ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) participated in the International Conference on “Sustaining Traditions, Securing Futures: Community Knowledge in Food Security, Disaster Response, Climate Change Adaptation, and Women Empowerment,” hosted by Western Mindanao State University (WMSU in partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), from January 21 to 23, 2026.
The three-day international conference gathered academics, researchers, and development practitioners from various countries to discuss the role of indigenous and community-based knowledge in addressing food security challenges, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and gender empowerment.
Representing DEBESMSCAT on behalf of SUC President III Dr. Arnel B. Millesca were Dr. Joey Pardeño, College Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person; Mr. Wilfred Pagorogon, College Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Director; and Dr. Nikki Faith Bantillo, College International Relations Officer.
The WMSU–UCLA collaboration aims to strengthen international research partnerships, expand extension and community engagement programs, and promote the preservation of culture and heritage while advancing climate resilience and inclusive development.
DEBESMSCAT’s participation in the international forum reflects the institution’s continuing efforts to integrate gender responsiveness, disaster risk reduction, sustainability, and internationalization into its academic and extension initiatives.
The conference also provided a platform for participating institutions to share best practices and explore opportunities for collaboration in research, instruction, and community-based programs across local and global contexts.
Ladies and gentlemen,
