Northern Mindanao showcases R&D breakthroughs at the 37th RSRDH

The promise of a more resilient and sustainable Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources (AANR) sector for Northern Mindanao took center stage as the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD) launched its 37th Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights (RSRDH), held at the DA-RFO 10 NMACLRC, on November 27-28, 2025.

Under the theme, “Driving Innovation and Community Empowerment Toward a Resilient Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources Sector in Northern Mindanao,” the event serves as the region’s premier platform for showcasing scientific breakthroughs that aim to bridge S&T gaps and address persistent challenges like climate variability, low productivity, and market access for local communities.

The RSRDH, as emphasized by Consortium Director Dr. Maria Estela B. Detalla, is the consortium’s commitment to developing knowledge and providing innovative technologies through collaboration and a platform for recognizing breakthroughs and strengthening partnerships toward inclusive and sustainable development.

“These activities reflect the strength of our collaboration as a consortium and our shared commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient development for Northern Mindanao…May the knowledge shared today inspire further innovation, partnerships, and positive change for our region,” Dr. Detalla asserted.

Moreover, highlighting the symposium’s practical focus was the Technology Pitching segment during the media conference, where technology innovators previewed R&D outputs ready for adoption. There was also a dedicated session for Farmer’s Forum that convened technology innovators and farmers for direct exchange on boosting commodities such as Coffee, Tilapia, and Rice to hasten technology uptake; and the accompanying Exhibit, which allowed partners and CMIs to physically display their scientific breakthroughs and R&D outputs.

Meanwhile, a total of 26 pioneering research and development entries from across the Consortium-Member Institutions (CMIs) were rigorously evaluated, showcasing the depth and breadth of regional scientific effort. The competing entries were categorized as follows:

13 Papers under the flagship Research Category.

8 Papers under the Development Category, focused on technology utilization and commercialization.

3 Thesis Papers representing the region’s emerging scientific talent.

2 Technical Poster Presentations.

Outstanding research papers and posters from this regional showcase will be submitted as entries to the 2026 National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD).

The success of this year’s RSRDH is powered by the strong participation of various Consortium-Member Institutions (CMIs) and partners, including Central Mindanao University (CMU), Bukidnon State University (BukSU), USTP-Claveria, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSUIIT), MSU-Naawan (MSUN), and MSU-Sultan Naga Dimaporo (MSU-SDN), as well as partner agencies such as the Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10), Ecosystems Research and Development BureauEcosystems Research and Development Bureau – Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (ERDB-FWRDEC) and the Local Government Unit of Maramag (LGU-Maramag). [Iyren Dalipe-Neri]