindanao and UP System TTBDO teams in Makati City. Monde Nissin expressed willingness to fund a laboratory to further develop the technology for bioplastic production using UP Mindanao’s proprietary process. tbhe Chancellor contextualized this development as a result of the research originated by the late Prof. Dulce Flores who formulated the direct process of creating lactic acid from starch, which now has a patent pending number assigned to UP Mindanao. 

MR. KELSEY NGO, a food industry consultant, visited on 28 May 2018 to explore food product offerings available at the Dept. of Food Science and Chemistry. He was presented with products such as noodles, meat substitutes, and desserts that use underutilized natural bio-resources. The visit was facilitated by Dept. of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments Governor Nap Concepcion.

"CITY, UPMIN TO PARTNER ON RABIES RESEARCH" was a news story published in Sun Star Davao newspaper issue of 26 May 2018. It reported that the city council approved on first reading a memorandum of understanding to be entered into by the Davao City LGU and UP Mindanao for cooperation in research in the area of animal rabies. Prof. Lyre Murao (Biological Science) and Prof. May Anne Mata (Math.) are the proponents of the research project in cooperation with the City Health Office. The undertaking, once approved, will include data sharing, trainings and workshops, and statistical, mathematical, geospatial, biological, and epidemiological analysis.                  

THE "16TH VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE 2018" is the destination of the UP Mindanao Dept. of Architecture as one of four Philippine architecture schools to exhibit at the Philippine Pavilion with the theme "The City Who Had Two Navels" curated by Dr. Edson Cabalfin. The UP Mindanao exhibit is titled "Empowerment and Transformation between and across Filipino Ethno-linguistic Cultures through Architecture". The exhibit is described as, "A fully self-sufficient socio-cultural ecological village [that] will offer a rich source of indigenous systems: ethno-medicine; organic farming; construction material systems; natural food processing; natural wind mill systems; and water-harvesting systems". The exhibit is on display from 26 May to 25 November 2018.

"THE BEST FILIPINO BOOKS OF 2017" was published on the website “cnnphilippines.com” in January and accessed in May 2018. Some 26 books were cited by seven literary experts. The list of writer Glenn Diaz included “3 Baybayin Studies”. This book on the baybayin writing system, published by UP Press, has Prof. Myfel Joseph Paluga (D/Social Sciences) as co-author together with Ramon Guillermo, Maricor Soriano, and Vernon Totanes. The study of baybayin writing using computer software was the subject of an anniversary lecture by Prof. Paluga in 2016.

SEVEN ALUMNI PASSED the Licensure Exam for Teachers in May 2018, delivering the honor of a 100%-passing performance for UP Mindanao, according to the Professional Regulations Commission website. Although UP Mindanao does not offer a program in education, it is included in the list of "Best Performing Schools in Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers" published in the website "www.pinoymoneytalk", accessed on 24 May 2018. UPMin is in Rank #1 with 23 passers, together 12 other schools who have a 100%-passing rate as of September 2017.

CAREER PLACEMENT ORIENTATION and Pre-Employment Seminar was organized for graduating students on 16 May. Mr. Ricardo de Jesus of Jobstreet.com Phils. Inc. spoke on job and recruitment trends and on posting on the Jobstreet website. Angelica Amorado of Public Employment Office gave a pre-employment seminar for local applications and Jovita Fontilla of Dept. of Labor and Employment spoke on workers’ rights and responsibilities. The Job Registration and Referral Fair was held on 17 May with companies posting their job openings for graduating students. The two-day activity was organized by OSA.

“BAYLANAN" DANCE-CONCERT was performed by the UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble in celebration of their 19th anniversary as a resident company on May 10, 2018. The storyline told through dance portrayed the death and re-birth of an individual and the baylans. According to Coach Ira Sisa Apara (BA Communication Arts 2016), "Baylanan is a collection of movement inspired by the life and the culture of the baylan or babaylan. They were women and men who were the community's healers, priests and priestesses; but, they were also considered as leaders and warriors who defend and protect their people, their land, and culture."  The Ensemble dancers were Zoe Sabanal (4BA Communication Arts), Aleimar Villabrille (3BS Computer Science), Patricia Capangpangan (4BA Anthropology), Jeremiah Onor (4BACA), Lornille Taypin (4BS Biology), Eliza Sayon (4BA English), and Gil Zealor (3BSCS).

ALUMNA Kendall Abrio (BA Communication Arts) disclosed her candidacy for Barangay Mintal (Davao City) Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, in conjunction with the Barangay Elections, with campaign posters unveiled on 4 May 2018. She was unopposed and was elected to office.  Ms. Abrio belongs to Class of 2017. 

PHI SIGMA Honor Society welcomed a number of UP Mindanao students among its new members at its Annual Initiation of New Members held on 12 May 2018 in UP Diliman.

SOM AND SOCIETY OF AGRIBUSINESS ECONOMISTS organized career-related forums on 2 May 2018. Prof. Sylvia Concepcion gave the Welcome Remarks wherein she advised that financial literacy discussions be opened to students of all programs. “Broke Free”, on the theme "Building a financially literate world, building you", featured the talks "Understanding financial statements" by Prof. Acuña of SOM, "Investment Strategies" by Mr. Nino Segovia of Sun Life Canada (Phils.), and "Crypto-currency" by Mr. William Braza.  The "Industry Orientation Seminar 2018” (IndOrS 2018), on the theme "Life vest for a bigger ocean" featured talks by Mr. Kenneth Mangaya-ay of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, Sherelyn Evangelio of Dept. of Math., Ar. Alexis Ibanez of Dept. of Architecture, and Ms. Edelyn Kudemus of Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas on career options in their respective sectors.     

BS ARCHITECTURE students participated in the PhilBex Davao-Philippine Building and Construction Exposition held on 10-13 May 2018 in Davao City.They joined Projeto: Furniture Design Competition 2018 and was tasked to design a multifunctional sofa bed. The design team of “Habi” composed of Joanne Espejo, Michelle Mascariñas, Aprille Golimlim, and Lawrence Valencia emerged as the Grand Winners. “Pungko” designed by Cresart Mata, Sophia Muñez, and Nikka Solidarios won as the 2nd runner-up. In the Architecture Quiz Bee, Neil Hela won 3rd place and Kristoffer Abella was the Grand Champion. The students also attended the Mini Convention of industry associations.

"ROADKILL: Sino ang tunay na nasasagasaan?", a photo exhibit, was on display on the week of 16 May 2018 at the Administration Building Atrium. The exhibit featured female workers engaged in small business and employment and their observations on how the new TRAIN tax law affects their lives. This was a class project for ANTH 187 (Sex and Culture) class. 

MATAG GABII publication was given a book-launching ceremony on 16 May 2018 by Daiya Productions student group. The book collected stories of people who work by night in Davao City. The book is a project of a BA Communication Arts class.

"LAYAS TIPDAS: resBAKUNA pangluwas!" a health campaign was held at Barangay Mini Forest, Davao City on 16 May 2018 by BA Communication Arts students. More than 60 residents attended the event. Dr. Julinda Acosta of Davao City Health Office gave a lecture on measles and vaccination, and barangay health representatives spoke on the importance of immunization. Iinteractive games and activities were also facilitated by the students.

“DEHYDRATION BANTAYAN, Peligro sa Dengue Malikayan”, another health campaign, was held at Barangay Talomo Proper, Davao City on 18 May 2018. Dr. Richard Mata, author of "A New Hope Against Dengue Fever", was the keynote speaker. The campaign was organized by BA Communication Arts students in collaboration with the City Health Office and medical professionals.

SINEWS FOR SYLLABLES, the performance showcase of the Creative Writing program, presented "Revel in the Ruins" on 17 May 2018--featuring 14 creative theses of BA English majors interpreted through dance, drama, cinema, and music. The new works are: "The Clan", a novel by Peter Magalit; the short story collections "Leaving the Shore" by Clarisse Paronda, "Familiar Corners" by Andrey Caridad, "The People of Purok Sto. Nino" by Cara Fajardo, "The Spree" by Charmaine Dimalanta; the essay collections "Names I Go By" by Diana Agcambot, "A Home that Never Was" by Eliza Sayon, "The Other Twin" by Rhinna Poster, "A Canvas of Faith" by Joanna Cagape, "Subversions" by Rizia Perez, and "In Spite This City" by Janne Ruiz; "Toto the Peculiar Boy" children's poetry by Erlyn Piolo; "Ground Zero" by John Doquila and "At Seventeen" by Mivida Garcia      

THE UP MINDANAO LAAK LAND RESERVATION was the site of a seminar on common pests and diseases of agricultural produce organized by the Land Reservation Management Office on 3 May 2018 with Dr. Araceli Yebes as resource person. Farmers of the Dibabawon indigenous persons of Special Bgy. Talle were the beneficiaries of the seminar co-organized by the
Land Reservation Management Office with the Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION seminar was given for Obu Manuvu indigenous people farmers of UP Marilog Land Reservation by the Land Reservation Management Office on 17 May 2018 with Mr. Lemuel Legado as resource person. The UP Mindanao Vegetable Production Demo Farm nearby was the site for the practical application of the seminar lessons by the participants.

Goal: Promote access and diversity

ALLIANZ NATIONAL YOUTH FUTSAL Competition was co-organized and hosted by UP Mindanao Dept. of Human Kinetics on 26-27 May 2018 in the Human Kinetics Building at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex. The games served as selection for the national team age category with selected players to be sent to Germany to train. The ceremonial kick-off was graced by football prime movers Prof. Erwin Protacio (UPMin Human Kinetics), former congressman Isidro Ungab, alumnus Rafael "Pops" Vilela, and Eunice Carillo of Allianz Corporation

Goal: Improve welfare of constituents

"SEMINAR ON TRAIN LAW and the latest BIR Implementing Regulations" was organized by All UP Workers Union on 4 May 2018, in cooperation with administration offices and Bureau of Internal Revenue officers Abolhasan Balindong and Roy Richie Panes as resource persons. Contractual personnel and regular employees were among the members of the audience who closely studied their options for tax payments. AUPWU officials Joel Sagadal and Lynda Buenaobra facilitated the proceedings.

SPORTS AND WELLNESS NUTRITION" lecture and forum was held for faculty, staff, and students on 17 May 2018. Prof. Luchie S. Callanta, a Lecturer of the UP College of Home Economics Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition and a member of the Phil. Society of Nutritionists and Dieticians, served as resource person. The forum was organized by the Dept. of Human Kinetics.

Goal: Optimize use of resources

DAVAO CITY-UP TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP for the Davao City-UP Sports Complex met on 3 May to work on the Davao City commitment to host the Davao Region Athletic Association Meet in January 2019 and the Palarong Pambansa in April 2019. The facilities targeted for operational use are the Aquatics Center for swim events, the football field and track oval with stadium, the multi-purpose gym, and the access roads and utilities. The TWG is composed of UP Mindanao and the Davao City LGU and is chaired by City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who is represented by Asst. City Administrator Atty. Lawrence Bantiding. The members are the City Planning and Development Office, City Sports Coordinator, City Social Services, and the City Engineer; and the UP Mindanao offices of the VC for Administration, Campus Planning, Legal, Physical Plant, Land Reservation, Community Services, and Dept. of Human Kinetics. The meeting was hosted by Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion. The Philippine Sports Commission , Dept. of Public Works and Highways, Davao Light and Power Co., Phil. Long Distance Telephone Co., and MINSAS security agency were represented.

DEPARTING BGY. BAGO OSHIRO PUNONG BARANGAY Christopher Lapayag, and Kagawads Maria Luisa Lapayag, Marife Bonghanoy, Gerardo Canque, and Ralph Pantollano were awarded Certificates of Appreciation by UP Mindanao Chancellor Concepcion for their support in various activities and implementation of government infrastructure projects in the campus during their incumbency as barangay officials. The Certificates were transmitted on 25 May 2018 by Campus Planning & Development Office chief Cherrylyn Cabrera and staff Etheldreda Lanaban and Rose Lugo.

Chancellor’s Report to the President's Advisory Council, 01 – 30 April 2018

Goal: Contribute to National Development

A MINDANAO COLLECTIVE TRADEMARK (MCT) will be developed by the Mindano Development Authority to serve as a common marketing tool for “certified-Mindanao” products. The Trademark will encourage Mindanao enterprises to voluntarily adopt certain third-party global standards of certification—i.e. GlobalGAP, FairTrade, Certified Organic, MSC, Rainforest Alliance--to improve the marketability of Mindanao products.  Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion signed a Memorandum of Agreement together with 28 other academic institutions to form the MCT Knowledge Center that will provide experts and extension services to guide enterprises in adopting practices in preparation for their certification. Dean Larry Digal and Chancellor Concepcion also signed a Memorandum of Agreement to join the five-party MCT Decision Body that will deliberate and approve the Collective Trademark Design, Slogan, Claim, and Corporate Design. The signing ceremonies were held on 6 April as part of the "Mindanao Today, Mindanao Tomorrow" forum in Davao City.              

IN MARILOG (DAVAO CITY) LAND RESERVATION a seminar on sustainable agriculture practices was given on 21 March by ACIAR project researcher Lemuel Legado to some 23 farmers. This was followed by land preparation on 13 April of an area of about 200 square meters for the establishment of a demo farm for sustainable agriculture. This will be planted with cucumber, squash, and lettuce, and will use organic inputs such as vermi-compost. IN LAAK-VERUELA LAND RESERVATION in Compostela Valley province, Prof. Emma Bayogan (Dept/Bio. Sci.  & Envir. Studies), Viena Monterde, Leizl Secretaria, Angelyn Lacap, Nipada Ranmeechai, and fellow researchers delivered extension services on 10 April in the form of lectures and demos for the post-harvest handling of crops, fruits, and vegetables. This is part of their research project with ACIAR (Australia).          

PASSERS OF THE JANUARY 2018 ARCHITECT LICENSURE EXAM attended the Oath-taking Ceremonies organized by the Professional Regulation Commission Davao Regional Office on 3 April 2018. Alumni who took their oaths were Anthony A. Dela Rosa (BSA 2015), Armel Cizarre P. Tan (BSA 2016), and Krisna Liz B. Tantano (BSA 2016).  The program has maintained its 100%-passing rate in the board exams since 2009 and has produced seven board top-notchers.                 

THE MASTER IN MANAGEMENT (MM) program for Academic Year 2018-2019 issued bulletins beginning 19 April announcing the opening of its application period to end on 30 May. Formerly on a trimester schedule, the MM will commence its semester schedule beginning AY 2018-19.      

PINILIAY CAMPUS ELECTIONS for the 2018-2019 student councils were held on 22 April. For the University Student Council, Anak UPMin student party had a complete slate of 13 candidates while Pulos student party had three. Pulos candidate Frederick Omalza (4BS Biology) won as chairperson together with his two councilors, with Anak-UPMin taking the rest of the seats led by Keith Justine Moreno as vice-chair. In the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Student Council, Anak-UPMin fielded a complete slate of seven candidates eventually winning six led by Allan Olar (BA Communication Arts) as chairperson. In the College of Science and Mathematics, similarly, Anak-UPMin had a complete slate of seven led by Brian Sabanal (BS Biology) elected as chairperson.       

“HAPÁK UG SÁLOM” a 3-day badminton clinic for youths was held from 30 April to 2 May 2018 in the Human Kinetics Building located in the Davao City-UP Sports Complex, UP Mindanao campus. Some 15 youths completed the clinic. UP MINDANAO TABLE TENNIS INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT was a one-day tournament on 29 April that saw 43 players, from children to senior citizens, in competition at the Human Kinetics Building. The two events were organized by students of the Department of Human Kinetics Diploma in Exercise and Sports Science.            

Goal: Promote access and diversity

THE NETHERLANDS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME provided funding support to enable Asst. Prof. Exegesis Bangcaya (SOM) to attend training on “Market Access for Food Security” on 26 February-16 March 2018 at Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation. She was among the 3 Filipino participants. Other participants were from Nepal, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, India, and Jordan.                            

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO 2018 REGIONAL RESEARCH CONGRESS was held on 14 March 2018 in Davao City on the theme "Engaging transformative research towards sustainable regional development". The Congress provided a channel for BS Biology senior Sammer Burgos to present her undergraduate paper, "Non-invasive Molecular Profiling in Bats using Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I Gene" with Assoc. Prof. Lyre Anni Murao (DBSES) as co-author. She was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as Best Paper in the Biodiversity and Environment Category.       

THE ASEAN YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS’ (AYE) CHALLENGE 2018 was held on 1-7 April 2018 in National University of Malaysia (Universiti of Kebangsaan Malaysia) on the theme “Revolutionizing Entrepreneurship through Information Technology”. AYE 2018 had 15 teams from universities in ASEAN countries including UP Mindanao BS Agribusiness Economics students Genny Catog and Gloriline Deximo. Students were tested through competitive tasks, such as the Test-Moz quiz on ASEAN knowledge, the Agro-preneur Pitch on agricultural issues problem-solving, the Techno-preneur Pitch, the Marketing Pitch, the Negotiation Game, and the 4th Industrial Revolution Smart Home. The UP Mindanao team came in at 4th Place behind UP Visayas at 1st Place, followed by Universiti Teknologi Petronas Malaysia, and Universiti Utara Malaysia.                           

THE 37TH MINDANAO PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP was held on 6-9 April 2018 at the Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City. The UP Mindanao Debate Society delegation, composed of Frederick Omalza (BS Biology), Nissa Caderao (BS ABE), and Michael Bacus (BSB), were quarter-finalists, with Sarika Rey (BA English) as adjudicator. Earlier, on 3 April the Debate Society held “Litok: the Art of Discourse (A Public Debate Exhibition)” for UP Mindanao students.                    
PHI SIGMA BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE HONORS SOCIETY UP Chapter sent a notice to 23 students in April of their being qualified for membership to the Society. They were enjoined to signify their interest in membership by 23 April and of their willingness to attend the induction ceremonies to be held on 12 May. 

DEPT. OF HUMAN KINETICS sent Inst. Albert Ramos to serve as a resource person to “2018 USEP MAJOR e-sports-casting event” organized by the University of Southeastern Phils. student council. Using the popular online computer game Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) over a period of three weekends with seminars and games culminating on 14 April , the event sought to imbue the values of sportsmanship into computer gaming. These covered the use of language, behavior, apparel, and other values of sportsmanship.                                 

“1ST UP MINDANAO ALUMNI, FACULTY, & STAFF CLIMB” was organized by the UP Mindanao Mountaineering Society student org. on 28-29 April 2018. The destination was Mt. Arakan Crater in Compostela Valley province. The trek was accomplished and the destination reached by six climbers with four alumni from BS Architecture, BS Food Technology, and BA Communication Arts.                                          

Goal: Improve welfare of constituents

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ALL UP WORKERS UNION was held in UP Mindanao in 4-6 April. All UP Constituent Universities were represented. Day 1 had seminars on “Responsible use of social media” given by Anna Razel Ramirez and “Ang Unyonista bilang Kawani ng  Unibersidad at Sambayanan” given by Jossel Ebesate. Day 2 and 3 had the National Council Meeting attended by the National Council representatives, the presidents and VPs of each chapter, and invited observers. National president Alex Mejia delivered his President’s Report. Staff Regent Analiza Fulvadora reported on concerns, namely, the Annual Physical Exams, the Individual Contracts of Service of Job Order Personnel, and the Filling-up of Personnel Items, as well as welfare and development concerns. Resolutions were issued at the culmination of the Meeting. Chancellor Concepcion thanked the union for choosing UP Mindanao as the venue. She mentioned that Mindanao has some of the poorest provinces and that a UP presence can increase the capability of government, the private sector, and the population in Mindanao to help overcome poverty. Towards this end, she reiterated her appeal for personnel items that are needed to create stability in UP Mindanao.                                    

THE UP MADAYAW MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE, the cooperative of UP Mindanao personnel, held its 20th General Assembly on 9 April 2018, presided by Chairperson Lynda Buenaobra. The agenda items were the minutes of the 2017 general assembly, the audited financial statements, trainings, the Cooperative Audit Performance Report, the proposed alternative dispute resolution, and the proposed Code of Ethics; all of which were presented and approved. Elections for two vacant seats in the Board of Directors resulted in the selection of Marilou Montiflor and Analiza Fulvadora as directors, as well as the selection of chairpersons for the committees on election and audit. The cooperative acquired 15 additional members from the ranks of new personnel. 
 
USAPANG eHOPE AT GSIS was organized by the All UP Academic Employees Union in partnership with the administration on 16 April. UPMin chapter president Ruth Gamboa gave the rationale for the forum as being an opportunity to enhance the e-HOPE. UP Manila AUPAEU chapter president Dr. Gene Nisperos discussed their proposals such as: to expand e-HOPE; include job-order/contractual personnel; to implement “no-cash-out”; to use “relative value” for setting doctor’s fees; and to incentivize good health. Other concerns mentioned were on coverage for retired employees and family members, and preferred hospitals and doctors, among others. VC Antonio Obsioma reported that some 62 personnel received support from FAPHE and e-HoPE since 2010, including repeat beneficiaries, with P2.397 million in funds provided. In the open forum, HRDO chief Stella Salazar reported that talks with hospitals may realize the "no cash-out" policy in place by June 2018. GSIS officer Oscar Fortuna, for his part, addressed concerns on arrears, billings, the Portability Law between GSIS and SSS, and UMID cards. Chancellor Concepcion thanked the Union for organizing the forum in addition to those provided by administration offices. She reminded the attendees of the need to be informed of their rights and privileges and urged them to stay in government service and "serve the people".

Goal: Optimize use of resources

UP MINDANAO FOUNDATION announced the appointment of their new vice-president in UPLB alumnus Dr. Anacleto “Kitoy” Guevarra in its Monthly Meeting on 6 April 2018. He assumed the post vacated by Luciano “Sonny” Puyod who passed away on 1 March 2018. Present at the meeting were President Francisco “Bobby” Ramos Jr., Treasurer Romero Blancaver, Secretary Charmaine Valentin, Norman Clemente representing Trustee Alex Valoria, and UP Mindanao PRO Rene Estremera representing Chancellor Concepcion.                 

UPAA-DAVAO DIRECTOR Roberto Puentespina (DVM, UPLB) hosted BS Biology students under a/Prof. Cyrose Silvosa to a field exposure and study tour to Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation on 30 April 2018 in Toril, Davao City. The facility is a waste-composting facility that uses hyper-thermophillic bacteria to aid in hastening the composting process of biodegradable wastes. This trip is one of the activities of the GE class, BIO9: Biotechnology and Society.

SEVEN ALUMNI PASSED THE LET (Licensure Exam for Teachers) in March 2018, endowing the honor of a 100%-passing performance for UP Mindanao, according to the Professional Regulations Commission website. In addition, UP Mindanao is included in the list of "Best Performing Schools in the Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers". UPMin is in Rank #1 together 12 other schools who have a 100%-passing rate as of September 2017. This is published in the following website accessed on 24 May 2018. https://www.pinoymoneytalk.com/prcgov/march-2018-let-results-secondary-passers-e-g/