SMAARRDEC

Happy Birthday to our esteemed Consortium Director, Dr. Gilbert Importante!

Your leadership, dedication, and vision continue to inspire us all. May your special day be filled with joy, good health, and well-deserved celebration, and may the year ahead bring even greater success and fulfillment.

With our warmest wishes,
Your SMAARRDEC Family 🎉

📢 Meet the Speakers for the webinar “𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐑”, in partnership with the GAD Lab in AANR of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
The speakers for this event are:
👉🏻 Dr. Gomathy Palaniappan, Senior Research Fellow of Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, University of Queensland
👉🏻 Dr. Thelma Paris, S&T Consultant and Gender Specialist
👉🏻 USec. Janet Lopoz, Executive Director and Head, GAD Focal Point System, Mindanao Development Authority
📢 Invisible Hands: The Unseen Work Behind AANR
🗓 25 March 2026
⏰ 1:30 – 4:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom | Live on YouTube
⬇️ Registration links are available in the comments.
Be part of the conversation. See you there! 👋🏻

📢 Meet the Speakers for the webinar “𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐑”, in partnership with the GAD Lab in AANR of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

The speakers for this event are:
👉🏻 Dr. Gomathy Palaniappan, Senior Research Fellow of Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, University of Queensland
👉🏻 Dr. Thelma Paris, S&T Consultant and Gender Specialist
👉🏻 USec. Janet Lopoz, Executive Director and Head, GAD Focal Point System, Mindanao Development Authority

📢 Invisible Hands: The Unseen Work Behind AANR
🗓 25 March 2026
⏰ 1:30 – 4:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom | Live on YouTube
⬇️ Registration links are available in the comments.

Be part of the conversation. See you there! 👋🏻

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao de Oro, in partnership with Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC), successfully conducted a Proposal Writeshop on February 26–27, 2026, in Compostela, Davao de Oro.

The two-day activity gathered faculty members and researchers to enhance their skills in developing quality research and development (R&D) proposals aligned with regional and national priorities.

Dr. Importante served as one of the evaluators, together with Assistant Regional Director Nathan Ray Alim of Department of Science and Technology Region XI. They provided valuable insights and constructive recommendations to help participants refine their proposals and ensure alignment with DOST standards and funding requirements.

Through critiquing sessions and technical consultations, participants were able to strengthen their project concepts, methodologies, and expected outcomes—further contributing to innovation and development initiatives in Davao de Oro.

👏 Congratulations to all participants and partners for this successful activity!

[𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗗] 𝙎𝙈𝘼𝘼𝙍𝙍𝘿𝙀𝘾 𝙄𝘾𝙏 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙀𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙏𝙪𝙧𝙣-𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙮

The SMAARRDEC ICT Facility Enhancement Project Turn-Over Ceremony and Equipment Tagging Activity was successfully held on February 19, 2026, at the TLE Conference Room, University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Obrero Campus, Davao City.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the project strengthens the consortium's ICT infrastructure to enhance research, communication, and administrative operations.

This milestone marks a significant step toward improving digital capacity and operational efficiency in support of regional development initiatives.

[𝘼𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉] We are pleased to inform you that DOST-PCAARRD is calling for the nomination of outstanding candidates from the Regional Consortia for consideration under the iGREAT Program.

The iGREAT Program is a graduate scholarship opportunity designed to support individuals with exceptional academic and research credentials who aspire to pursue advanced graduate studies abroad.

Please note that nominations will be accepted until 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

For further inquiries or clarifications, you may contact the PCAARRD Institution Development Division via email at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

The Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) was recognized during the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Science and Technology Recognition and Awarding Ceremony held on 30 January 2026 at the SMX Convention Center. The ceremony highlighted institutional excellence and individual contributions that have significantly advanced science, technology, and innovation in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.

SMAARRDEC received the Ruby Milestone Award, marking its 38 years of sustained service and contributions to research and development in Southern Mindanao. The award recognizes the consortium’s enduring role in strengthening collaboration among member institutions, fostering technology generation and utilization, and supporting evidence-based solutions aligned with regional and national development priorities. The Ruby milestone underscores SMAARRDEC’s commitment to promoting integrated and impactful AANR research over four decades.

In the same event, Dr. Anthony C. Sales was honored for his nine (9) years of exemplary leadership as Regional Research, Development, and Coordination Committee (RRDCC) Chairperson of SMAARRDEC. His leadership was instrumental in enhancing consortium governance, strengthening inter-institutional partnerships, and advancing strategic research coordination. His contributions significantly supported the consortium’s growth and alignment with PCAARRD and DOST priorities.

The ceremony also recognized Dr. Evelyn Gecale with a Loyalty Award, honoring her 22 years of dedicated service to SMAARRDEC. Her long-standing commitment and invaluable contributions have played a critical role in sustaining the consortium’s programs, institutional continuity, and operational excellence.

These recognitions affirm SMAARRDEC’s legacy of excellence and highlight the dedication and leadership of individuals who have contributed to its success. The consortium remains committed to advancing science and technology-driven solutions through strong partnerships, effective leadership, and sustained service to the AANR sector.

01.29.2026 | On-line meeting with University of Southeastern Philippine (USeP) re proposal on facilities enhancement.

01.29.2026. On-line meeting with University of Southeastern Philippine (USeP) re proposal on facilities enhancement.

𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗲
Davao del Sur State College has officially received the Guinness World Records plaque for "KAWAYANIHAN: A Circular Economy Movement" for the “Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously” held last October 18, 2024, in twenty (20) different sites. With 2,305 participants, DSSC set a new global benchmark, surpassing India’s previous record of 1,229. This achievement was made possible through the partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Local Government of Matanao, and other local collaborators.
The record highlights DSSC’s commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and community engagement. By bringing together thousands of participants, the initiative demonstrates the impact of coordinated collective action in promoting circular economy practices and ecological stewardship. It establishes a model for future programs that integrate research, education, and local partnerships to address environmental challenges.

𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗲

Davao del Sur State College has officially received the Guinness World Records plaque for "KAWAYANIHAN: A Circular Economy Movement" for the “Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously” held last October 18, 2024, in twenty (20) different sites. With 2,305 participants, DSSC set a new global benchmark, surpassing India’s previous record of 1,229. This achievement was made possible through the partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Local Government of Matanao, and other local collaborators.

The record highlights DSSC’s commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and community engagement. By bringing together thousands of participants, the initiative demonstrates the impact of coordinated collective action in promoting circular economy practices and ecological stewardship. It establishes a model for future programs that integrate research, education, and local partnerships to address environmental challenges.

𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 “𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄” 𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐑 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
SMAARRDEC successfully conducted the IGNITE: Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Ideas, and Transforming Excellence — AANR Student Research Conference on December 5, 2025 at USeP Social Hall, Davao City, gathering student researchers from various Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs).

The event showcased outstanding undergraduate research in Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR), providing a platform for young innovators to present their studies, share insights, and engage with fellow researchers and mentors across the region.

Participants from DDOSC, DSSC, DNSC, DSSC, DORSU, KCAST, MONCAST, SPAMAST, and USeP proudly presented their research outputs, contributing to the continuous growth of the AANR sector.

The conference featured insightful presentations, interactive discussions, and an inspiring exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening research culture and innovation among students.

SMAARRDEC proudly presents the official results of IGNITE 2025, showcasing the outstanding research talents of our consortium member institutions. After a rigorous evaluation process, here are this year’s top performers across all categories:

🥇 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 – 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚

1st Place: Host Range and Selected Fungicide Toxicity Against Neopestalotiopsis clavispora causing Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber
Researcher: Nur Jamma B. Constancio (USeP)

2nd Place: Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Potential of Rafflesia mira
Researcher: Desiree Joy D. Maxey (DOrSU)

3rd Place: Bioefficacy of Chrysanthemum Extract Against Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer
Researcher: Cyrus C. Bautista (MONCAST)

🥇 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 – 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨

1st Place: Rapid Assessment of Birds in Mount Talomo, Barangay
Sibulan, Davao City Philippines
Researcher: Craig Andrei S. Gimongala (USeP)

2nd Place: VESSELR: Fishing Vessel Management System with Descriptive Data Analytics
Researcher: Julia B. Estigoy (DSSC)

3rd Place: Three New Mimetic Weevils from Mt. Candalaga
Researcher: Graden B. Obrial (DOrSU)

🥇𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 – 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛

1st Place: Rebuilding Cacao Productivity Through Improved Agricultural Extension Services in Monkayo
Researcher: Karlo C. Balabat (MONCAST)

2nd Place: Host Range and Selected Fungicide Toxicity Against Neopestalotiopsis clavispora
Researcher: Nur Jamma B. Constancio (USeP)

3rd Place: LAMBAY: Localized Action to Manage Blue Swimming Crab Fishing Activities
Researcher: Karen Mae B. Recesario (SPAMAST)

🥇 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

1st Place: Major Fungal Diseases of Grapes: Distribution, Identification, and Fungicide Bioassay
Researcher: Carlos Magbanua (USeP)

2nd Place: Automated Solar Tracking System with Energy Monitoring
Researcher: Calvin Klein E. Antonio (DSSC)

3rd Place: Design & Performance Evaluation of ADLAI Grain Sorter
Researcher: Jonah Claire Recto (SPAMAST)

🥇𝙊𝙣-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜

1st Place: Jonathan Alcaria (KCAST)
2nd Place: Yeshiva Jane A. Tio (DSSC)
3rd Place: Nicky Angela H. Solis (USeP)

🎉 SMAARRDEC extends its warmest congratulations to all winners and participants!

Your dedication to research, innovation, and sustainable development continues to ignite progress in the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources sector.

IGNITE stands as a testament to SMAARRDEC’s commitment to nurturing young researchers and empowering future leaders in the AANR community.