Written by Rene Estremera | 12 February 2010

(reprinted from UP FORUM)

In the first 15 years of its existence, UP Mindanao has developed with an emphasis on science and technology in its courses and research endeavors covering the fields of biology, biotechnology, food technology, applied mathematics, computer sciences and agribusiness economics. In its programs for communication arts, creative writing, architecture and anthropology, UP Mindanao has likewise focused on issues, characteristics and themes that are found in Mindanao. The graduate programs in management and urban and regional planning have attracted professionals and corporations who have influence in the region. These programs have produced young scientists and conservationists, professionals in the food and agribusiness, economic and information technology sectors, social reform advocates, print and broadcast journalists, teachers and professors, lawyers and medical doctors who practice within and outside Mindanao.

In the years ahead, UP Mindanao will continue on its mission to set academic standards and serve as a research university, a public service university and as a regional and global university.

In the area of setting academic standards, faculty members are constantly given opportunities to pursue higher educational degrees as well as workshops to increase teaching effectiveness. Accomplished practitioners in the fields of management, natural and social sciences and the humanities are recruited to make their expertise available to the academic programs as full-time or part-time members of the faculty.

As a research university, UP Mindanao and its faculty members are initiating and generating research projects in biotechnology and biodiversity, supply chain management, and Mindanao studies. Students in the natural and social sciences and the humanities take field trips that expose them to areas in Mindanao that are rich in biodiversity and culture.

Having been appointed as CHED Zonal Research Center for Region 11, UP Mindanao participated in organizing four Research Conferences in 2009. These Conferences covered the areas of social and health sciences, education management, agribusiness and development, biodiversity and environment. More than a hundred research papers were presented in the Conferences.

With the DOST-UP Mindanao Biotechnology Research Program on the sago palm, UP Mindanao is now the home to the state-of-the-art biotechnology facilities in Mindanao. Students in the natural sciences benefit from having new equipment available for their laboratory. More support is under way to realize the goal of creating a “redundant biotechnology facility” to replicate those in UP Los Baños. This was particularly underscored with the succession of destructive storms that have wrought heavy damage to the Luzon island. Mindanao has that unique meteorological advantage of not being in the path of typhoons commonly crossing the Philippine archipelago.

Other researches in the natural sciences focus on marine sciences and coastal resource management such as the farming of sea cucumber, plant propagation and pathology, indigenous food sources as the nipa palm, propagation of the pitcher plant, and the inventory of Mindanao biodiversity using geographical information systems.

UP Mindanao is a partner in the International Supply Chain Research Program of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research that studies the contribution of Mindanao to the agricultural food basket of the Philippines. Students benefit from having professors who have acquired lengthy experience in research in this field from the Philippines and abroad. Several public lectures have been held to benefit students, industry groups and NGOs.

As a global and regional university, UP Mindanao is part of the Re-Governing Markets Program, an international research program focusing on empowering small agricultural producers to participate in the new and dynamic retail markets. UP Mindanao presently serves as the country representative of the Philippines to this program. A number of publications have been generated by these research programs that have been made available for students and industry stakeholders.

For this purpose, UP Mindanao publishes the "Banwa", the academic journal of UP Mindanao. It is a peer-reviewed journal published bi-annually by UP-Mindanao under the auspices of the Office of Research which addresses relevant issues in the fields of the humanities, natural and applied sciences, social sciences, management and economics. The word "banwa" commonly means "community" or "territory", but in a broader sense means "the totality of the world; a space that encapsulates human-non-human-nature interlockings".

As a public service university, UP Mindanao is extending its assistance through its various consortia and extension services, its student cultural activities as well as through the UP alumni associations in the region.

Science students organize and take part in inter-school competitions and conferences at the regional, national and international levels. Communication arts students organize annual competitions that allow high school and college students in and around the region to hone their speaking skills as well as their facility in new media.

The management program extends its reach farther by offering short courses in management and supervisory methods. The anthropology program has focused on Mindanao studies through various fora and research on conflict resolution in Mindanao such as the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) and the recent Maguindanao massacre. Creative-writing students produce literary works as well as translate literary classics in the regional languages. The architecture program has consistently produced board passers, and has gained regional and national recognition by using Mindanao themes in student thesis competitions. The extension services are involved in the local government and regional committees on climate change and the environment and in piloting an apiculture industry project.

In addition, UP Mindanao promotes itself as a viable choice to high school students who wish to have a quality education without having to relocate to Luzon and the Visayas through annual UPCAT campaigns through out the region.

In the area of democratic access for disadvantaged students, scholarships and other affirmative action programs are being put in place to assist poor but deserving Muslims and other members of cultural communities to qualify for admission to the University.

In the area of networking, UP Mindanao has actively networked with other state colleges and universities and privately-owned higher educational institutions (HEI) in the region through membership in various consortia. UP Mindanao was instrumental in the creation of the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) which is presently composed of ten HEIs with whom it shares library resources and research outputs. The DACUN member-schools have been the initial beneficiaries of the ZRC Research Conferences in 2009.

UP Mindanao is also a member of the Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation Inc. (MSCFI) which is dedicated to the study of Mindanao social conflicts and their resolution. The MSC presently composed of twelve HEIs, a non-government organization (NGO) and the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO).

UP Mindanao is also a member of the Regional Development Council-Economic Development Council Region 11 which has a total membership of thirty-four members from the government, private sector and local government units (LGU).

In the area of research sharing and dissemination, UP Mindanao is an active member of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMARRDEC), which is composed of five HEIs, two LGUs, eleven national government agencies (NGA) and one NGO.

In Barangay Mintal, which is the home barangay of UP Mindanao, and the neighboring Barangay Bago Oshiro, are found various government agriculture and science institutions. In this neighborhood is located the Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC), and the local offices of the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Philippine Coconut Authority, among other research stations. For this reason UP Mindanao founded the Mindanao Science and Technology Park Consortium (MSTPC), whose objectives are to market the combined facilities and capabilities of the neighborhood institutions. The MSTPC is composed of two HEIs, six NGAs, two local Barangays, two NGOs and the PSHS-SMC.

In the area of campus development, UP Mindanao’s medium-term development plans are for implementation of road networks, the construction of additional dormitories and student facilities, and the implementation of the Biotech Complex by phases. These are presently being pursued through congressional instrumentalities and national and local government support.

UP Mindanao continuously pushes for the passage of congressional initiatives such as House Bill 5946 and Senate Bill 3304 that propose funding for development of infrastructure such as buildings for its colleges, libraries and research centers.

UP Mindanao envisions itself to be a “Green University” that uses technologies that are low on consumption of fossil fuels and viable to the environment. In the planning of campus road and infrastructure, topography and geography will be incorporated in the designs.

To complement the infrastructure plans, items for faculty, administrative staff and REPS are diligently followed-up through the government agencies.

For its two land reservations in Davao City and Compostela Valley, UP Mindanao has reached out to prospective partners from industry for development projects, keeping in mind that academic-industry linkage are to support the teaching, research and extension functions of UP.

Being geographically closer to the rest of the Asia-Pacific Region, such as the Brunei-Indonesia Malaysia Philippines-East Asia Growth Triangle (BIMP-EAGA), UP Mindanao is strategically positioned to reach out and establish linkages in this direction.

Because of the unique socio-economic realities and potentials that Mindanao offers for Philippine development, UP Mindanao holds the most promise of growth. It carries the burden as well as the opportunities to test the other challenges of the new UP Charter. These include the challenges to “provide opportunities for training in responsible citizenship and the development of democratic values, institutions and practice, the commitment to national development and to serve the Filipino nation and their aspirations”.

Written by Rene Estremera | 10 February 2010

The year 2009 was another milestone year for UP Mindanao. Following the UP Centennial celebrations in 2008, UP Mindanao started the new UP century with modest milestone events that promised more to come, like planting seeds with the promise of a harvest.

CHED SAFE LOAN.

In January the Commission on Higher Education disbursed the amount of P1 Million to UP Mindanao for student loans. This was disbursed by CHED XI Regional Director Leonida Calagui on January 12, 2009 to VCAA Emma Ruth V. Bayogan in the presence of VCAd Miguel D. Soledad, OSA Director Evelina E. Ayson, Cashier Teresita V. Lagsub, and CHED's Asst. RD Edward Aquino and Education Supervisor Christopher Pulido.

Launching of the DOST-UP Mindanao Biotechnology Facility

DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro and UP President Emerlinda Roman inaugurated the DOST-UPMin Biotech Facility on March 13, 2009. The Facility is composed of laboratories for the UP Mindanao Biotechnology Research Program, “Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Indigenous Bioresources in Mindanao”, that aims to harness the abundant and wild-growing Sago Palm in Mindanao for food and other high-value products, such as lactic acid, ethanol and bio-degradable plastics.

Laying of time-capsule at the Biotech Complex

DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and CHED Chairman Emmanuel Y. Angeles together with officials from the UP System and the regional academic and public sectors attended the laying of the time-capsule at the site of the Biotech Complex Module 1 Phase 1 at the at the College of Science and Mathematics. The building is a single-storey building of 200 square meters with an Enzyme Laboratory and a Genetic Engineering Laboratory. The facility cost is P3.5 Million, sourced from the balance of the Centennial Fund.

Forum on “the Next 100 Years”. UP Mindanao held a “Consultative Forum on the Roadmap of UP’s Next 100 Years” on April 17, 2009 with House of Representatives Speaker and 1^st District (Davao City) Congressman Prospero Nograles as Keynote Speaker. Participants included Mindanao Business Council Chairman Vicente Lao and leaders from the City Council, media, industry, the clergy, national government agencies and alumni. The Forum provided input to the UP System-wide strategic planning held in Subic in April.

Student population reaches 1,000-mark. The student population finally reached 1,005 students at the 1^st Semester of Academic Year 2009-2010 for the first time after maintaining an average student population of 900 for the past number of years.

Centennial Closing Ceremony and Flag-raising for the New Century

UP Mindanao students, faculty, administrators and other UP alumni joined the whole UP System in the simultaneous flag-raising held on June 18 at 8:00 A.M. This was followed by a Centennial Closing Program with Presidential Assistant for Special Projects Margarita Dizon Marfori as Guest Speaker. An exhibit featuring events, products, services and accomplishments was set up at the Atrium of the Administration Building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held to open the new CSM Covered Walk.

House Bill 5946 and Senate Bill 3304

On June 18, 2009 the Davao local newspapers announced that House of Representatives Speaker Prospero Nograles (1^st District-Davao City) and Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong filed House Bill 5946. Soon after, Senate Majority Floor Leader Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri filed Senate Bill 3304 to extend financial support to UP Mindanao’s Medium-Term Development Plan for 2009 to 2012 that focuses on infrastructure development. In the proposed bills, the amount will be included in the current year's national budget, and succeeding Annual General Appropriations Act.

These include:

Fiscal Year 2009

P50 million -School of Management Corporate Building

P50 million -students' dormitory

P50 million -Concreting and landscaping of the University Avenue

P150 million -Mindanao Loop and Oblation Plaza

P100 million -UP Mindanao Main Library

Fiscal Year 2010

P150 million -Biotech facility for indigenous food resources

P150 million -College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building

Fiscal Year 2011

P55 million -Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao

P50 million -Center for Continuing Education

P250 million -UP Mindanao Eco-habitat

Fiscal Year 2012

P250 million -UP Mindanao Eco-habitat Phase 2

 

Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri visits UP Mindanao.

On December 5, 2009, Senator Zubiri paid a visit to the UP Mindanao campus in Mintal, Davao City and met with students and University officials. The Senator also spoke at the UP Alumni Association of Davao’s “Parangal Sa Alumnay” (above). During his visit the Senator pledged to adopt UP Mindanao as the UP campus in most need of support.

Concreting of Kanluran Road. In October 2009 the Dept. of Budget and Management issued the Sub-Special Allocation Release Order amounting to P5 Million for the concreting of Kanluran Road leading to the College of Science and Mathematics. The UP System gave a counterpart fund amounting to P10 Million thereby realizing the implementation of the long-awaited road improvement project.

UP Mindanao Infirmary. The Beta Sigma Fraternity alumni in February 2009 offered to construct the UP Mindanao Infirmary through the Federation of Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni of the North America Chapters and the Betans Spirit Foundation. A soft-launch was held in October and the Memorandum of Agreement was signed in December.

The UP Mindanao Infirmary was opened on February 26, 2010 in the presence of UP President Emerlinda Roman and Beta Sigma alumni, among others.

14th Anniversary Recognition Day

High achieving and loyal staff and faculty members were honored by the UP Mindanao administration during its Recognition Day program on the occasion of its 14th Founding Anniversary celebration in February. Plaques of Recognition were given to those who contributed ten years of service to UP Mindanao. These included Dr. Annabelle U. Novero (Asst. Prof.), Prof. Joseph E. Acosta (Asst. Prof.), Merlyn P. Castañeros (Librarian), Sharon Jean A. Año (Student Records Evaluator), Florence F. Aquiatan (Student Records Evaluator), Edgar N. Denosta (Administrative Aide),  Mary Christie A. Estocado (Student Records Evaluator), Henry B. Fernandez (Administrative Aide), Gil B. Flauta (Administrative Aide), Analiza S. Fulvadora (Dormitory Manager), Teresita V. Lagsub (Administrative Officer), Ildefonso Y. Magpusao Jr. (Administrative Aide), Henry A. Sultan (Administrative Aide) and Marievette V. Villegas (Executive Assistant).

Gawad Chanselor Awards were given to staff and faculty members for the following categories: “Pinakamahusay na Guro (Junior Faculty)” - Prof. Aurelia Luzviminda V. Gomez, Assistant Professor, School of Management; “Pinakamahusay na Guro (Senior Faculty)” - Dr. Larry N. Digal, Associate Professor, School of Management; “Pinakamahusay na REPS (Research, Extension and Professional Services)” - Mr. Luis Antonio T. Hualda, University Research Associate I, School of Management; Pinakamahusay na Empleyadong Administratibo (Junior Professional) - Mr. Sabas A. Ociones Jr., Administrative Aide I, Supply and Property Management Office; Pinakamahusay na Empleyadong Administratibo (Senior Professional) - Ms. Helsa L. Bullicer, Student Records Evaluator I, Office of the University Registrar; and Pinakamahusay na Empleyadong Administratibo (Supervisor) - Ms. Cynthia dR. Buquia, Registrar II, Office of the University Registrar.

12^th Commencement Exercises

DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro was Guest Speaker during the 12^th Commencement Exercises held on April 22, 2009. Dubbed as “The Last of the Centennial Graduates”, Class of 2009 was composed of 172 students led by 13 students graduating cum laude. Secretary Alabastro, in her message to the graduates, urged them “to find their own path to fulfillment”. She assured them, “You can be whatever you want to be through determination, hard work, the ability to undergo continuous learning, and through the tools that this institution has armed you with”.

 

INSTRUCTION, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

The CHED Zonal Research Center-Region 11, presently assigned to UP Mindanao, conducted the 2009 Research Conference Series 1-4 under Office of Research Director and concurrent ZRC-11 Director, Prof. Larry N. Digal. The four-part Conference was organized along the themes of Social and Health Sciences, Education Management, Agribusiness and Development, and Biodiversity and Environment. It was organized in partnership with the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN), of which UP Mindanao is a founding member. The Conference participants came from leading higher education institutions in Davao City and Southern Mindanao.

2009 Research Conference Series 1: Social and Health Sciences

The 2009 Research Conference Series 1 was held on August 11, 2009 with Davao Doctors’ College, a DACUN member-school, as the Lead Institution. Speakers in the plenary session were PCHRD Region 11 Chair Dr. Warlito C. Vicente (left) and UP Mindanao’s Dr. Antonio G. Moran. Research presentations were made by Professors Myfel Joseph D. Paluga, Ma. Arve Bañez, Raymond R. Pavo, Valeriano A. Clamonte Jr., Reine Kathryn T. Rala, Jessie G. Varquez Jr., Skilty Labastilla, and Raffy Jones G. Sanchez of the UP Mindanao Department of Social Sciences.

2009 Research Conference Series 2: Education Management

The University of Mindanao (UM), a DACUN member-school, was the host and Lead Institution of Series 2 on August 28, 2009. Speakers were led by UM President Guillermo P. Torres Jr. and CHED-11 Asst. Regional Director Maricar Casquejo. UP Mindanao School of Management Professor Miguel D. Soledad (left, below) presented “The Case Method as a Tool for Training Public Administrators in Human Behavior in Organizations” in the Conference.

2009 Research Conference Series 3: Agribusiness and Development

UP Mindanao was Lead Institution and host of Series 3 on September 9, 2009. DA Director Francisco A. Ramos III (left) spoke on “The Role of Agribusiness in National and Mindanao Development” and Dr. Larry N. Digal (next page, right) gave a Professorial Chair Lecture on “Global Context Inclusive Agribusiness Models: Emerging Research Agenda”. Dr. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan (next page, left) gave a Professorial Chair Lecture on “Tropical Fruit Quality Retention and Shelf Life Improvement Using 1-Mehtykcyclopopene”. Papers were presented by Marilou O. Montiflor, Fritzie Ivy D. Jara, Floro Israel, Jerick Axalan and Lorena Loma.

2009 Research Conference Series 4: Biodiversity and Environment

The Lead Institutions for Series 4 were the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) and DOST-PCAMRD. It was hosted by the UP Mindanao School of Management on October 20, 2009. Professorial Chair Lectures were given by Dr. Gilda C. Rivero (below) on “Phytoextraction of Cadmium by Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms” and Dr. Reynaldo G. Abad (next page, right) on “Phytophthora: The Prevalence Goes On”.

Book launch of “Changing Agrifood Markets in Southeast Asia: Impacts on Small-Scale Producers”

A book launch of “Changing Agrifood Markets in Southeast Asia: Impacts on Small-Scale Producers” was held on February 20, 2009. The book is based on the work of the Re-Governing Markets Programme, where UP Mindanao School of Management (SOM) serves as the Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia. Dr. Larry Digal is one of the editors of the book, while Dean Sylvia Concepcion, Dr. Digal and Mr. Luis Antonio Hualda are authors of individual chapters.

A Research Forum was held on February 19, 2009 as part of the 14^th Anniversary. The Forum featured research presentations by:

Dr. S.B. Concepcion, “Emerging Vegetable Value Chains: Opportunities for Small-Holder Farmers”

Prof. A.L.V. Gomez, “The Human Context of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor”

Dr. G.J. Quintero, “Indigenous Games and the Stories They Tell: A Collection from Three Lumad Communities in Davao”

Dr. R.G. Abad, “The Intriguing World of the Sago Palm Weevils” (left photo)

Dr. E.R.V. Bayogan, “Improving the Shelf-Life of Papaya, Durian and Mangosteen”

Prof. M.J. Paluga, “Recent Anthropological Approaches in Reconstructing the Precolonial Banwa”

Dr. E.T. Rasco served as Reactor.

A “Nipa Symposium” was held in June 5 in cooperation with member-schools of the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) and hosted by Brokenshire College. This was the presentation of a number of research proposals that were created in a workshop and field study. The numerous research proposals covered a broad range of areas from nipa and other indigenous resources, as well as product development and marketing.

On-Line Forum on Philippine Marine Science

UP Mindanao served as the Mindanao venue for the UP Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) On-Line Forum on Philippine Marine Science on January 26, 2009. The Forum was attended by marine scientists from higher educational institutions in the region

LINKAGE WITH FOREIGN UNIVERSITY - Adjunct Professors Dr. Peter Batt and Dr. Roy Murray-Prior from Curtin University of Technology (Aus.) held two public lectures on agri-business supply chains and collaborative marketing groups in January 15 and July 22 at the School of Management. In attendance during these events were BS Agribusiness Economics students and industry practitioners, among others.

Dr. Virginia P. Obsioma talked on “Safety of Meat on Display” together with Dr. Peter Batt who talked on “Food Safety Issues in Southeast Asia” on September 25 at Lorenzo Hall. It was organized by the School of Management in cooperation with HORT 2007/066/04 research project and the Research, Extension and Professional Staff Association-UP Mindanao.

UP Mindanao signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with project partners for the agricultural research project, “Analysis of Selected Value Chains in Southern Philippines”. The project is part of Component 4 (HORT 2007/066/04) of the mega-project, “Enhanced Profitability of Selected Vegetable Value Chains in the Southern Philippines and Australia” which is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Professor Niceto S. Poblador, former UP Mindanao School of Management Associate Dean, visited Davao City to hold his public lecture “Collaborative Entrepreneurship: A Strategy for Continuous Innovation” on July 26, 2009.

UPMin faculty member Prof. Isidoro R. Malaque III, Mr. Luis Antonio T. Hualda and alumni Dominador H. Gualberto II passed the Environmental Planner Licensure Examination held in June 2009.

DOST BALIK-SCIENTIST LECTURE - Prof. Ben de Lumen of University of California-Berkeley held a public lecture on “Bio-Entrepreneurship in Academia” on April 20, 2009 that was attended by faculty members from higher educational institutions in the region.

New York-based film-makers Iben Triño-Molenkamp and Benjamin Ray Foley from the Organization for Visual Progression (OVP) conducted a video workshop for field anthropology from April 27 to May 10 for BS Anthropology students, NGO workers and students from other schools.

TRIPLE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS - Professor Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. was conferred a Distinguished Alumni Award for Science and Technology by the UP Alumni Association on June 20, 2009. He was also conferred the title of Academician by the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2009. Dr. Rasco was also appointed UP Scientist 1 under the 2009 UP Scientific Productivity Award (SPA) on August 11, 2009.

Prof. Ricardo M. de Ungria was appointed UP Artist 1 for 2009-2011 by the UP Board of Regents on December 18, 2009 under the newly-implemented Artist Productivity Program. Prof. de Ungria is presently the only UP Artist from UP Mindanao.

Dr. Dulce M. Flores was among the awardees for the biotechnology sector in the “Search for 2008 Outstanding Research and Development in Advanced Science and Technology”, for her research paper, “The Paradox of a Super Bug: Enterococcus faecium DMF 78” during ceremonies held on December 18, 2008.

Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. and Mr. Richie Eve C. Ragas was awarded 1^st Place for the scientific poster “Broad-leaved Weed Density and Diversity Under Contrasting Weed Management on Sloping Ground in a Banana Plantation in Mindanao” during the National Research Council of the Philippines-Mindanao meeting in February 2009 in Iligan City.

FACULTY / STAFF SCHOLARSHIPS - Faculty members and staff were selected as Ford Foundation Fellows for their prospective fields of advanced study. They are:

Instructor Marie Angelique A. Vernaiz (Dept. of Bio. Sci. and Envir. Stud.)- To take up M.S. in Microbiology

Instructor Restituto T. Tocmo (Dept. of Food Science and Chem.) - To take up M.S. in Food Science

Instructor May Ann E. Mata (Dept. of Math, Physics and Comp. Sci.) - To take up M.S. in Applied Math

Researcher Richie Eve G. Ragas- to take up M.S. in Sustainable Agriculture

Instructor Vladimer B. Kobayashi, Erasmus scholar - for MS Data Mining and Knowledge Management  

IN MEMORIAM. Prof. Severo "Toto" T. Bastian Jr., Ph.D. (DBSES) died of infection in August 16, 2009. His demise was deeply mourned by friends and colleagues and the University.

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Dept. of Social Sciences organized the Maguindanao Massacre Forum on December 3, 2009 at Lorenzo Hall. The keynote speaker was Ms. Zaynab Ampatuan, Chairperson of the Suara Bangsamoro organization. The speakers were DSS Chairman Prof. Paluga, BAA student Rosnifa Dimakuta of UPMin Associaiton of Muslim Students, lecturer Fr. Emmanual Nabayra, Prof. Raymundo Pavo, Prof. Antonio G. Moran, and Prof. Arve Banez.

National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera visited UP Mindanao and conducted a talk on “Ang Sining ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining” on October 1, 2009. It was held at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Audio-Visual Room. Present in the audience were Mrs. Cynthia Lumbera, Chancellor Rivero, Dean Dans-Lee, UP Diliman Professor Vim Nadera and LCB Performing Arts Center Director Lu Chin Bon.

Professor Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz-Daliling held her book launch of “Women Loving”, a collection of short stories and a play, at National Book Store, SM City Davao on December 12, 2009 with Dr. Isagani R. Cruz as guest of honor.

Professor Teody Boylie R. Perez held his 9th solo art exhibit titled, "Perez Presents: Windows to the Soul" at Museo Dabawenyo on Sept. 21-Oct. 23. 2009. His paintings portrayed ordinary people with a focus on the expressions of their eyes.

Kwentong Sine. Stage director and UP Professor Behn Cervantes visited UP Mindanao on July 20, 2009 which coincided with the visit of Thai award-winning scriptwriter Prabda Yoon. Prof. Cervantes talked about the film-maker Lino Brocka and their time in UP. Mr. Yoon talked about his film, “Last Life in the Universe”.

UNIVERSITY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

3^rd Phil-BIST Book Fair. The Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN), of which UP Mindanao is a founding member, held the 3^rd Phil-BIST (Philippines–Book, Information Science and Technology) Conference and Fair from August 11-14, 2009. It was hosted this year by Brokenshire College. Keynote Speaker was National Book Development Board Chairman Dennis Gonzales. The Fair showcased book publishers with support from National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Cisco Systems Inc., CHED Region XI and Phil. Librarians Association Inc.

A two-day-training on “Use of Open-Source Office Suite” for Local Government Units in Region XI was held on July 30-31, 2009 by the Office of Extension and Community Services and the Information Technology Office. Participants were from LGUs and Barangays in Davao City and outlying provinces.

UP Mindanao and DOST Region XI hosted the book-launch of “Sensory Quality Measurement: Statistical Analysis of Human Responses” (M.M. Gatchalian, G.D. Brannan) on November 23, 2009. A Basic Sensory Evaluation Methods Seminar-workshop was also held at School of Management on November 24-26, 2009.

UP Mindanao hosted a tree-planting activity in August 29, 2009, on the theme of, “UP Mindanao: The Green University Town” in partnership with the 11^th Regional Community Defense Group (11^th RCDG) under Col. Florante Isles. The participants were composed of ROTC students from Univ. of Southeastern Philippines, Univ. of the Immaculate Conception, Univ. of Mindanao and Holy Cross of Calinan, members of the UP Los Baños Alumni Association of Davao and students and staff from UP Mindanao.

Kadayawan Floral Parade. UP Mindanao participated in the Kadayawan Floral Parade, Davao City’s famous festival for the first time in August 23, 2009 in the small category. Students worked to create a giant basket with real fruits and flowers installed in a “kariton” which they pulled through the parade route.

UP-Mindanao’s ZRC -11 also participated in organizing the CHED National Conference on Research in Higher Education held in Davao City on November 12–13, 2009 with the theme “Empowering HEIs in Research for Global Competitiveness”.

ZRC-11 conducted the Research Proposal Preparation Workshop on December 14-15, 2009 with Dr. Calixto Protacio of UP Los Baños as resource person. It was attended by researchers from the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) member-schools and other higher educational institutions.

A landmark and sign post marking the UP Mindanao Marilog-Arakan Land Reservation was installed in the Bukidnon-Davao Highway. The 4,100-hectare Land Reservation passes through both Marilog District, Davao City and Arakan, South Cotabato. UP Mindanao also has the Laak-Veruela Land Reservation with 2,800 hectares located in Laak, Compostela Valley and Veruela, Agusan del Sur.

STUDENT AFFAIRS

EU Whiz Grand Champions- Students from UP Mindanao emerged as National Grand Champions of the EU Whiz 2009 inter-collegiate quiz held on June 18, 2009 at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The team was composed of Marlon John Danlay, Aaron James Jalalon and Kelly Marie Conlon with Mr. John Bengan (Coach). Polytechnic University of the Phils. (Manila) and University of the Visayas (Cebu) won 2^nd and 3^rd place, respectively. The Grand Prize for the team included a European tour.

BS Architecture graduate Glory Rose Dy won in the “Best in Research” category in the Red Point National Best Thesis Award for Architecture held in Ayala Museum on June 29, 2009 for her thesis entitled “Contextualizing Mindanao Indigenous Dance and Rituals in a Mindanao Performing Arts Complex”. Ms. Dy’s thesis adviser was Prof. Jean Marie V. Juanga, Coordinator of the BS Architecture program. The competition was sponsored by CIRDIA Inc.

Glory Rose Dy and Roxanne Urbiztondo with her own thesis entitled “Establishing Sustainable Ecotourism Floating Village in the Landscape of Agusan Marsh Houses” were among the Top Ten of the Red Point Awards. The Top Ten entries were chosen by the PRC Board of Architecture.

BS Agribusiness Economics students Jefferson Nuñeza and Zoe Manguilimotan were selected as participants to the American Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Business Orientation Program for Aspiring Leaders held on April 18-25, 2009.

Six BS Architecture graduates passed the Architecture Board Exams held in June 2009 maintaining the 100% passing mark of UPMin Architecture graduates in the Board Exams.

BS Food Technology freshman Kriza Faye A. Calumba was Regional Champion in the 18^th Philippine Statistics Quiz Regional Elimination held November 12, 2009. Renaire Odarve (1BSCS) won 2^nd Place, Serah Rose dela Cruz (1BSAM) won 4^th Place. Instructor Ms. Metche Anne Casinillo (Dept. of Math, Physics and Computer Science) was Coach.

Five BS Computer Science students passed the Philippine IT Standards Examination for Fundamental Engineers held on April 26 and October 18, 2009.

 

Aboitiz 4^th Future Leaders Business Summit was attended by BA Communication Arts students Hazel Jade Gamas and Sonny Paul Cirunay.

BA English (Creative Writing) student Javin Jet Tevar (seated, left) won 3^rd Place in the 1^st NCCA-Davao Writers Guild Fiction-Writing Contest in Bisaya in October 2009 for his short story “Mga Dalan sa Downtown”. There were a total of 21 entries from Davao and as far as Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.

 

BS Biology student Marian L. Salamanes attended the international conference, “Understanding the Impact of Global Climate Change on Biodiversity and Tropical Rainforests” held in Brunei, Darussalam in December 2009.

BS Food Technology students won 2^nd Place in the 1^st Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT) National Food Bowl Quiz held on June 27, 2009 in Taguig City. The UP Visayas and UP Diliman teams won 1^st and 3^rd Place, respectively.

BS Food Technology graduates Melvin S. Pasaporte and Bryan Gerard L. Gonzales won 1st Place and 2nd Place, respectively, in the Best Undergraduate Research Paper Category during the 48^th Annual Convention of the Philippine Association of Food Technologists on September 21-23 in Heritage Hotel, Pasay City. Mr. Pasaporte’s paper was “Lutein Content of Selected Local Fruits and Vegetables” while Mr. Gonzales’ paper was “Developing a Fermented Milk Beverage with Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity”.

BS Food Technology freshman Mary Pauline Fornea won five (5) gold medals in swimming events and was awarded “Top Athlete” in the Davao City Eliminations for the CHED Regional Meet in December 2009. She went on to win an additional seven (7) gold medals in the Regional Meet in January 2010.

BS Computer Science team composed of students Chieckerzon Molina, Kevin Bernard San Gaspar, Keno Cabazares and Instructor Riannel Tecson (Coach) was the Champion in a field of 15 schools in the Annual Computer Programming Competition held February 21, 2009. In the I.T. Quiz, UP Mindanao team of BSCS students Ian Plaza, Philip Batingana Jr. with Instructor Glenn Guden (Coach) was 2^nd second-place winner. The event was organized by the Council of Deans in I.T. Education – Region XI

BA Communication Arts student Mishael Jacob Pueblas was awarded the Grand Prize in the Art Petron 2009 Painting and Photography Competition for his photo titled, “Nagmula Sa Kabukiran, Ngayo'y Nasa Bayan” in August. Another entry by Mr. Pueblas titled, “Ginoong Palengke”, was awarded a Consolation Prize. Mr. Pueblas' entries bested a field of around 800 entries judged by a panel of judges that included National Artist Ben Cab. Another photo by Mr. Pueblas was selected for display in the UNDP website.

Ian Julius de Castro (4 BA Anthropology) won the Best Student Paper Award for “Elites on the Margins: A Study of Power in Two Low-Income Communities in Davao City” during the 31^st Ugnayang Pang-aghamtao (UGAT) National Conference held October 22-24, 2009 in Cagayan de Oro City.

 

BS Architecture students Dan Jezreel Orendain won 1st Runner-Up and Rexan Ranier Cabangal received a Consolation Prize in the Tamugan Powerhouse Inter-School Design Contest sponsored by Hedcor.

Exegesis Jedidiah N. Ebarle (3BSAbE) was a delegate to the Japan-ASEAN Student Conference held November 13-19, 2009 at Tokyo and Sendai, Japan. It was organized and sponsored by the Japan-East Asia Network for Exchange Students and Youths (JENESYS).

The opening of University Student Council House was held on June 22, 2009 with USC Chair Rosell Susan Serrano, Chancellor Rivero, students and staff.

14^TH ANNIVERSARY

During the 14^th Anniversary celebration of UP Mindanao, various events were held that brought together students, professionals and the community from the region and abroad.

The UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble, the resident company, performed their annual dance concert, this year titled, "UGAT", on February 24, 2009 at the UP Mindanao Atrium.

Beta Sigma Fraternity alumni from the Philippines and the United States held the Tito de Santos Medical and Dental Mission in UP Mindanao during UPMin’s 14^th Anniversary on February 20, 2009. This resulted in the Fraternity’s decision to construct the UP Mindanao Infirmary later in the year.

The Canadian Embassy selected UP Mindanao to host its annual Macluhan Lecture Forum that brought journalists of national stature to talk to communication arts students from leading higher education institutions in the region.

Annual student-organized events such as the Rotaract’s inter-school oratorical contest, ‘Pagpamatbat”, and the Communicators Guild’s extemporaneous-speaking contest “Speak-UP!” were expanded in 2009 to include schools from satellite cities in the region.

ALUMNI AFFAIRS

Parangal sa Alumnay. The UP Alumni Association of Davao (UPAAD) celebrated its 60^th Anniversary on December 5, 2009 with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as Guest Speaker. Some 175 alumni from Davao City and throughout the Region attended. The UPAAD also held “U.P. Clean and Green: An Environmental Lecture-Forum on Solid Waste Management” (below, left) for local barangays on November 6, 2009.

 

Prepared by:

 

Rene A. Estremera

Written by Rene Estremera | 03 February 2010

 

THAT YOU MAY GROW, BLOOM AND BEAR FRUITS WHEREVER YOU ARE PLANTED . . .

Vision Speech of Dr. Benjamin C. Bagadion on his nomination as Chancellor of UP Mindanao

 

Thank you Dr. Obsioma.

 

Vice President Teddy Te, Chancellor Gilda Rivero, my colleagues from the faculty and the administration of this university, students, alumni, ladies and gentlemen.

 

When I left for the Christmas break last December 17, a day after the Kasadya, I had a one-way ticket to Manila. But, as fate would have it, today, I stand here before you, honored by your trust, and deeply inspired by the charge you have placed in me as your nominee for Chancellor of our beloved University of the Philippines Mindanao. As we go into the second decade of the 21st century, the opportunity to lead this university to the very forefront of teaching, research and extension is unbelievably exciting. Through our collective efforts, channeling energized creativity guided by classical wisdom, UP Mindanao will seize the moment and transcend the issues of our time.

 

My task this morning is to articulate for you and elucidate further my vision for this university. I will start by reviewing the mandate of UP Mindanao.

 

Our university, which is the only one in the UP System created by law, takes its marching orders from Republic Act 7889 which mandated us to do the following: attend to the upgrading of science, technology and agricultural education; train and educate the region’s leaders in the management of agri-based enterprises, regional and local governments and educational institutions; and, develop programs on Mindanao and East ASEAN culture, geopolitics, and environmental protection.

 

This list of responsibilities weighs and shall continue to weigh on our shoulders as we progress through time. But, to whom many has been given, much is also expected. We have always prided ourselves with being a cut above the others. Hence, in order to be equal to the task that has been set before us, we have to retool this institution to enable it to perform and function in a manner equal to its claim of being sue generis.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I submit that UP Mindanao should be, first and foremost, a nurturing university where reasoned inquiry is allowed to flourish in a non-threatening learning environment. It will enhance democratic access to UP education especially for the indigenous people as well as the poor and the marginalized communities in Mindanao. It should create an enabling environment for students to grow intellectually while becoming more socially aware and conscious of their responsibilities as future leaders of their respective communities. The pursuit of academic excellence shall not be an end unto itself. While it will continue to be encouraged, it will be tempered by the development of a moral backbone such that, in the future, we will not have to be asked why, if we are so good and have produced so many good men, is the country still in such a mess.

 

A nurturing university shall not nurture the academic community only. I disagree with the notion that, in the array of human resources, the administrative staff is of less importance to their academic colleagues. I think they are equal partners pursuing a common goal and, therefore, ought to be nurtured with the same intensity, care and attention through continuous capability-building and the institutionalization of mechanisms for professional growth.

 

UP Mindanao will be an activist university, an institution dedicated to the pursuit of truths and the advancement of knowledge which will improve the quality of life of the Mindanaon and protect and develop further our cultural and environmental heritage. It will facilitate the social responsiveness of the university community and encourage more academic discourse on major issues affecting Mindanao, the country and the world. UP Mindanao will become the center for protecting the biodiversity of our island and in ensuring the sustainable development of Mindanao.

 

UP Mindanao will become a self-sufficient unit of the UP System. This will entail the full utilization of the land reservations, generating resources and developing programs on community-building in the process. While this is the conventional mode of generating resources, I think the move towards self-sufficiency will require us to do more than this. I believe that we can accelerate our move towards self-sufficiency by engaging in partnerships with the private sector, tapping funding agencies, and linking-up with foreign universities. We will have to strengthen our institutional linkages and revisit our past ties and programs for possible revival and reengineering.

 

Finally, UP Mindanao will be one community of intellectuals and scholars characterized in the classic mold of the UP constituent: UNAFRAID TO TELL THE TRUTH, UNCOWED BY SUPERIOR FORCE, UNBOWED BY THE CHALLENGES OF THE UNKNOWN. AT HIGIT SA LAHAT, HINDI NATATAKOT MAKIBAKA PARA SA KAPAKANAN NG SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO! We will respect each other as members of the same race, provide venues for the airing of diverse opinions, ever conscious of the fact that no one has a monopoly of brilliance. I believe that people will behave like people when they are treated like people. Thus, we will provide for democratic participation in governance and establish mechanisms for regular and continuous consultations with all stakeholders, build consensus and promote collegiality, while adhering to the needs for transparency and the proper disclosure of information.

 

My friends, esteemed members of the Search Committee, in her Administrative Order dated October 20, 2009, President Emer Roman spelled-out the desired qualities of a nominee for Chancellor. These are:

Commitment to academic freedom and the values and ideals of the university

Distinction in the chosen field of expertise coupled with a generalist view and an appreciation of other disciplines

Filipino citizenship with a strong nationalist commitment

Demonstrated observance of the principles of collegiality and the democratic process

Unquestionable moral integrity

Academic leadership and administrative skill

Willingness to serve full time over the full term

 

I started this presentation by telling you that I bought a one-way ticket to Manila when I left for the Christmas break last December 17, 2009. I came back last Thursday, January 7, 2010 also with a one-way ticket bound for Davao. I came back elated by the affirmation of the Board of Regents of my appointment as a Professor of the School of Management of this University. I came back eager to finally perform my functions and hopeful of this unique chance to make a difference. When I was challenged by some colleagues in the faculty and the administrative staff to consider accepting a possible nomination for Chancellorship, I only had one question to ask: Do I match the requirements of the President? The faculty union thinks so. The workers union thinks so. I would like to believe that the studentry thinks so. I would like to declare that I think so.

 

I shall end with this statement of commitment. That if in the collective judgment of the Board of Regents I should be deemed fit for this office I shall do what is expected of me by the Board to the best of my ability so that this University is able to perform its primary task of providing the enabling environment for the germination, nurturing, and bringing into fruition of ideas that will push the frontiers of knowledge and make our world a better place to live in. And, so that minds, especially of the young Mindanaoan, like seeds, will be nurtured in a manner that will allow them to bloom and bear fruits wherever they are planted.

 

Daghang Salamat. Maayong buntag kaninyong tanan.

 

 

 

 

Written by Rene Estremera | 26 January 2010

UP Mindanao is the sixth Constituent University of the University of the Philippines System. It is the only Constituent University of UP that was created by law. Republic Act 7889, signed into law on February 20, 1995 by President Fidel V. Ramos, was the product of two decades of “struggle” by the UP alumni in the region for the creation of a UP in Mindanao. .

The vision of UP Mindanao is expressed in the word, EXCELLENCE, an acronym that means, “EXCEL in Leadership, Education, Nationalism, Cultural sensitivity, and Environmental nurturance”.

The mission of UP Mindanao to lead in providing affordable quality education, scholarly research, and responsive and relevant extension services to diverse, marginalized and deserving sectors in Mindanao and neighboring regions through its programs in the sciences and the arts, inculcating a passion for excellence, creative thinking, and nationalism in the context of cultural diversity in a global community

UP Mindanao is located in Barangay Mintal, in a setting that is unique in the booming city of Davao. It is surrounded by a landscape that is free of intrusive urban and commercial distractions. As a student said, “in this environment, studying is truly enjoyable.” In UP Mindanao, student life is simple but special, in a setting that can truly be described as natural and “memorable.” UP Mindanao envisions itself to be a “green university town” in the future, one that retains its natural environment and uses “green” technologies.

Classes in the campus are distributed in three main buildings. The Administration Building presently houses the College of Humanities and Social Sciences or CHSS. One kilometer away is Kanluran Building which houses the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). The School of Management (SOM) holds its undergraduate classes in the Administration Building and its graduate classes in Terraza Milesa Building in downtown Davao City, for the benefit of its professionally-employed students.

The UP Mindanao research and development programs are aligned with the directions of the UP System and that of the Philippines’ medium and long-term development plans. These directions are in the areas of science and technology, particularly in bio-technology, a field of emerging and promising technologies that can greatly improve the quality of life and contribute to economic development wherever it is employed.

UP Mindanao is a recipient of various grants for the development of its science and technology capabilities. The most prominent set of grants at present is from the Department of Science and Technology, or DOST, which has awarded UP Mindanao with the funds for the establishment of laboratories for biotechnology. The state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment make learning an exciting and fun-filled experience for students.

The laboratory services are intended to also serve other higher educational institutions and constituencies in Mindanao and in the region. The laboratories’ facilities duplicate those that are in UP Los Baños to ensure that the capabilities remain available in the event of calamities in one of the areas. This was proven true in the wake of Typhoon Milenyo that caused heavy damage in UP Los Baños, or possibly in the wake of the unprecedented flood disasters caused by typhoons in the year 2009.

The degree programs that benefit from these laboratories are the undergraduate degree programs of BS Biology, BS Food Technology, BS Computer Science and BS Applied Mathematics, all under the College of Science and Mathematics.

The BS Biology program is taught by experienced faculty members in the disciplines of Biology, Marine Science, Animal Science, Crop Science, Ecology, Microbiology, Wildlife and Zoology. Students in these classes enjoy field work exploring wildlife and plant life in forests and swamplands. Many graduates of this course proceed to medical studies or related careers.

The BS Food Technology degree program is taught by faculty members in the disciplines of Chemistry and Food Science and Technology. This program played a key role in securing support from the DOST through its research initiatives on the sago palm, a plant that grows abundantly in the wild in Mindanao. Its starch can provide food for the poor and can be processed into high-value food and industrial products. Many graduates of this program are employed in leading food production companies throughout Mindanao.

The BS Computer Science and BS Applied Mathematics degree programs likewise provide support to research projects in biodiversity through its geographical information systems (GIS) capability. Graduates from these programs work in I.T. industries here and abroad.

The School of Management, or SOM, offers BS Agribusiness Economics (ABE) and the graduate degree programs, Master of Management and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning. The SOM’s flagship program is the agribusiness supply chain research program that is supported by the Australian government. The research program studies how small vegetable farmers can compete in the modern markets. Students in the SOM programs constantly excel in inter-college and inter-school competitions. The SOM also offers short management development programs for industrial companies.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences, or CHSS, offers BA Anthropology, BS Architecture, BA Communication Arts and BA English (Creative Writing). The BA Anthropology program students are exposed to communities both in remote rural settings and crowded urban communities with video and other modern documentation tools. Their graduates take active roles in organizations and institutions that work for social change.

The BS Architecture program was designed with the help of the UP Diliman College of Architecture. Its graduates consistently pass the architecture board exams and win in regional and national architecture competitions.

The tandem of BS Communication Arts and BA English (Creative Writing) completes the exciting choices that are available in UP Mindanao. Students from these courses lead the way in the literary and performing arts. BS Communication Arts students explore and experiment with traditional and new media arts, while BA English (Creative Writing) students create and perform literary works in English, Tagalog and Bisaya.

To complete student life in UP Mindanao, sports, dance, community service programs and student activities are incorporated into the curricula and academic calendar to learning, social awareness and fun.

A number of scholarships and financial assistance programs are available for students. The UP System’s Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program provides discounted tuition fees for students from low-income families. A number of other scholarships are likewise available from various foundations. Student loans are available from the UP Student Loan Board, the CHED Safe Loan and other financial assistance facilities.

Entrance into UP Mindanao is gained through the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) or by transfer from other colleges or universities. The UPCAT is held once a year in August. Third year high school students should apply during the months of June to July. Once accepted into UP Mindanao, bridge programs are given for incoming freshmen to help them enter college life in UP Mindanao. Tutorials are also provided during regular semesters by fellow-students.

In sum, UP Mindanao offers a broad choice in degree programs with the best faculty available and a supportive and nurturing environment. UP Mindanao offers all these in order to equip its students with skills to truly make them an offering to the people of Mindanao or wherever their future careers may carry them.