MINDANAO COVID-19 SITUATIONER

Davao City, home of UP Mindanao, was reverted to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status from 20-30 November 2020 by President Rodrigo Duterte to mitigate the rising number of cases. However, City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio shortened the curfew imposed on 15 October 2020 from the original 7 PM-5 AM to 9 PM-4 AM.   

As of 05 December 2020, Mindanao had a cumulative total of 33,998 cases, up from the 22,585 cases on 31 October 2020. The recoveries, however, total 27,384 cases. 

Mindanao-wide, the death toll was 910 deaths, up from the 585 deaths as of 31 October 2020.  The nationwide total on 05 December 2020, by comparison, was 438,063 cases with 399,582 recoveries and 8,526 deaths. (source: ncovtracker.doh.gov.ph) 

COVID-19 INITIATIVES

UP Mindanao, the DPWH, and the Davao City local government renewed their agreement on 10 October 2020 to use the campus staff housing and the multi-purpose gym as COVID-19 isolation facilities for another three months. The gym is for mild suspect cases, and the staff housing is for mild confirmed cases. The City Government manages the operation, and the university constituents are guided through Memorandum No. LND 2020-52 “Guidelines and Protocols for the COVID-19 Isolation Facilities within the University of the Philippines Mindanao Campus.” (https://bit.ly/2y1vj8P)

KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE

“Digital Economy and the Implications for Agricultural Development”

As an offering for the 25th Anniversary in 2020, the School of Management (SOM) offered a three-part webinar titled, “Digital Economy and the Implications for Agricultural Development.” Economist Ever J. Abasolo gave the first lecture on 03 November 2020 on "Fiscal Health and Government Response to COVID-19." He showed the robust macroeconomic indicators before the pandemic and analyzed the government’s subsequent fiscal actions. Part 2, "Transition to the Digital Economy and Implications to Agricultural Development," on 05 November 2020, called for responsive government policies to improve telecommunications to lessen inequality in the agriculture sector. He said that especially for Mindanao, which contributes 40% of the nation’s agricultural output and 60% of agricultural exports.

Professor Emeritus Eufemio Rasco Jr. gave a lecture on 16 November 2020 on “Nature with Nurture: Plant Breeding for Food Security amid the Pandemic and Beyond.” He discussed holobiont plant breeding, a method for growing plants combined with microorganisms to achieve food security amid the pandemic and climate change. The video of the lecture may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3lVPit8.

"Zero Rabies in Davao City: A Dream or a Reality?" 

The "Synoptic Study on Transmission and Optimum Control to Present Rabies," or S.T.O.P. Rabies research program, presented the webinar "Zero Rabies in Davao City: A Dream or a Reality?" online on 17 November 2020. The webinar culminated this two-year research program supported by the Commission on Higher Education and led by UP Mindanao in partnership with the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), the Davao City Veterinarian’s Office, and the Davao City Health Office.  Project leaders Assoc. Prof. Lyre Anni Murao of the Dept. of Biological Science and Environmental Studies (DBSES), Assoc. Prof. May Anne Mata of the Dept. of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science (DMPCS), Assoc. Prof. Pedro Alviola IV of SOM, and Dr. Genevieve Tupas of DMSF presented the component research projects, each focused on tracking, mitigating, and eradicating rabies. The program presented its policy recommendations to Davao City Councilor Dr. Mary Joselle Villafuerte, chair of the city council committee on health. These are mandatory dog registration, mandatory pet vaccination, a transitory impounding center and return-to-owner system for impounded pet dogs, operationalizing a pet breeder registry, and more Animal Bite Treatment Centers. Councilor Villafuerte welcomed the recommendations and pledged to incorporate them into the city health program proposal. The webinar discussions were interspersed with a music video, a “fact vs. myth” talk, a quiz game contest, and videos promoting the program's internet sites and highlights of the two-year program.  The forum video may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/35XsF22.

"Livelihood and Health in the Fisheries Sector and Organizational Resilience During the Pandemic"

UP Mindanao hosted the session "Livelihood and Health in the Fisheries Sector and Organizational Resilience During the Pandemic"  in the 1st National Conference on “Health, Environment, and Economic Development: The Road to Recovery and Resiliency” (HEED The 3Rs) held online on 19-20 November 2020. 

Asst. Prof. Jon Marx Sarmiento presented “Fish Catch Monitoring in Ayungon and La Libertad, Negros Oriental: Implications to Small Fishers’ Livelihood,” which showed the declining catch per unit of effort in the areas. Research Assistant Charisse Miguel discussed “Shifting Patterns of Fishing Gears, Monsoons and its Impact in the Overall Catch-Per-Unit-Effort in Davao Gulf,” which presented the behavior of fishermen as a result of monsoon season variations. Research Assistant Daena Francesca Acosta spoke of the “Optimized Nutritional Intakes of Fisher’s Children in Mabini, Davao de Oro,” which showed that fishers’ children’s food intake and nutrition are insufficient and in need of augmentation. Asst. Prof. Glory Dee Romo presented “Organizational Resilience during COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Philippine Enterprises,” which examines the varying degrees of resilience or flexibility among business organizations. Prof. Emma Ruth Bayogan, director of the Center for the Advancement of Research, development, and engagement in Mindanao (CARIM), coordinated the UP Mindanao participation with the conference co-organizers, the Economic and Environment Group, the Resource and Environmental Economics Foundation of the Phils. (REAP), and the Southeast Asia Research Center for Agriculture. Some 500 people attended the conference. 

“Assessment with Action Research in Remote/Online Learning Context"

The UP Mindanao Ugnayan ng Pahinungod co-organized the webinar on “Assessment with Action Research in Remote/Online Learning Context" on 25 November 2020 with Prof. Aurelio Vilbar as the lead speaker. The speaker analyzed the new normal in education, the learning modes, skills that can be assessed, and action research to arrive at a “pandemic pedagogy.” Several fellow-teachers shared their teaching strategies as examples. The webinar is available for viewing at https://bit.ly/33ikYBU and has since earned 565 views.

"Online Symposium on Libel, Obscenity, Fake News, and Cyberbullying"

The Department of Humanities (DH) organized the "Online Symposium on Libel, Obscenity, Fake News, and Cyberbullying" on 27 November 2020 with Atty. Alija Auxan M. Navales as the resource person. The symposium discussed libel or cyber-libel elements that make it a crime and finer distinctions relating to public personalities. Obscenity, for its part, is based on contemporary standards. “Fake news,” properly called disinformation or information disorder, is the intentional fabrication or manipulation of information to mislead and cause harm. Bullying, or cyber-bullying, is inflicting stress to others through physical or other means. To protect communication professionals, Atty. Navalesadvised verifying sources and information and knowing the laws. Students participated by giving opinions to test cases presented by the resource person.

Lecture Series on Anthropological Methods (conclusion)

The “Lecture Series on Anthropological Methods” by the Department of Social Sciences (DSS) was concluded on 09 November 2020 with online talks by Assist.      Prof.      Andrea Malaya Ragragio and Assoc.Prof. Myfel Joseph Paluga, both of the Dept. of Social Sciences. Asst. Prof. Ragragio gave a talk on “Doing Fieldwork in Texts.” Assoc. Prof.Paluga introduced the classics of ethnographic literature that are indispensable to anthropology education in his lecture “Pagbabasa ng ilang klasikong akda sa Etnolohiya.” 

"Indigent Lives: A Permanent Display of Art Prints"

Associate Professor Teody Boylie "Bong" Perez (Dept. of Humanities), a painter and visual artist,  turned over 100 prints of his artworks to UP Mindanao for display on 24 November 2020. The turnover is part of his "Indigent Lives: A Permanent Display of Art Prints" Art Donation Project supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Chancellor Larry Digal and Librarian Merlyn Castañeros received the donations. Since 16 November 2020, Prof. Perez turned over 215 framed prints to the DOST-Region XI office, the Davao City Library, Museo Dabawenyo, and the Regional Trial Court; and to educational institutions, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus, the Davao City Special School, and UP Mindanao. The 2020 NCCA Competitive Grants Program supported the project, “which contributes significantly to the Filipino’s cultural legacy.”

National Research Council of the Philippines

Assoc. Prof. Lyre Anni Murao of the Dept. of Biological Science and Environmental Studies (DBSES) gave a talk, "Covert Battles: Are Wildlife Viruses Really Wild?" in the Scientific Webinar of the National Research Council of the Philippines Biological Sciences Division virtual meeting on 30 November 2020. She said about 60%     of the emerging infectious diseases that are known so far are zoonotic. The majority of these originated from wildlife, but less than .1% of the known animal pathogens can cross the species barrier and infect humans. The NRCP reported Cyrose Suzie S. Millado and Fritzie A. Camino, both of the DBSES, and Kriza Faye A. Calumba of the Dept. of Food Sci. and Chemistry as new members of the NRCP Biological Sciences Division. 

Publications and Presentations

A sampling of publications and presentations in conferences in November are shared below:

• “An Ions Motion Optimization Algorithm for the Continuous p-center location problem” by L. Opeña and Ritchie Mae T. Gamot (DMPCS), in the press in the Asia Pacific Journal of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 2. 2020.
• “Possible role of non-enzymatic antioxidants in hydroprimed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds under heat stress” by R.L. Catiempo, S. Photchanachai, Emma Ruth V. Bayogan (DBSES), and T.  Vichitsoonthonkul, published online in Crop Science, November 2020. 
• “Manny Pacquiao Speaks to a Butterfly in California” (monologue), “Skin Flick” (fiction), “Slaughter Story” (essay), by John B. Bengan (Dept. of Humanities), in Bravura: An Anthology of 21st Century Philippine Fiction, Journal of English Studies and Comparative Literature, 01 November 2020.
• “Of Alternative Histories: The Hierarchy of Memories in Miguel Syjuco’s Ilustrado,” by Farah Virador (Humanities), UNITAS Journal. Vol. 93 No. 2. 2020.
• “My COVID-ized PhD Finish: an overview” by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz (Humanities). Accepted for publication (December 2020), COVID-19 Journal DX Machina Volume 2, University of the Philippines.  
• “A Dance Notation of the Ata-Manobo in Talaingod, Davao del Norte” by Jezreel Abarca (Dept. of Human Kinetics), in Philippine Humanities Review, 25 Sept. 2020.
• “Pag-ilaila sa Kaugalingon: An Introspective Turn in the Time of Covid-19” by Raymundo R. Pavo (DSS), in Social Ethics Society Journal of Applied Philosophy, Vol. 2, No. 2, November 2020.
• “Interlocking Blocks in Social Construction of Housing: Collaboration of Local Government, NGO and the Urban Poor” by Isidoro I. Malaque III (Dept. of Architecture) in the 54th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2020  Virtual Conference, New Zealand, 26 November 2020.
• “End Times: Anthropology among the Pantaron Manobo In and Out of their Habitual Socio-ecological Settings” by Andrea Malaya M. Ragragio and Myfel D. Paluga (DSS) in Mindanao Regional Conference of the 42nd Annual UGAT Conference (online), Ateneo de Davao University, 21 November 2020. 

Meat Processing at UP Marilog Land Reservation

Although challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UP Mindanao Land Reservation Management Office (LRMO) continued to conduct livelihood training on Meat Processing at UP Marilog Land Reservation on 12 November 2020. Mr. Vince Molejon, a UP Mindanao BS Food Technology alumnus, served as the resource person. The Obu Manuvu Tribe and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Barangay Datu Ladayon co-organized the one-day training. A total of 20 beneficiaries from Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato, Sitios Dalag-ayo, Tibal-og, and Ladi-an of Barangay Marilog participated in the event.

OPTIMIZE USE OF RESOURCES

Chancellor Digal presented the 2022 UP Mindanao budget proposal to the UP System officials on 10 November 2020. The UP Mindanao Strategic Plan 2019-2023 embodies the proposed budget, bannered by proposed colleges for human kinetics, medical education, and engineering. There are 16 proposed degree programs requiring 270 additional plantilla items. 

• The PhD by Research program is now ongoing with three students. The program will be bundled with a Dual PhD program with Curtin University, Australia soon. 
• For the proposed MA in Writing and Literature, the elements of Outcome-Based Education are being incorporated into the course outlines, and the market survey data are being consolidated. 
• In the proposed BS Data Science, the courses completed are Introduction to Data Science; Algorithms for Data Scientists; Real Analysis for Data Scientists; Optimization; Database Management for Data Science, and; Modeling and Simulation. In progress are 12 more courses, the undergraduate seminar, and the thesis.
• In the upcoming MS in Quantitative Methods and Modelling (MSQMM), the proposal is around 80% complete, and the syllabi are currently undergoing review. The submission of the proposal to the curriculum committee is targeted by the end of 2020.
• For the MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the team has completed a  review of similar programs in the U.S., surveys to companies and alumni, identification of learning outcomes, and courses to be offered. Currently in progress are a review of similar programs in Mindanao Higher Education Institutions (HEIs); course outlines of 24 completed courses in review and 17 courses in progress; the possibility of a Joint Program; and requirements for admission and graduation.
• In the upcoming MS in Environmental Science from UPLB, UPMin is in the second year of the three years for full adoption and implementation. Foremost in the readiness list are four (4) items needed for senior faculty (Assoc. Prof. 5 and higher).

WELFARE OF CONSTITUENTS

“Managing Anxiety”

The Office of Student Affairs Counseling and Testing Section gave a webinar on “Managing Anxiety” for employees and students on 27 November 2020. Dr. Gioia Fe Dinglasan-Ancheta, a psychiatrist from the DOH Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Davao City, as resource person. She said anxiety is normal, and ways to cope with anxiety include exercise, avoiding anxiety-inducing substances, and facing anxiety sources. In the ongoing Mental Health Helpline, eight additional students signed up in October-November 2020, bringing the total to 68 students who have signed up and availed of the services from April 2020 to date.

COVID-19 cases

Three staff members became close contacts in mid-November, and subsequent contact tracing forced some 20 personnel to go on a 14-day quarantine. Throughout the period, the UP Mindanao COVID-19 Response Team disseminated community messages by email to update personnel. The guidelines and precautions are included in the community messages and reiterated through various communication channels and formats. Also, the administration has implemented safety measures and devices in the buildings.

UP Mindanao in the News

“UP Mindanao To Establish Science Center” The Post The Philippine Online Student Tambayan, 12/5/2020. https://bit.ly/3oQKEgW

“Building Mindanao’s public health with UP” Mindanao Sun-Jun Aparece, 12/4/2020. https://bit.ly/37eM13q

“Science center for prediction, monitoring of diseases may soon rise in UP Mindanao” Business Mirror, 12/1/2020.https://bit.ly/37fyLLL

“3 Davao City projects put on the back burner due to pandemic” Manila Bulletin, 11/17/2020. https://bit.ly/3mfBEAg

“COVID-19 pandemic pushes back three major infrastructure projects in Davao City” MindaNews, 11/17/2020. https://bit.ly/3a8OBd4

“Davao City orgs, institutions mobilize relief drives for typhoon victims in Luzon” Davao Today, 11/13/2020. https://bit.ly/2K3BSxr

“Survey set for Davao MSMEs on coronavirus impact, recovery plan” BusinessWorld, 11/12/2020. https://bit.ly/3oNkNGN

“Survey to assess the impact of the pandemic on MSMEs” Mindanao Times, 11/13/2020. https://bit.ly/2Wd6b7j

“No UPCAT this year but “modified freshmen admissions system” for schoolyear 2021-2022” MindaNews, 11/11/2020. https://bit.ly/3a47tK8

“UPMin hosts webinars on the digital economy, food security” SunStar Davao, 11/01/2020. https://bit.ly/2Kmswg0

HIGHLIGHTS

01 - 31 October 2020

MINDANAO COVID-19 SITUATIONER

Davao City, home of UP Mindanao, continued to be under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) from July to October 2020. Also, City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issued Executive Order 55 re-imposing a 7 PM to 5 AM curfew, with exceptions, effective 15 October to 31 December 2020 to control the surge of COVID-19 cases  

As of 31 October 2020, Mindanao had 22,585 cumulative cases, up from 13,085 as of 01 October 2020, up from 7,950 on 06 September 2020, and 4,516 on 10 August 2020. 

Mindanao island suffered 585 deaths as of 31 October 2020, up from 319 as of 01 October 2020, 167 as of 06 September 2020, and 96 as of 10 August 2020.   

The nation-wide total on 31 October 2020 was 378,933 cumulative cases, with 7,185 deaths, compared to 1 October 2020 with 311,694 cumulative cases and 5,504 deaths. (source: ncovtracker.doh.gov.ph) 

COVID-19 INITIATIVES

Center for Applied Modeling, Data Analytics, and Bioinformatics for Decision-Support Systems in Health

UP Mindanao received a letter dated 08 October 2020 from DOST’s Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina Guevara conveying approval for UP Mindanao’s proposed Niche Center in the Regions (NICER) program. The approval is subject to compliance with instructions, priority ranking, and availability of funds. The NICER program was renamed "Center for Applied Modeling, Data Analytics, and Bioinformatics for Decision-Support Systems in Health,” as advised by the DOST Executive Committee.  

UP Mindanao’s NICER program will involve key regional and local institutions in its four component projects and the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao and UP Mindanao’s existing multi-disciplinary research. The NICER program is a key pillar in UP Mindanao’s Mindanao Health Initiatives that will include the proposed medical education program and a city hospital, in partnership with the Davao City Government. 

At present, the NICER program will focus on the current pandemic, but it will also analyze other health-related data in the future. Mindanao will be the pilot area of the proposed program.

3rd Madayaw International Multidisciplinary Research Conference

UP Mindanao researchers presented ePosters and oral presentations at the 3rd Madayaw International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on the theme, “Shaping the future research emerging from this COVID-19 pandemic,” organized by the San Pedro College Research Publication Innovation Center held on 01-02 October 2020 in Davao City.

The Department of Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science (DMPCS) constituents presented the following ePosters:

• "Temporal projections of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries in Davao City, Philippines, using an Epidemic Model," presented by Ms. El Veena Rosero.
• "Investigating the role of a food ration system in controlling COVID-19 at barangay-level in Davao City using agent-based model simulation approach," presented by Ms. Ivy Grace Morales Panogalinog. [THIRD PLACE]
• "The irony of zero rabies reports: Are zeroes really zeroes?" presented by Mr. Zython Paul Lachica [SECOND PLACE]
• "QGIS-generated maps capturing the spatiotemporal distribution of COVID-19 cases among barangays in Davao City, Philippines" presented by Ms. Mia Kristine Quinco [FIRST PLACE]

Among the research co-authors were Mr. Abel Leandro Borja Paras, Ms. Elaine Mae Tibayan, Ms. Alaina Plaza, Ms. Kylah Catherine Nulada, Dr. Aurelio De Los Reyes, and Assoc. Prof. May Anne Mata (DMPCS). 

The Department of Social Sciences (DSS) faculty members presented the following researches as oral presentations:

• “Banana Export Industry: Socio-Economic and Ecological Transformation,” presented by Asst. Prof. Theresa Mae Gallardo
• “Stress Inoculation Training (SIT) On State-Trait Anxiety of High-Stress Senior College Students,”  presented by Asst. Prof. Rachelle Bersamin 
• “Exploring Academic and Occupational Interest Aptitudes as Predictors of Academic Persistence: Basis for Attrition Intervention Program,” presented by Asst. Prof. Rachelle Bersamin  

Lecture Series in Mathematical Biology

Dr. May Anne Mata (DMPCS) delivered the talk “A seven-month-long journey to Covid-19 modeling, simulations, game development, and beyond,” in the Lecture Series in Mathematical Biology: Insights from Equations; Mathematical Techniques for Outbreaks, organized by the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology on 17 October 2020.

 Sibya Media Production Unit 

BACMA Sibya, the homegrown media production unit of the BA Communication and Media Arts program, produced an infographic version of the “UP Mindanao Health and Safety Guidelines during the Public Health Emergency” as part of the unit's pioneering projects. The infographics were based on UP Mindanao Memoranda Nos. LND-2020-052 dated 14 May 2020 and LND-2020-054 dated 17 May 2020. The team disseminated the materials on social media, UP Mindanao’s official Facebook and Twitter pages, on 05 October 2020.

BACMA Sibya Media Production Unit produced new infographics titled “Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19” on 26 October 2020, based on the UP Mindanao Executive Committee's pamphlet. The team, likewise, posted the infographics on the UP Mindanao social media pages. BACMA Sibya is headed by Mr. Samuelle Marionne Sanchez, an Instructor under the Department of Humanities. 

KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE

Publications

Associate Professor Jhoanna Lynn Cruz (Department of Humanities) announced the release of her book, "Abi Nako, or So I Thought," by UP Press on 25 October 2020. "It revolves around my first ten years of rebuilding my work-in-progress-life in Davao," she said. The book is available in online resellers Lazada and Shopee. 

In Press: 

“Postharvest Quality of ‘Carabao’ Mango as Affected by Spun-bound Bagging Materials,” by Leizel B. Secretaria, Emma Ruth Bayogan (Department of Biological Science & Environmental Studies [DBSES]), CS Lubaton, AG Notarte, and Jenny H. Ekman. 2021. Chiang Mai University Journal of Natural Sciences. Vol 20 No. 1.

The following papers were accepted for publication in international/national peer-reviewed journals and publications:

• “Seasonal Change, Fishing Revenues, and Nutrient Intakes of Fishers’ Children in Davao Gulf, Philippines” by Chino M. Joquiño, Jon Marx P. Sarmiento (School of Management [SOM]), Leo Manuel B. Estaña (Department of Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science), Cleto L. Nañola, Jr (DBSES), and Pedro A. Alviola IV (SOM) was accepted for publication in the Philippine Journal of Science. 
• “The Extent of Technological Innovation Adoption among Micro, Small and Medium Food Processing Enterprises and its Effects on Poverty Reduction” by Kenneth Barroga, Agnes Rola, Dinah Pura Depositario, and Larry Digal (SOM) was accepted for publication in the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. 
• “Hullubaton: Pagtatagpi-tagpi ng Dawot ng Mga Mandaya. ‘Mga Pag-aaral sa Epikong-Bayan ng Filipinas: Tradisyon, Lipunan, Inobasyon,’" by Genevieve J. Quintero was accepted for publication in the Philippine Epic Project, National Commission for Culture and the Arts.  
• “Being Woman: Depiction of Women in Three Blaan Folktales. ‘Tinipong Tinig Ng Kababaihan, Priestess to Presidents,’" by Genevieve J. Quintero was accepted for publication by the UP Press.  

Davao Reads Amado Hernandez

UP Mindanao faculty members were panelists in "Davao reads Amado Hernandez," the second part of the National Artists Series, which featured National Artist for Literature Amado V. Hernandez's works, held online on 02 October 2020.

Associate Professor Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz of the Department of Humanities (DH) and Senior Lecturer Lualhati Milan Abreu of the Department of Social Sciences (DSS) were panelists, and Assoc. Prof. John Bengan (DH) served as Coordinator and Reader. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Virgilio S. Almario, National Artist for Literature. The National Commission on Culture and the Arts organized the event as part of the continuing Literary Month celebration.       

Mindanao-wide Webinar on Omics Research. Theme: Moving Past Pandemics

Philippine Genome Center Mindanao organized the Mindanao-wide Webinar on Omics Research with the Theme: Moving Past Pandemics throughout October 2020. The webinar had four sessions. 

“Omics in Agriculture” was held on 09 October 2020 with Dr. Glenn Gregorio and Dr. Lynn Esther Rallos as resource speakers

“Omics in Food” was on 16 October 2020 with Dr. Mary Ann Torio and Mr. Jacus Nacis

“Omics in Health” was on 23 October 2020, had Dr. Gloria Despacio-Reyes and Dr. Aleyla E. De Cadiz (Dept. of Biological Science and Environmental Studies) as resource speakers

“Omics in Diagnostics” was on 28 October 2020 with Dr. Angelo Josue Lubag and Dr. Clarissa Yvonne Domingo

Online forum and consultation on “Bridging the Health Care Gaps In Mindanao”

UP Mindanao hosted the online forum and consultation on “Bridging the Health Care Gaps In Mindanao" on 14 October 2020 for some 96 or more public health personnel, guests, and university constituents who attended through the teleconferencing and social media platforms. Chancellor Larry Digal provided the background and rationale for the forum as part of the plan to establish a UP Mindanao College of Medicine. 

Dr. Ramon Pedro Paterno, former DOH secretary Dr. Paulynn Ubial, DOH-Region XI director Dr. Annabelle Yumang, and Dr. Teodoro Herbosa spoke on the various aspects and gaps in the Philippines health care system. Health workers in the audience had their chance to give inputs in two parallel break-out sessions. 

Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nilo Oponda said the forum output would feed into the succeeding forums and workshops on the curricular templates and facility requirements and the identification of resources to establish the College of Medicine.

Lecture Series on Anthropological Methods

The Department of Social Sciences hosted a Lecture Series on Anthropological Methods in October-November 2020 via the Zoom platform.  Prof. Ramon “Bomen” Guillermo gave a talk on “Ang Salita sa Mata ng Makina: Digital na Humanidades at ang Penomenolohiya ng Pagbabasa” on 28 October 2020 where he explained key Filipino concepts conveyed through words and writing in old Filipino literary works. On 29 October 2020, anthropologist Skilty Labastilla of Ateneo de Manila delivered a lecture on “Applied Anthropology Research in COVID times: Strategies and Ethical Considerations.” Professors Andrea Malaya Ragragio and Myfel Joseph Paluga, both of the Dept. of Social Sciences and Leiden University, are scheduled on 04 November 2020.

Indigeneity, Identity, and Empowerment

Asst. Prof. Andrea Malaya Ragragio of the Department of Social Sciences was a panelist in "Panel 7: Indigeneity, Identity, and Empowerment," organized by the University of California Los Angeles, on how Indigenous groups in the Philippines and Taiwan have instituted programs to define their ethnic identity to the larger society. The event, converted to Philippine Standard Time, was on 29 October 2020, Thursday, 10 AM.

Philippine Queer Studies Conference 2020

Researchers presented papers in the Philippine Queer Studies Conference 2020, organized by the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, UP Babaylan, and the Psychological Association of the Philippines LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group, in partnership with the UP Diliman Department of Sociology, held online on 26-28 October 2020:

• “Leavetaking and Homecoming: When a Catholic Lesbian Writes,” presented by Assoc. Prof. Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz (DH)
• “Pagka-lesbiana: Lesbian Writing as a Space of Becoming,” presented by Assoc. Prof. Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz
• “Aging in the Narratives of Older/Tiguwang Lesbians in Davao City, Mindanao,” presented by Assoc. Prof. Raymundo R. Pavo (DSS)  
• “Higit sa Boys Love: Pagsuri at Pagtalakay sa Imahe ng Bakla sa mga Boys Love Series,” presented by Ray Mart M. Lapiña (BS Anthropology)

PAGSUBANG: DUGONG-Antro Sem Starter Lecture Series

The Department of Social Sciences organized the “Pagsubang: DUGONG-Antro Sem Starter Lecture Series” featuring talks by faculty members on the topics: 

• “Antropolohiya sa Malapitan: Ambag at Kahalagahan ng Antropolohiya,” by Asst. Prof. Kenette Jean Millondaga, 10 October 2020
• “Biological Anthropology - Lessons from the Field: Biological Anthropology and the Pandemic,” by Prof. Richard Jonathan O. Taduran, 17 October 2020
• “Linguistic Anthropology: Sulyap sa Kalagayan ng mga Wikang Rehiyunal,“ by Asst. Prof. Janus Ruel Cabazares, 24 October 2020
• “Archaeology - Survey of Archaeology in Mindanao: Challenges and Opportunities” by Asst. Prof. Andrea Malaya Ragragio, 31 October 2020

Radyo Iskolar

Radyo Iskolar, the homegrown online radio station of the BA Communication and Media Arts program, returned to broadcasting on 28 October 2020 onward on the platform https://mixlr.com/radyo_iskolar. The new lineup of shows is: “Balitang Iskolar” Cebuano-language news, “Gabay Tambayan” edutainment talk show, “Replay 2K” music program, “Iskoming Out” radio magazine, and “Taralets” music show. The program adviser is Ms. Merle Dawn Comidoy, an Instructor of the Department of Humanities.  

3rd DOST-PCAARRD Intellectual Property Master Class

Ms. Lynda Buenaobra, Chief Administrative Officer, and Ms. Dyle Legaspi, Research Associate, both of the UP Mindanao Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, completed the 3rd DOST-PCAARRD Intellectual Property Master Class that was conducted online nationwide from 06 July to 23 October 2020. Ms. Buenaobra completed the Non-Chemical/Mechanical Patenting while Ms. Legaspi completed the Chemical Patenting and earned distinction as “Mock Exam Topnotcher in Chemical Patenting.” The Virtual Commencement Exercises held on 23 October 2020 had DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, IPOPhil Director-General Rowel Barba, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, and DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora as speakers.   

Meryl Williams Fellowship

Asst. Prof. Glory Dee Romo (SOM) was accepted to the Meryl Williams Fellowship, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).  It is a 15-month program that will start in late February 2021. The Fellowship's key goal is to enhance participant’s leadership skills and increase their impact through a combination of immersive learning, mentoring, networking, and professional development. The University of England will deliver the program on behalf of ACIAR, with Coffey International Development providing administrative support. 

National Research Council of the Phils. 

Asst. Prof. Kriza Faye Calumba (Department of Food Science and Chemistry (DFSC) was inducted as an associate member of the National Research Council of the Philippines during the Annual Scientific Conference and 18th General Membership Assembly of the NRCP Mindanao Regional Cluster on 30 October 2020.

Land Reservations

 In the UP Laak Land Reservation, located in Davao de Oro Province, the season-long Training on Sustainable Vegetable Production continued in Special Barangay Talle, Laak. Session 4 on Plant Nutrition was held on 08 October 2020, and Session 5 on Integrated Pest Management was on 22 October 2020. The trainings are co-organized by the Talle Barangay Council with Talle Farmers Association as beneficiary. Project partner Compostela Valley State College (CVSC) provided the resource persons. Thirty persons (16 males and 14 females), 12 of whom are DSWD beneficiaries,  participated in both sessions.  

In the UP Marilog Land Reservation in upland Davao City, the Obu Manuvu tribespeople took the Livelihood Training on Beads-Making on 09 October 2020. The training objectives are to protect and promote the tribe’s Living Tradition and provide alternative livelihood to the tribespeople. A total of 16 males and 15 females participated, of which 7 were also DSWD beneficiaries. 

The memorandum of understanding between UP Mindanao and Compostela Valley State College was signed by all parties and is ready for transmittal to the UP Board of Regents.  The general objective of the MOU is to explore areas of cooperation between UP Mindanao and Compostela Valley State College in various public service undertakings in, among others, the UP Laak Land Reservation, that will create synergy and mutual benefit for both parties arising from each party’s resources, expertise, and experience in agricultural production and extension. 

 INTERNATIONALIZATION

BA Architecture students’ work was among the entries selected to represent the Philippines in an international architectural design competition, as reported by the United Architects of the Philippines Commission on Education on 18 October 2020. "Galton de Oro: Dynamic Micro Markets of the Future: A Re-design of the CDO Public Market" by BS Architecture graduate John Bebelone and students Bryan Steven Borja and Marvin Mahinay was among the three entries selected to represent the Philippines in the ARCASIA Students Architectural Design Competition 2020. The announcement of the international competition result is on 02 November 2020.

 OPTIMIZE USE OF RESOURCES / PROMOTE ACCESS AND DIVERSITY 

 Consultation on draft Campus Master Development Plan

A consultation on the draft Campus Master Development Plan was held on 06 October 2020 for UP Mindanao constituents via the Zoom teleconference application. The Campus Planning and Development Office presented the 96-page draft plan. Opinions and feedback were gathered during the consultation and through survey sheets after the event. The Plan was again presented in a consultation for the alumni and external stakeholders on 09 October 2020. 

 Consultation on Proposed Arts and Culture Hub

 On 12 October 2020, the Department of Tourism - Region XI (DOT-XI) and UP Mindanao organized another town hall consultation for a proposed Arts and Culture Hub building and activity center that DOT-XI hopes to erect within the UP Mindanao campus. The project is a joint initiative of the DOT-XI and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).  DOT-XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan and her team presented the physical, financial, and activity plans to internal and external stakeholders of UP Mindanao. Chancellor Larry Digal gave his review of the DOT-XI areas of activity that could fit UP Mindanao’s mandates and programs, namely, cultural village development, schools of living tradition, heritage education, heritage management, and creative industries. The DOST-XI director, Dr. Sales, suggested that the project look beyond the Davao region to the entire Mindanao and be part of an ecosystem of Mindanao cultural and social science networks.   

WELFARE OF CONSTITUENTS

In collaboration with the Human Resource Development Office, Information Technology Office, and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, the Office of Student Affairs organized a webinar for employees and students on 29 October 2020 via the Zoom teleconferencing app. The webinar “Keeping Mental Health In-check: Ginhawa (well-being) in the New Normal’’ had UP Diliman professor emeritus Dr. Violeta V. Bautista as resource person.

UP ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DAVAO

The UP Alumni Association Davao Chapter held its Induction of Officers on 10 October 2020 in a resort in Davao City. Alumni Regent Reynaldo Laserna administered the Oath of Office to the officers via the Zoom teleconference app. Mr. Napoleon Concepcion (right-most) and Mr. Sherwin Ramos (center) were inducted as chairperson and president, respectively. Chancellor Digal is an ex-officio director of the UPAA-Davao.  

UP Mindanao in the News

• 30 September 2020 COVID-19 Test Facility Completed In Davao Regional Medical Center,” Radio Philippines Network, Inc.  https://bit.ly/3lq2PJ2
• 30 October 2020 “UPMin hosts webinars on digital economy, food security,” SunStar Davao, https://bit.ly/3ko6V3r
• 30 October 2020 “Filipina architect for culture and heritage,” SunStar Davao, https://bit.ly/2IcXqah
• 30 October 2020 “UP Mindanao webinars on the digital economy, agriculture, and food,” UP System website, https://bit.ly/35d5mkb
• 28 October 2020 “Future of Anthropology Panel 7: Indigeneity, Identity, and Empowerment,” UCLA Asia Pacific Center,  https://www.international.ucla.edu/apc/event/14594
• 21 October 2020 “Work, business, or side hustle?” SunStarDavao, https://bit.ly/3keUlmV
• 14 October 2020 “UP Mindanao hosts an online forum with health officers,” UP Twitter, https://bit.ly/2IoPx1f
• 04 October 2020 “No Davao City barangay under 'very high risk' since Sept. 11,” SunStar Davao,https://bit.ly/35gieGp
• 01 October 2020 “September Covid-19 cases in Davao City below UP projections,” SunStar Davao, https://bit.ly/2GJJcg4
• 30 September 2020 “COVID-19 Test Facility Completed In Davao Regional Medical Center,” RPN Radio, https://bit.ly/2Il5Goy

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao will soon build a center for a decision-support system for public health focusing on Southern Philippines. A first in Mindanao, the center will gather information on infectious diseases and use advanced scientific approaches to better understand public health risks.

Data analytics, mathematical modeling, genomics research, and quantitative risk analysis will be used to analyze and gather evidence to support proposed policies. The focus will be on more accurate disease prediction, improve the recovery prospects of infected individuals, and evaluate risk in communities through animal and water studies. Local practices and attitudes will also be given equal consideration in making recommendations. The center will adopt the OneHealth model that encourages multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment. The maps and data products will be made available to the public and other sectors to help create policies and decisions related to disease prevention and public health. The center’s activities will be undertaken in partnership with the public sector and civil society organizations.

This promising UP Mindanao-proposed center is close to reality after being approved by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Program leader Dr. May Anne Mata of UP Mindanao reported that DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara conveyed the DOST Executive Committee decision through an approval letter dated 08 October 2020. “UP Mindanao’s proposal is being considered for funding under the DOST’s Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) program,” Dr. Mata stated. “We have renamed our NICER program as ‘Center for Applied Modeling, Data Analytics, and Bioinformatics for Decision-Support Systems in Health,' or AMDABiDSS-Health,” she stated.

The NICER center is a part of the Mindanao Health Initiatives of UP Mindanao, which includes a proposed College of Medicine and a city hospital to be undertaken in partnership with the Davao City Government.

The initial projects of the Center for Applied Modeling, Data Analytics, and Bioinformatics for Decision-Support Systems in Health are:

1. Predictive Modeling and Viral Phylodynamic Analysis on the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Disease Outbreaks with considerations for Control and Logistics applied in Mindanao region. Project Leader: May Anne E. Mata, PhD, UP Mindanao

2. Risk Management and Enhanced Survival Analysis Integrated through Longitudinal Infectious Disease Data and Statistical Epidemiological Model using Clinical Risk Factors. Project Leader Dr. Gernelyn T. Logrosa, PhD, Malayan Colleges Mindanao

3. Vulnerability Assessment Tool: A Decision Support System for Pre-Emptive Preparedness on Emerging Infections Among Animal Reservoir in Urban Green Spaces. Project Leader: Von Carlo P. Dela Torre, MSc., UP Mindanao

4. Integrated Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Data Analytics for Community-Level Pathogen Surveillance and Genetic Tracking. Project Leader: Lyre Anni Espada-Murao, PhD, UP Mindanao/PGC Mindanao.