MALITA, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — The Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) hosted and housed the 39th Founding Anniversary and Regional Symposium on Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Highlights of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC), bringing together researchers, development practitioners, higher education institutions, and government agencies from across the region.
The event highlighted outstanding research, development initiatives, policy proposals, and scientific innovations addressing agriculture, aquaculture, food security, environmental protection, technology, and livelihood development.
The symposium recognized the top entries in four major categories:
RESEARCH
1st Place: Adaptive Multi-Species Dissolved-Oxygen Threshold Logic for Event-Triggered Aeration Control in a Tropical IoT Aquaculture System
Institution: SPAMAST | Presenter: King Ressurrects C. Nuevo
2nd Place: Impact of Activated Carbon Sachets with Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) on Postharvest Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Durian (Durio zibethinus cv. Puyat)
Institution: UPMin | Presenter: Marbie A. Entero
3rd Place: NEAR-REALTIME TRACKING USING GIS AND THERMAL SENSING TECHNOLOGY FOR Foc TR4 DETECTION AND PREDICTION DISPERSAL IN BANANA
Institution: USeP | Presenter: Ivy Kim C. Machica
DEVELOPMENT
1st Place: SMART NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT: OUTSCALING OF SSNM NUTRIENT EXPERT TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED CORN AND CASSAVA PRODUCTIVITY
Institution: DA RFO XI | Presenter: Estela C. Cuestas
2nd Place: EMPOWERING FOOD PROCESSORS IN REGION XI THROUGH CARDABA BANANA-BASED PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY
Institution: DA-RFO XI | Presenter: Gladys Lynn J. Flores
3rd Place: Development and Acceptability of Ready-to-Eat Vegetable-Rice Porridge as a Viable Alternative for Disaster Relief Food Aid
Institution: SPAMAST | Presenter: Merly S. Salaver
POLICY PITCHING
1st Place: From Laboratory to Livelihood: Building the Last Mile for Philippine Seaweed R&D
Institution: USeP | Presenter: Cloydessa S. Matilac
2nd Place: MIND(anao) the GAD: Institutionalizing GAD Lab Desks for Gender-Responsive Governance in the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Sector
Institution: UPMin | Presenter: Rodrigo Jr. Lanaban
3rd Place: HEAVY METALS IN THE GASTROPOD FAUNA OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS IN STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR
Institution: DSSC | Presenter: Larra Mae B. Testado
POSTER
1st Place: Growth and Phytochemical Analysis of Mustard (Brassica juncea), Green Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Microgreens Growth Under a Shelf System
Institution: UPMin | Presenter: Rose L. Catiempo
2nd Place: Adaptive Multi Species Dissolved-Oxygen Threshold Logic for Event-Triggered Aeration Control in IOT Aquaculture System
Institution: SPAMAST | Presenter: King Ressurrects C. Nuevo
3rd Place: Field Verification Trials of Selected Biocontrol Agents (BCA) for the Management of Cacao Pod Rot Caused by Phytophthora palmivora
Institution: DdOSC | Presenter: Livy V. Sarucam-Moldez
The recognized entries collectively reflect the region’s continuing efforts to translate research and innovation into practical solutions for agriculture, aquatic resources, food systems, environmental protection, and community development.
The program also announced the winners of the RAISE InnovAANR Pitch Fest 2026, recognizing technologies with potential for commercialization, food innovation, and livelihood development.
1st Place: Ms. Sibyl Ann Mari E. Palmes — Coconut Cheese Production Technology (PCA)
2nd Place: Engr. Evan Titus Paul L. Labrador — Ready to Drink Coconut Skim Milk Beverage (PCA)
3rd Place: Dr. Jennifer T. Pelegrino — Banana Cardava Flour-Based Edible Lumpia Wrapper (DdOSC)
The event’s recognition of research, development, policy, and innovation champions underscores the role of regional RDE institutions in advancing solutions that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land. Through the collective efforts of SMAARRDEC member institutions and partners, with SPAMAST serving as host and venue for the regional gathering, the symposium reinforced the importance of research, innovation, and collaboration in building a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Davao Region.
