Malita, Davao Occidental – February 6, 2026 — The Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) celebrated commitment, innovation, and outstanding service during its Gabi ng Parangal 2026, held on February 6, 2026, with the theme “Where Passion Turns into Excellence.” The annual recognition event gathered administrators, faculty members, staff, students, and partners to honor individuals and offices whose passion translated into exemplary performance and institutional impact.
Executive and Administrative Excellence
SPAMAST paid tribute to its dedicated workforce through awards recognizing leadership, efficiency, and service excellence. Mrs. Edel Quinn D. Casis was conferred the Outstanding Employee Award for her consistent professionalism and dedication. The General Services Office earned the Best Administrative Office Award, highlighting its vital role in ensuring efficient campus operations. Meanwhile, the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Development Communication was recognized as Best Institute, affirming its academic leadership and contributions to instruction, research, and extension.
Research and Extension Achievements
The Research Category underscored SPAMAST’s strong culture of inquiry and community engagement. The Best Research Development Award was granted to the study “Assessment of the Acceptability of Barangay Information Systems: Evaluating Traditional vs Digital Practices,” led by Dr. Arneda Jean Gonzales, with Prof. Dalam, Prof. Mebolos, Prof. Albarracin, Mr. Dalina, and Engr. Jaso as collaborators.
The Best Research Project Award was awarded to “Identification of Species, Population Status, and Abundance of Flying Foxes in Barangay Bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Malita, Davao Occidental,” spearheaded by Prof. Liezl Mancao, with Prof. Lumogdang and Mr. Ang as team members, recognizing its contribution to biodiversity conservation and environmental research.
Further honors included the Best Research Presenter Award for Prof. Kher Dave Doños, and the Best Extensionist Award for Prof. John Paul Pacyao, commending excellence in knowledge dissemination and community service.
All intellectual property research outputs were duly recognized, alongside awards for completed research projects and completed extension projects, affirming SPAMAST’s commitment to productivity and impact. The Paper Publication Award was conferred on Dr. Ariel E. San Jose for his research titled “College Students’ Dyslexia Self-Assessment, Awareness, and Experiences,” highlighting scholarly contribution at the national and international levels.
Program and Quality Assurance Recognition
Academic excellence was further celebrated through the Program Excellence Award for achieving a 100% passing rate in the September 2025 PRC Licensure Examination, awarded to the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) programs. Additionally, all AACCUP Accreditation Level I, Level II, and Level III Re-accreditation Area Leaders received Certificates of Appreciation, recognizing their vital role in sustaining quality assurance and academic standards.
Student Leadership and Organizational Excellence
The Student Category highlighted the dynamism and leadership of SPAMAST learners. Nur Alih H. Sahiron was recognized as Outstanding Student Leader for exemplary leadership and service. The Supreme Student Government – Malita received the Outstanding Student Organization (Institutional Category) award, while MATHLETES was honored as Outstanding Student Organization (Academic Category). The School Emergency Responders Team earned recognition as Outstanding Student Organization (Non-Academic Category), underscoring student involvement in safety, preparedness, and community service.
Celebrating a Culture of Excellence
The Gabi ng Parangal 2026 reaffirmed SPAMAST’s enduring culture of merit, innovation, and service. By honoring excellence across administration, research, extension, academic programs, and student leadership, the institution continues to strengthen its mandate as a catalyst of inclusive growth, knowledge generation, and social responsibility.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the achievements recognized during the ceremony significantly contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through academic excellence and licensure success; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through impactful research and intellectual property outputs; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) via digital governance and biodiversity research; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through environmental conservation initiatives; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaborative research, extension, and institutional quality assurance efforts.
As SPAMAST continues to transform passion into excellence, the institution remains steadfast in advancing sustainable development, empowering communities, and producing globally competitive graduates committed to nation-building and societal progress.
