Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes from the College of Veterinary Medicine won both best paper and best presenter awards during the 1st International Research and Innovation Conference on Education, Engineering, and Agriculture (IRICEEA) at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines, on December 4-6, 2023.
“Winning both awards is a bonus; sharing and presenting our research on the international stage is the real prize,” Dr. Dargantes said. She further acknowledged the efforts of the toxoplasma team who took part in the study and all the individuals who contributed to the success of this research.
Dr. Dargantes, project leader, presented their paper “Epidemiology of Zoonotic Toxoplasma gondii and Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections among Household Cats in Northern Mindanao.” It is a research project funded by the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). “[This research project] on zoonotic diseases highlights the importance of understanding and addressing health risks at the intersection of animal and human health,” she quipped.
Dr. Dargantes shared how humbled and honored she has been to represent CMU in an international arena. “This recognition motivates us to continue doing research for the well-being and betterment of our communities,” she added.
Other faculty representatives who joined and presented at the international conference are Dr. Alan P. Dargantes, Dr. Catherine T. Albano, Dr. Raquel O. Salingay, Dr. Ele D. Lunzaga, and Ms. Bethel Grace T. Paclar, from the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, respectively.
IRICEEA 2023, bannering the theme “Strengthening Research and Innovation Ecosystem through Education, Engineering and Agriculture Interface” sought to bring together engineering, agriculture, and education experts “to share their knowledge and experiences, and discuss innovative ideas and solutions to current challenges.”
CMU also served as co-host along with 11 other schools and agencies in the Philippines and the neighboring countries namely Thailand and Vietnam. The participating universities and agencies include the Udon Thani Rajabhat University in Thailand, Van Lang University in Vietnam, Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office 1 in La Union, Ilocos Consortium of Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development in La Union, University of Northern Philippines in Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan State University in Pangasinan, WCC Aeronautical and Technological College in Pangasinan, President Ramon Magsaysay State University in Zambales, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College in Mountain Province, and University of Eastern Philippines in Northern Samar.
CMU also inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in collaboration with other IRICEEA 2023 participating schools and agencies for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Alan P. Dargantes, CMU Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE), represented the University President, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, in the MOU ceremonial signing.
Part of the IRICEEA 2023 is the launching of SINAG: ASEAN+Network for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Innovation, and Futures Thinking by the DMMMSU and its partners. This consortium aims to enable network members to support innovations, future-focused thinking, and SDG initiatives that embrace the UN Framework for Sustainable University, with four core areas in teaching and research, administration and governance, people and society, and environment and climate.
The conference showcased products processed by DMMMSU and local industries assisted by the host university like salt, roselle herbal juice drink, silk fabric, shawls and yarn, honey, seaweed hand soap, noodles and chips, bulgogi, bottled bangus in olive and corn oil, bangus sisig, dried lemon, chili garlic oil, spicy duck binagoongan, vinegar, inartem, green chili paste, mushroom kropec, chicharon, and bibingka, vegetable pickles, wine from honey, mango, passion fruit and bignay, scrunchie, beadworks among others as well as the honey extractor and oyster shell crusher designed by DMMMSU.
The conference is capped with a local tour. CMU delegates joined the North Circuit tour which started with a quick visit at the DMMMSU College of Veterinary Medicine and thereafter saw the women loomweavers of Bangar, Baluarte in Luna, Immuki Island in Balaoan and the DMMMSU Fisheries Research Training Institute of DMMMSU in Paraoir. [EDLunzaga and RGPadoginog]
