Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
In a strategic move to accelerate Northern Mindanao’s research capabilities, the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD) has initiated a major digital transformation. NOMCAARRD turned over a P5-million ICT upgrade to five of its member institutions, marking a significant investment in the region’s research future, on September 12, 2025, at Central Mindanao University, the consortium’s base agency.
The project was funded through the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program of the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Institution Development Division (DOST-PCAARRD-IDD), with CMU’s own Prof. Rinante M. Buntod serving as the project leader and NOMCAARRD ICT Cluster Coordinator. The five institutions selected for the upgrade were Central Mindanao University (CMU), Mindanao State University – Naawan (MSU-Naawan), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Claveria Campus (USTP-Claveria), Mindanao State University Main Campus (MSU-IIT), and Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau-Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (ERDB-FWRDEC).
Prof. Buntod explained that the five recipients were strategically chosen based on their ongoing PCAARRD-funded projects. This targeted approach ensures the new equipment immediately supports critical research, maximizing the impact of the grant across the consortium’s network of 23 Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs).
The comprehensive turnover included a suite of modern equipment vital for collaborative and data-intensive research. Each of the five institutions received a complete package of All-in-one Desktop Computers, laptops, smart TVs, mini PCs, Wi-Fi routers, projectors, printers, and a range of accessories like headsets, flash drives, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units.
In his message, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, CMU President and NOMCAARRD’s RRDCC Chairperson, extended his heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved. He underscored the significance of the Memorandum of Agreement and the ICT equipment turnover, emphasizing its role in “strengthening the partnership, collaboration, and mutual support between DOST-PCAARRD and State Universities in the Philippines, particularly the NOMCAARRD Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs).” He reaffirmed CMU’s commitment to fostering responsive and innovative research in agriculture and natural resources, highlighting the institution’s dedication to quality, integrity, and good governance in all its programs.
While the new hardware is a significant asset, the consortium remains focused on the bigger picture of digital connectivity. When asked about a long-term strategy for improving digital infrastructure, Prof. Buntod revealed a determined plan. “We are actively looking into including private internet providers, such as Starlink, into our long-term strategy,” he stated.
Dr. Eballe specifically pointed out the varying connectivity challenges each CMI faces. While some, like MSU Naawan, benefit from dedicated digital infrastructure funding, others, including CMU, contend with frequent brownouts. He assured that CMU’s power problem would soon be addressed through an upcoming partnership with a 50-hectare solar farm, signaling a move towards sustainable and reliable energy solutions. Dr. Eballe also agreed that it is a good point to have another player that can provide internet service in the form of private internet providers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maria Estela B. Detalla, Consortium Director and a driving force behind the project, clarified the operational framework: “Internet connectivity will be shouldered or taken care of by the consortium member institutions themselves.” This places the responsibility of securing reliable internet on individual CMIs, allowing for tailored solutions based on their unique circumstances. The P5-million ICT upgrade is more than just new equipment; it is the first step in NOMCAARRD’s strategy to empower research institutions across Northern Mindanao. While the journey toward a fully digitized and collaborative network is complex, this strategic move firmly sets the consortium on its way. [Iyren Dalipe Neri]
