USeP Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center in Mindanao

𝐂𝐀𝐄𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐂 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐈𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐑𝐂𝐏 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Research teams from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) College of Applied Economics (CAEc) and the Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) Mindanao secured 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 and 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in the 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for Cluster 1 (Divisions I, II, and XI) at the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference and the 93rd General Membership Assembly of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) on March 13, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The first-place entry,𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗗𝘂𝗰𝗸 (𝗣𝗠𝗗) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 focused on strengthening sustainable duck production. Its authors include Roperto S. Deluna, Jr., Nerisa N. Paladan, Ronald D. Estrada, Christopher D. Balubayan, Christine R. Varquez-Abines, Francis Ignatius Nieva, Michael Vale, Menchi Del Castillo-Crispina, Rain Cesar B. Arana, Dave S. Roblis, and Cynthia V. Osario.

The second-place study,𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥&𝗗 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗥&𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, evaluated the effectiveness of seaweeds research and development initiatives. Its authors are Roperto S. Deluna, Jr., Michael L. Ayala, Karlo Martin C. Caramugan, Rizamae S. P***n, Christine R. Varquez-Abines, Jesus A. Villardo III, Cloydessa S. Matilac, and Keturah Sue E. Mascariñas.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), these projects highlight USeP's commitment to advancing research with integrity, relevance, and impact. Dr. Roperto S. Deluna, Jr., project leader of both initiatives, received the awards on behalf of the teams.

Both findings of these studies serve as valuable guides for ensuring that interventions are innovative, effective in improving the welfare of Filipino farmers and industry stakeholders and aligned with the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition reflects the dedication and collaborative effort of the entire research team in striving for excellence. USeP proudly celebrates this achievement as a meaningful contribution to national development.

📸NRCP, Dr. Sonico and Dr. Besing

𝐀 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐒. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐉𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐑𝐂𝐏

We are proud to share that Dr. Roperto S. Deluna Jr., Associate Professor of the College of Applied Economics and Center Head of the Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) in Mindanao, 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).

Joining the ranks of the country’s premier advisory body for research proves that Dr. Deluna is now at the forefront of shaping the policies and innovations that will drive the nation forward. As a member of this distinguished group under DOST, his expertise in econometrics, impact evaluation, and development economics has already been a cornerstone of the SERDAC-Mindanao. His evidence-based insights will continue to provide vital solutions for national development and inspire the next generation of researchers at USeP.

Congratulations, Dr. Deluna, on this prestigious national milestone!

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 (𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐑) 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫.
We are encouraging researchers to develop their concept proposals on DOST-PCAARRD priority areas in the food and agriculture sector and submit these on March 1-15, 2026 to https://dpmisv2.dost.gov.ph.
Download the PCAARRD CallCon Kit: https://bit.ly/3DYAIyV

[𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐃] 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍

From November 2025 to January 2026, the 𝗨𝗦𝗲𝗣- 𝗥𝗲𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 conducted field-based datacollection activities in Governor Generoso, Caraga, the City of Mati, and Manay, Davao Oriental, as well as in other parts of the Davao Region. These activities, which included behavioral game sessions, workshop surveys, and key informant interviews,were undertaken to support ongoing studies on (1) how farmers make decisions under idiosyncratic and covariate risks and how kinship networks influence these decisions; (2) farmers’ willingness to accept compensation for participation in carbon farming contracts; and (3) stakeholder perspectives on strengthening land reform implementation. The behavioral game sessions were conducted in Bisaya and Filipino to ensure contextual clarity and meaningful participation.

These activities form part of the project “𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙞𝙤-𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙥 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨.” The project seeks to generate empirical evidence on how local production conditions, behavioral patterns, and socioeconomic contexts influence the adoption of sustainable bio-product innovations in developing country settings.

The fieldwork was supervised by Project Leader Dr. Ropert S. Deluna, Jr., ensuring methodological rigor and research integrity. The behavioral games and workshop-surveys were spearheaded by Nymphmary Daphne J. Santiago, Doctoral Researcher of the 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 from the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂, in collaboration with Dr. Terese Venus for the behavioral and carbon farming components, and with Dr. Deluna for the land reform research.

Field operations were supported by Project Technical Assistant Dave S. Roblis, with the invaluable assistance of project enumerators Aileen A. Rulida, Queenie Jen E. Armodia, Riova A. Vistal, Hennie Jean O. Buot, Sheena A. Dagohoy, and Kaila Marie J. Padal, whose dedication ensured accurate, reliable, and ethically conducted data collection across the study sites.

Through sustained collaboration, rigorous research, and meaningful community engagement, the University of Southeastern Philippines Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center continues to advance evidence-based policy insights that bridge technical innovation and socioeconomic realities in rural communities.

[𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗪] The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) is in need of twenty-three (23) non-teaching personnel for the Obrero, Mintal, and Tagum-Mabini Campuses.
Submission of applications is until February 23, 2026.
For those interested in applying, submit your application here:
http://usep.edu.ph/.../usep-job-hiring-usep-is-in-need.../
Visit here to see all the job openings:
https://www.usep.edu.ph/careers/

Build the future of research, one laboratory at a time.
The Institution Development Program (IDP) supports academic and research institutions in establishing or upgrading R&D laboratories aligned with national priority sectors. From advanced equipment to specialized software, IDP helps strengthen institutional research capacity where it’s needed most.
Ready to level up your research facilities? Visit the link for more information: https://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/.../call-for-proposals-for.../
🔗 Submit your Full-Blown Proposal here: https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph/
🗓️ Submission period: 21 January – 20 February 2026| 8:00-5:00 PM

“The legacy of a great leader is not just in the projects completed, but in the people inspired to continue the work.”


Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Brown!

The SERDAC Mindanao network extends its deepest gratitude for your years of leadership. Thank you for being a true champion of socio-economic development through research in Mindanao and for your unwavering support.

From your family at SERDAC Mindanao.

DOST PCAARRD

𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙐𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 | Congratulations to Asst. Prof. Ivee V. Fuerzas of the College of Applied Economics (CAEc) on her international publication in a Scopus-indexed journal, published by Elsevier. This article celebrates Asst. Prof. Fuerzas’ fourth publication in 2025.
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Delina, L. L., Tam, K.-P., Afable, S. D., Fuerzas, I., Dharmiasih, W., & Salamanca, A. (2025). Rice, resilience, and relationships: Unpacking the intangible sources of resilience in Southeast Asian heritage ricescapes. World Development, 195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.107111
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The whole USeP community celebrates your scholarly contribution.
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Scan the QR code to access this published paper.

From Insights to Impact: Research that changes lives!

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) successfully convened its 5th OPAPRU Research Conference on November 4-5, 2025, in Metro Manila. Under the theme "From Insights to Impact: Bridging Research and Action for Peace," the conference brought together experts to translate data into actionable peacebuilding strategies.

Representing the research team from the University of Southeastern Philippines – Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) Mindanao, Atty. Jesus A. Villardo III served as a Panel Discussant for the session, "Peace Dividends: What Data Tells Us Across Fronts."

Atty. Villardo also presented their research, "Development Intervention and Armed Conflict: Evaluating the PAMANA in Davao Region," conducted in partnership with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) XI. The research highlighted key findings on how development projects influence peace dynamics in the Davao Region, marking a vital contribution to the conference's focus on Localized Peacebuilding and Community Security.

𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙐𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 | Congratulations to Asst. Prof. Ivee V. Fuerzas of the College of Applied Economics (CAEc) on her international publication in a Scopus-indexed journal, published by John Wiley & Sons. This latest contribution earns her third publication in 2025.
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Fuerzas, I., Delina, L., & Tam, K.-P. (2025). “Crisis in the cup:” Unveiling the hazards and vulnerabilities of the Philippine coffee supply amidst emerging risks. Sustainable Development, Early View, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.70172
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The whole USeP community celebrates your scholarly contribution.
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Scan the QR code to access this published paper.

𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠, 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣! ✨

UPLB SERDAL, in collaboration with DOST-PCAARRD, successfully hosted the “Socio-Economics Research and Data Analytics Network (SERDAN) Workshop on the Improvement of Strategies for the Harmonized Capacity Building and Data Repository”, held on October 20–22, 2025 at the DAAE Conference Room, CEM, UPLB.

The workshop centered on developing a project proposal to strengthen capacity building initiatives and establish a publicly accessible data repository — empowering researchers and stakeholders to make more informed, data-driven decisions.

The SERDAN is composed of UPLB SERDAL, Luzon Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center, Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center Bicol, Visayas Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center, Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center-UPV Satellite Center, Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center in Mindanao, Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center - WMSU, and USM Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center — working together to advance socio-economic research and data analytics in the AANR Sector. 🌾📊