Two CMU researchers named Top 10 APAMS graduate fellows at PAASE 2026

Research on food safety and biodiversity conservation earned national recognition
as two Central Mindanao University (CMU) researchers were named among the Top
10 APAMS Graduate Fellows for 2026. The recognition was conferred during the
Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Philippine-American Academy of Science
and Engineering (PAASE) and the APAMS Graduate Fellows Program held May
28–29 at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac, Bataan.

Among the awardees were Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes, faculty, College of
Veterinary Medicine, and Mr. Ken Bien Mar L. Caballes, Graduate Student, Institute
of Biological Sciences.
Dargantes said the recognition affirmed her growth as a researcher and graduate
student.
“This recognition reminds me that perseverance, passion, and continuous learning
can lead to meaningful opportunities,” she said. She also thanked her mentors,
family, friends, colleagues, and support system for helping her navigate the
challenges of graduate studies and research.
Dargantes presented the study, “Advancing Food Safety in Mindanao: Uncovering
Salmonella Risks, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Stakeholder Perception in Market-
Sold Eggs and Spent Hens.”‘

The research examined Salmonella contamination and antimicrobial resistance in
market-sold eggs and spent hens. Using a One Health approach, the study
generated evidence that could help improve food safety practices and promote
responsible antimicrobial use. The project was conducted in collaboration with
researchers from CMU and Cavite State University.
Meanwhile, Caballes described the recognition as both humbling and motivating,
especially as an emerging researcher in biodiversity conservation. He said the award
encourages him to continue contributing to botany, a field that remains vital yet often
overlooked.
“To be named one of the 2026 Top 10 APAMS Graduate Fellows among such an
impressive group of young researchers from across the Philippines is truly an honor,”
he said.

His research, “Riparian Under Threat: Species Composition, Assessment, and
Ecological Threats of Understory Seed Plants in the Upstream Sawaga River,
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines,” documented understory plant species and
assessed ecological threats affecting one of Bukidnon’s important watersheds.
Drawing from a common principle in conservation science: “We cannot conserve
what we do not know.” Caballes emphasized that understanding biodiversity is the
first step toward protecting it. The study provides baseline information that can guide
future conservation and management efforts for the remaining riparian forests along
the Sawaga River. (Iyren D. Neri)