USM Participates in DOST’s National Science and Technology Week
November 27, 2025
Three personnel from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), who are DOST-PCAARRD’s Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) scholars, attended and won awards at the 5th DOST-PCAARRD Graduate Alumni Association (DPGAA) Inc. Biennial Convention held on November 26–27, 2025 at Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
Guided by the theme: “Scholarly Synergy in Advancing Research and Collaboration,” the event served as a platform for fostering research excellence, strengthening professional linkages, and promoting collaborative innovation across disciplines.
The following are the names of awardees and the details of their awards and winning papers:
Name: Joellee L Aguirre, MSc in Plant Breeding
Department: Chemistry Department – Instructor 1
Award: Best Paper and Best Poster (Agriculture Sector)
Co-author: Edward A. Barlaan, PhD and Gwen Iris Descalsota-Empleo, PhD
Title: Genomic Variation in Philippine Cacao Genotypes Through Whole Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics Analysis
Name: Lovelove A. Mancera, MIS
Department: CEIT-Department of Computing and Library Information Science
Award: 2nd Best Paper and 3rd Best Poster (Cross-Cutting Category)
Author: Lovelove A. Mancera
Co-author: Melecio A. Cordero Jr., Joseph C. Lorilla, Jill D. Villanueva
Title: GOMAgabay: An Online Support System for the Management of Rubber Diseases and Insect Pests
Name: Jeralden O. Vido, MSc in Crop Protection
Department: Research Staff-Biotechnology Center
Award: 2nd Best Paper (Agriculture Sector)
Author: Jeralden O. Vido
Co-author: Tamie C. Solpot, PhD and Edward A. Barlaan, PhD
Title: Assessment of Insect Pests, Diseases, and Reactions of 42 Cacao Criollo Clones to Phytophthora Pod Rot Disease
Aside from the USM personnel who won in the research presentations, Dr. Florence Roy Salvaña, Director of the USM Research Publication Services Office (RPSO), also attended the convention. He is a former GREAT scholar and currently serves as the Auditor of the DPGAA. Dr. Jill D. Villanueva, a USM alumna and also a former GREAT scholar, was likewise present at the event.
DPGAA Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit association corporation based at DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center, Los Baños, Laguna. It aims to improve the country’s research and technology systems by holding conferences, seminars, and open discussions. Also, it aims to provide a space for sharing AANR research information and support national research networks with new ideas and helpful services to keep R&D relevant and excellent. And lastly, build partnerships with local and international groups while promoting unity, teamwork, and good relationships among members.
