Considered as one of its significant milestones, the lone state college of Masbate held a three-day National R&D Forum across disciplines on April 9-11, 2014 at Bituon Beach Resort, Mobo, Masbate. With the theme “Establishing Synergy for Sustainable Development,” the event started with an opening program highlighted by brilliant speakers who talked about different concerns of research and development.
Dr. Genaro V. Japos, President of IAMURE and PAIR and Research and Publication Office Director of Liceo de Cagayan University keynoted the program explaining the “Development and Trends in Research: Issues for Synergism and the Role of the Academicians.” Then talks of plenary speakers followed: Mr. Firth M. McEachern, Consultant of Language and Education discussed “Local Languages in Basic and Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges”; Ms. Melissa Q. Navarra, Technical Head of Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Visiting Fellow of University of Oxford (UK), PhD Candidate of Wageningen University (The Netherlands) explained “The Role of Social Capital in Sustainable Development”; Atty. Ma. Aleta C. Nuñez, Philippine Local Liaison for US Forest Service, Professor of University of St. La Salle College of Law and Part-time Professor of De La Salle University and UP Diliman-Department of Geodetic Engineering elaborated “Law, the Environment and the Social Issues on Responsibilities for Conservation and Protection of Natural Resources”; and Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, Dean of College of Science of PUP, Manila elucidated “Innovations and Advances in Technology: Challenges for Coping and Sustaining with the Technological Race.” Meanwhile, Ms. Hazel V. Antonio, Director of Be Riceponsible Program of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), invited the participants to be riceponsible in her talk about “The Be Riceponsible Campaign.” The Masbate National Comprehensive High School Rondalla rendered intermission numbers all throughout the program. The program included the following presentations: Doxology and Philippine National Anthem by MNCHS Rondalla; Welcome Address by Dr. Erwin H. Malto, DEBESMSCAT President and Hon. Percival D. Castillo, Mayor of the Municipality of Mobo; Presentation of the Participants by Dr. Prolucen C. Velarde, DEBESMSCAT VPAA; Introduction of the Keynote Speaker and Plenary Speaker 4 by Dr. Renee A. Lamela, DEBESMSCAT Dean of the Graduate School; Introduction of Plenary Speaker 1 by Prof. Rodolfo B. Burac, Jr., DEBESMSCAT TEI Director; Introduction of Plenary Speaker 2 and 3 by Engr. Lorvi B. Pagorogon, DEBESMSCAT R&D Director; Presentation of the Panel of Evaluators by Prof. Burac and Dr. Cynthia L. Dimayuga, DEBESMSCAT Student Services Director; Closing Program by Dr. Efren G. Cajuaro, DEBESMSCAT VPAF. Miss Iris B. Castillo, TEI Faculty hosted the entire program.
On the evening of the first day, a fellowship dinner and barn party was held where guests and participants showcased their cowboy dance in their rodeo attire with Mr. Michael O. Ogaya, DEBESMSCAT Scholarship Coordinator, as host. Everybody enjoyed the finger foods while dancing. It was highlighted by a square dance participated by everyone.
The second day accommodated all the parallel paper sessions. The different themes were Agriculture and Agricultural Technology with Dr. Manuel Mendoza, CHED Education Specialist and Dr. Efren G. Cajurao, DEBESMSCAT VPAA as evaluators; Socio-Cultural and Behavioral Science with Ms. Hazel V. Antonio, PhilRice Director, Dr. Prolucen C. Velarde, DEBESMSCAT VPAA, and Dir. Luis Banua, NEDA 5 Regional Director as evaluators; Education, Curriculum, and Educational Management and Leadership with Dr. Anita Castillo, Retired City Superintendent, Dr. Renee A. Lamela, DEBESMSCAT Dean of GS, and Mr. Firth M. McEachern, Consultant of Language and Education as evaluators ; Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Engr. Lorvi B. Pagorogon, DEBESMSCAT R&D Director and Dr. Milagros A. Celedonio, DEBESMSCAT Faculty and Researcher as evaluators; and Food, Health, Engineering and Industry with Engr. Louie C. Jamora, DEBESMSCAT Planning Officer, Mr. Edwin Returan, MNCHS Faculty, and Dir. Manuel Sn B. Lucena, Jr., DOST Assistant Regional Director. The dinner for the second day was sponsored by Hon. Percival D. Castillo, Mayor of Mobo. The paper presentations continued in the morning of the third day of the forum.
A closing program and awarding ceremonies was held in the afternoon with the prayer led by Dr. Renee A. Lamela, Philippine National Anthem by Mrs. Nanita M. Bataga followed by the awarding of plaque to the panel of evaluators and awarding of certificates of participation/recognition to the participants by the key officials of the host school. Dr. Prolucen C. Velarde gave the closing remarks. Guests and participants were given time to roam at the city and witness the Rodeo Festival of Masbate City in their environmental immersion. Hon. Rowena R. Tuason, Masbate City Mayor, sponsored the dinner.
The event ended successfully with a total of 96 participants coming from the different regions of the Philippines. One from North Luzon Philippine State College, three from Cagayan State University, five from Pampanga Agricultural College, two from Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, three from Batangas State University, one from Romblon State University, four from Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, five from Catanduanes State University, two from Samar State University, two from Western Mindanao State University, three from Cotabato City State Polytechnic College, one from Sultan Kudarat State University, six from Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, two from Surigao State College of Technology, two from Abra State Institute of Science and Technology, one from DENRCENRO Lagangilang, five from Benguet State University, six from Apayao State College, 17 from DEBESMSCAT Graduate School, one from DEPEd Masbate, and 24 from the host school.
Ladies and gentlemen,
