Prof. Junaid Bayabao Ahmad, the head of the Information, Communication and Technology Unit (ICTU), together with other selected AMSC personnel of the Adiong Memorial State College (AMSC) namely, Mr. Aliasgar M. Mimbalawag, RPF, LPT, JD, of the Information Unit, Ms. Saihana H. Ali, CPA, of the Accounting Unit and Engr. Ashrie Adiong of the Projects and Development Unit concurred their attendances yesterday, January 18, 2024, on the event of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CY 2024 National Research and Development for Mindanao cluster held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. All of them are active members of the Research team of the State College and among the official delegates sent by their energetic School President, Dr. Sherifa Kadil O. Kadil-Adiong.

             In this occasion, it paved the way to get acquainted with the recent DOST- Grants-In-Aid (GIA) funded projects like the “Inter-Regional Network through One Health Approach to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance” by Dr. Fema M. Abamo from MSU-Marawi and those successful works of Dr. Sitti Zayda B. Halun from MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography where the DOST supported the establishment of the Seaweed Research and Development Center to improve the quality of seaweeds and increase production and Dr. Jefferson A. Hora from MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

           The aforementioned one-day event was participated by various State Universities and Colleges  (SUCs) all-over and throughout Mindanao such as Caraga State University (CSU)-Cabadbaran campus, MSU-Naawan, MSU-LNAC, Brokenshire College, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Bukidnon State University, USTP-Cagayan de Oro City, Davao Oriental State University, University of Mindanao, Davao City, MSU-Maguindanao, Misamis University, Capitol State University, MSU-General Status, Ateneo de Davao University, Northwestern State College, Tangub City, Davao Oriental State University, University of Southern Mindanao-Kidapawan City campus, Father Saturnino Orios University, SPAMAST, Davao Occidental, San Agustin Institute of Technology, and the like.

          The keynote Speaker in this call conference was no other than the DOST Undersecretary, Maam Leah Buendia who said they have helped various sectors in Mindanao.

           In her message, she pinpointed the Seventy-Two million (Php72 M) pesos funding for the creation of the Sea Cucumber Research and Development Center at Mindanao State University-Naawan campus which develops hatcheries in coastal communities. According to her, sea cucumber is a food delicacy that contains bioactive compounds used in pharmaceuticals. As she exactly said, "Dried sea cucumber can be sold from PHP8,000 to PHP20,000 per kilo in the international market. We provide funding for this so the researchers could further study how to increase sea cucumber production in Mindanao".

          Among the priority areas in this Research and Development (R and D) Programs are basic research, health, agriculture, aquatic and natural resources, industry, energy and emerging technology. During the breakout sessions, a simultaneous orientation meeting on administrative and financial requirements of the DOST-GIA was also held. Right thereafter, a short question and answer portion was facilitated by different councils to clarify some issues and concerns of every potential partner.

          As a conclusion, the DOST is encouraging all attendees whether business owners, scientists, researchers and those in the educational institutions to submit their research and development (R&D) proposals for 2026 funding.