CSU holds 4th SciTech4Dev 2018 Fora

Now on its fourth year, Caraga State University conducted the SciTEch4Dev 2018 forum on October 23 to 25, 2018. The conference called for a concrete action from its participants in response to its theme “Science and Technology for Inclusive Education towards Countryside Development”.

The event brought notable speakers coming from international and national institutions. Keynote speaker on the first day was Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) President. He spoke on the role of innovation to higher education. He also convinced the participants, especially the students to go into the world of research.

He was followed by Professor Shosaku Kashiwada of Toyo University in Japan who talked about the microplastics found in aquatic ecosystems, Dr. Joaquim Manuel Cunha Correia who expanded the usefulness of mathematics in aid of sociological foundations of development, and Engr. Meriam Makinano-Santillan of CSU who discussed about Geo-SAFER Mindanao integrating it as a plan for a safer, resilient, and sustainable Mindanao.

Launching of the books on Fish Field Guide in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary by Dr. Romell A. Seronay, Dr. Joycelyn Jumawan, and Mr. Joey Arles Vergara and Handbook in Nickel Mine Rehabilitation by Dr. Rowena P. Varela, Mr. Glenn Arthur Garcia, Ms. Chime Mora-Garcia, and Engr. Lorie Cris Asube was also done.

The second day was allotted to paper and poster presentations where some papers were adjudged as best conference papers on different categories. On the third day, distinguished keynote speakers also graced the event. Dr. Custer C. Deocaris from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) talked on the role of higher education institutions in industry development. He was followed by Dr. Ramesh Mohd Zaidi Bin AbdRzan fro Universiti Teknologi Malaysia whose topic was on the Malaysian experiences and perspective on university-industry-government partnerships. Dr. Jinky B. Bornales who is currently the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension in MSU IIT also discussed on technology commercialization and partnering with the industry as experienced by their university, and Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave the Senior Vice President of UNILAB shared their success and failures in coming up with an herbal medicine Lagundi (Vitex negundo) for commercialization.

The topics were distinct but were interrelated information on the role of science and technology for countryside development. Representatives from micro, small, and medium enterprises were present and had a round table discussion together with the different research center chiefs of Caraga State University. At the end of the day, more work was left for everyone to contribute to a more inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.