Malita, Davao Occidental – On July 19, 2024, the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) held its Multidisciplinary Research Forum. The event, hosted at the SPAMAST Auditorium, featured faculty members presenting their groundbreaking research across various thematic areas.
The forum was facilitated by the Office of Research Development and Innovation, headed by the Director, Dr. Grace D. Buencillo. It was organized into three thematic areas: Agriculture, Aquatic, Natural Resources, and Resilience; Technology (Precision Agriculture/Automation/Programming); and Social, Cultural Development, Health and Wellness, and Gender and Development.
The panel of evaluators included distinguished experts such as Dr. Nila Nanette S. Revilla, Dr. Melinda G. Rubellano, Dr. Rona Apolinario, Dr. Princess Luise Dela Tina-Picaza, and Dr. Gilbert A. Importante.
𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦:
Area 1: Agriculture, Aquatic, Natural Resources, and Resilience
- First Place: Mr. Michael Jeriel I. Bersaldo for his research titled “Biomass Estimates Using Species Specific Allometry in Reforested Mangrove Areas of Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines.”
- Second Place: Engr. John G. Ponteras for his study on “Influence of Light Emitting Diodes on the Physico-chemical Characteristics of Fresh-cut Squash Fruit (Cucurbita maxima L.).”
- Third Place: Prof. Leonel P. Lumogdang for his work on “Species Composition and Chlorophyll Content of Seagrass Areas in Malita, Davao Occidental.”
Area 2: Technology
- First Place: Prof. Leo Radores for his innovative project “Design and Improvement of Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi L) Milling Machine.”
Area 3: Social, Cultural Development, Health and Wellness, and Gender and Development
- First Place: Dr. Elenito P. Bugawisan for the project “Gulayan sa Bakuran Project.”
- Second Place: Mr. John Paul Pacyao for his initiative “Coastal Environmental Profile (CEP) Presentation and Training Workshop for Brgy. Mana, Malita, Davao Occidental: Engaging Stakeholders and Establishing a Community-Based Mangrove Nursery.”
- Third Place: Prof. Elcir Doanne Escalante for the project “Women Livelihood Skills Training on Food Processing in Malita, Davao Occidental.”
Policy Brief Category:
- First Place: Mr. Neil Dexter B. Guden with his policy brief on “Reforming Seed Procurement Policies to Boost Agricultural Productivity in Davao City.”
- Second Place: Mr. Jopy D. Caneda with his research on “Advocating for National Infrastructures through Beach Forest Management: Promoting Coastal Reforestation in Malita Davao Occidental.”
- Third Place: Mr. Leonel P. Lumogdang for his policy brief on “Proper Seagrass Management for Efficient Mitigation of Carbon Emission Policy.”
The forum was a testament to SPAMAST’s commitment to fostering a research-oriented culture among its faculty, encouraging innovation and practical solutions to local challenges. The diverse range of research presented highlights the institution’s multidisciplinary approach and dedication to community development and environmental sustainability.
