DOST execom lauds CSU's RDI projects in recent site visit

A delegation of high-ranking officials, including Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors from various councils and attached agencies within the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Central and Regional Offices, visited Caraga State University (CSU) on October 13, 2023, to personally inspect several Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) projects that had received funding through the DOST's Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program.

This distinguished delegation included Dr. Leah J. Buendia, the Undersecretary for Research and Development; Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun, the Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services; Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, an Undersecretary; Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr., Assistant Secretary, and Mr. Cesar R. Pedraza, Director of Planning and Development. Their collective presence underscored the significance of this visit to Caraga State University.

Also present at the event were the Executive Directors of the three (3) prominent research and development councils under the umbrella of the DOST. These distinguished individuals included Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, who serves as the head of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD); Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, the Executive Director at the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); and Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, the Executive Director at the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). The event also had the privilege of hosting Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, the Executive Director for the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), as well as Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, who serves as the Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), among other notable attendees. DOST Caraga Regional Director Noel M. Ajoc was also in attendance during the project visits to CSU.

CSU's President, Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, assisted by Dr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa, the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (VPRIE), assumed the leadership role on CSU's behalf in hosting the DOST's prestigious delegation. 

During his welcoming address, Dr. Daguil expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the department's invaluable support, specifically in funding project proposals from the university. He underscored the significance of transforming project outcomes into tangible commercial assets, thereby guaranteeing their enduring viability. This signifies the university's commitment to harnessing the results of these initiatives for commercial endeavors, whether in the form of marketable products or services, to secure their sustainability over the long term.

During the visit, the ExeCom members witnessed the remarkable achievements of various projects through engaging video presentations, informative booth exhibits, and immersive facility tours. These projects encompassed a wide spectrum of objectives, including waste reduction initiatives, socioeconomic development, and the promotion of sustainable practices in mineral and mining operations.

In pursuit of sustainable mineral and mining operations, the Sustainable Mineral and Mining Operations Using Industry 4.0 (SuMMO) Program harnessed cutting-edge technology to advance environmentally responsible mining practices. Under this program was the Mine Geotechnical and Environmental Assessment Robotic System Project (Mine GEARS) headed by Engr. Rudolf Joshua Candare. Dr. Jaymer M. Jayoma, on the other hand, leads the other two (2) projects under the program: Information and Communications Technology for Responsible Mining (ICT4RM) 2.0 and the Mining Augmented Reality and Virtual E-Learning Technologies (MARVEL). Before assuming the role of University President, Dr. Daguil initially served as the Program Leader for these R&D programs.

The other project that caught the committee's attention was the Systematized Mining Operations Using Automation and Real-Time Telematics Platform Towards a Paradigm Shift in Surface Mines of CARAGA Region (SMART Mines). This focused on enhancing safety and efficiency within mining operations through automation and real-time telematics. Another notable project, the CYANanobot was dedicated to developing a miniaturized boat-assisted data acquisition system, leveraging optical nano-sensors for automated cyanide monitoring in wastewater. 

Among the project presentations and exhibits, noteworthy mentions included the Caraga Center for Geo-Informatics (CCGeo) - Phil-LiDAR Outputs project, which harnesses LiDAR technology to produce highly detailed maps and contribute to disaster risk reduction efforts. Additionally, the Packaging and Labelling Innovation Center (PLIC) was highlighted for its pioneering work in developing innovative solutions tailored to packaging and labeling requirements. Lastly, the Caraga Black Native Chicken project, led by Dr. Tomas N. Austral, was also presented. This project aims to establish a sustainable breeding program for native chickens, contributing to regional development and agricultural sustainability.

Collectively, these projects serve as a testament to the shared commitment of CSU and the DOST to the advancement of research and development, ultimately benefiting the region and the entire nation. This visit further solidifies the strong collaboration between DOST and CSU, emphasizing their joint efforts in driving forward RDI initiatives that contribute to the betterment of the nation, aligning to CSU President's LIKHA Agenda, the DOST's Strategic Agenda and the country's Philippine Development Plan (PDP). vprie/pico