1st Davao Occidental Multidisciplinary Research Conference Highlights Davao Region’s Research Outputs

The first-ever Davao Occidental Multidisciplinary Research Conference on February 7, 2023 was undeniably a huge success as it convened top-notch researchers from all over Davao Region. Plenary Speaker Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI Elsie Mae A. Solidum encouraged researchers to engage in DOST’s Science for Change program and be a member of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). She also reported that there is an increasing number of researchers and scientists from Davao Region. DOST plays a role in improving sustainable agriculture, fisheries and protecting natural resources. Through funding opportunities, there is an improvement in communities and maximization of resources in overcoming the challenges and building resiliency in the face of change. Dr. Reynaldo O. Quizon of the Davao Medical School Foundation talked about compassion in teaching and how teachers can also become healers. Dr. Quizon shared his study on assessment trauma and explained that action research is a participatory and critical approach.

SPAMAST President, Dr. Ruth S. Lucero expressed her gratitude to the presenters, speakers, and panel of evaluators. “We are very glad that this conference was realized despite the short notice. We hope to multiply this event and encourage researchers to do more work that can contribute more especially in addressing climate change,” Dr. Lucero said.

The parallel sessions were categorized into two: agriculture, fisheries, natural resources, and resilience for thematic area 1, social, cultural development, and health and wellness for thematic area 2. The panel of evaluators for the oral presentation were international researchers and respected in their field of discipline including Dr. Della Grace Bacaltos, Dr. Nila Nanette S. Revilla, Dr. Joeteddy B. Bugarin, Dr. Siverlyn Camposano, Dr. Gace D. Buencillo, and Dr. Janet R. Octura. The evaluators for poster category were Director Maria Victoria I. Dado, Dr. Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan, and Prof. Aldwin T. Miranda. This conference was organized as one of the highlights of the forty-first founding anniversary of SPAMAST spearheaded by the Research, Innovation, Development and Extension (RIDE) Office headed by Dr. Marlyn B. Llameg.