With over 300 participants from all over Mindanao, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Mindanao Cluster (MindaDOST) composed of DOST Regions IX, X, XI, XII, XIII-CARAGA, ARMM, held the 2018 Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) at the Mallberry Suites and Business Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City with the theme, “Science and Technology-Enhanced Transformation for Sustainability and Resiliency (2018-2030).” The Agricultural Sciences Division, chaired by Acd. (Acd.) Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. and Biological Sciences Division, chaired by Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza, in close coordination with DOST X, led by Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban spearheaded this year’s Mindanao RSM.
Dr. Anthony C. Sales, regional director of DOST XI and chair of the MindaDOST, opened the event with warm appreciation to all the participants and regional partners in collaborating for this important event. On behalf of NAST President Acd. William G. Padolina, Acd. Azanza delivered the message citing the objectives for conducting this year’s RSM in Mindanao. The focus of the 2018 Mindanao RSM centers around the UN-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with particular focus on SDG 6-Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 15-Life on Land.
Acd. Jurgenne H. Primavera, a member of NAST Biological Sciences Division, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the need to use scientific basis in the implementation of the sustainability and resiliency programs. An expert in mangrove planting, she presented the result of her post-Haiyan assessment of the mangrove damage and recovery in the Visayas. She explained the scientific basis for mangrove planting, especially in the typhoon-prone areas.
The series of plenary sessions was opened by Dr. Rolando Platon as he talked about Tilapia hatchery system using recirculating water. Engr. Jeffrey D. Elogsong who presented the three phases of strategy to reach Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) and Engr. Rachel M. Beja who discussed the local water sustainability and resiliency projects delivered the presentations about sustainable sanitation through different perspectives.
The second plenary session featured the talk of Secretary D. Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), who discussed the long history of Mindanao’s plight for development. He passionately delivered the message of unity across the region to realize the dream of all Mindanawans, a fully developed sustainable and resilient Mindanao while preserving its rich culture and heritage.
The next presentations highlight agricultural projects starting with the talk of Acd. Romulo G. Davide for his project for Farmer-Scientists research and development training in urban agriculture. He explained the three phases of the project with the aim of having graduates as farmer-scientists. Prof. Primitivo Jose A. Santos discussed the soil-less approach to urban agriculture showcasing the wonders of SNAP hydroponics. It was followed by the talk of Dr. Chito F. Sace, who delivered his topic on the projects of the Central Luzon State University utilizing hydroponics and aquaponics.
The first day was concluded with the talk of Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. who highlighted the recent development in edible landscaping focusing on the future plans for integrating food production and architecture.
The second day opens with the presentation from Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II of Del Carmen, Siargao Island. He presented the development of their municipality through the use of science-based local governance. The presentation was continued by Regional Secretary Myra B. Mangkabung with her topic on cultural and heritage perspective for sustainable development in Mindanao. On a similar note, Dr. Nimfa L. Bracamonte discussed the continuing challenges in the attainment of peace alongside cultural and heritage research agenda.
Dr. Roberto P. Puentespina, Jr. opened the next plenary session with the focus on SDG 15 Life on Land as he talks about the ventures of their company in solid waste management using Japanese technology in an attempt to achieve his dream of a waste-free Philippines.
Dr. Hilly Ann R. Quiaoit delivered the next topic about the biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Mindanao with emphasis on Ecosystem Services as a new paradigm. Dr. Victor B. Amoroso presented conservation schemes for sustainable development through long-term ecological studies.
The plenary sessions was concluded by the presentation from Engr. Daryl C. Maceren with his topic on photovoltaic systems of solar reflectors. The paper entitled “Rain-Induced Landslide Modeling Of Carmen Hill, Cagayan De Oro City” by Aeron Jan A. Sy Cezar, Dan Runielle S. Cabahug, Jason B. Co, Nikko James C. Veronilla, Ray-An Vince D. Yray, Gerardo P. Apor and Dexter S. Lo from the XU Engineering Resource Center, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan won the best scientific poster presentation.
Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza presented the resolutions to MinDa Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz and Mr. Ruben A. Vegafira of Mindanao Business Council. Undersecretary Lopoz responded warmly by committing towards the forwarding of the resolutions to the relevant policy-making bodies in order to achieve the sustainable development goals in Mindanao while Mr. Vegafria expressed the appreciation of the business sector for the event which will be helpful for the private investors in aligning their business plans with Sustainability and Resiliency in Mindanao.