The United Nations and most scientists have mutually reported that the globe has experienced the warm temperatures starting in 2011, and added that the hottest was in 2015. The extreme heat and changing weather patterns have brought heavy damages to agriculture, fisheries, ecosystems, health, energy demand, and air quality, including the risks of wildfires around the globe.

As students with farming backgrounds, Franch Maverick Lorilla, Jan Rey Altivo, and Ket Villasencio, Engineering grads from USeP-Davao brought honor to the University by their brainchild “Heat Stress Analyzer”, which was highly applauded by the IdeaSpace Foundation, a non-profit start-up incubator that aims to help budding technology entrepreneurs develop groundbreaking innovations and transform these into successful business.

The idea of coming up with a project that will address some agricultural problems started when they were conceptualizing their thesis requirement. In 2015, they submitted the project to Smart Communication’s Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), an annual event that seeks to improve the level of technology and engineering education in the Philippines, particularly in the field of electronics engineering. They were not able to get into the final cut for SWEEP, but they were persistent and optimistic enough to believe that their project would be a great help to address some issues in the agricultural sectors, hence they submitted their project to IdeaSpace. After 3 rounds of interview, from among 1,028 submissions, their project was among the 20 qualifying start-up ideas. They were all given a month to develop their prototype, submit deliverables, and prepare the business pitching. After the presentation, the Heat Stress Analyzer was announced one of the top 10 best ideas.

As one of the top 10 startup team, Franch and Jan Rey received investments from IdeaSpace, which includes fund seeding of Php500k for product development, and up to Php2M support during the 4-month acceleration program, which covered the legal support on Company incorporation, IP, mentoring from industry experts, and other training programs including a stint at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

After their laudable work with IDeaSpace, they also reaped various accolades, to wit:

• Winner, IBM in the Cloud Competition for APEC 2015: SLINGSHOTMNL, in August 2015
• Winner, Israel Is Innovation Start in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy
• Finalist, IBM Startup Exchange in Sentosa, Singapore, September 2015
• Winner, ASEAN Peace Project for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), a US-government sponsored program by the U.S. Embassy in MAY 2016

As of now, they are still continuing the improvement of the Heat Stress Analyzer’s technology, this time with the funding provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “When the patent is granted, then we are ready for commercialization,” Franch said.

For these brilliant engineers, the private agricultural companies, family-owned farms, Farmers’ cooperatives/associations, and government agencies will surely benefit from this innovation since this will help farmers maximize farmers’ yield through advanced monitoring and analytics of the crop condition.

In Franch’s words, “We see the potential of our country in Agriculture to produce more yield by reducing the effects of crop heat stress wherein it is the number 1 reason farmers reduced their crop yields by 35% (1.7M out of 4.8M crop farms) of the total farms in the Philippines where greatly affected with average loss of Php2.5 Billion annually (2007-2010) for the agriculture sector. This technology seeks to fill difficulty of the farmers in managing and taking care of the crops with proper and fast response on the needs of the crop before crop heat stress could occur.”

But the journey to realize their dream of helping farmers had been rock-strewn. Some were pessimistic about their project, yet Franch and Jan Rey were determined that the technology they developed will help not only farmers but for the country to revive a once-booming agricultural landscape.

And when asked for any advice he would like to share to his fellow USePian, Franch remarked, “Only those who are willing to persist in spite of temporary setback, only those who are willing to persevere in spite of midway failures, only those who would not succumb to defeats, can finally sigh their own success stories. If they are asking what’s our secret? We use this equation, Success = Dreams + Work + Attitude.”

~ penned by: Irish Mae G. Fernandez, OAD Director

The University of Southeastern Philippines is one of only four universities in the country invited by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) to the fourth World Education Leaders Forum (WELF) in Busan, South Korea, July 3-8.

The WELF brought together 70 education leaders from 25 countries with the purpose of strengthening the minds of the students by providing attendees the opportunity to discuss about proper solution on character education, and establishing a global cooperation among universities.

The participants also had the chance to visit, observe and establish partnership with best universities in South Korea like Sunkyunkwan University that ranked thirteenth in the Asian University Rankings, and with fellow participating universities. According to Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, USeP President, the visit to the universities was a good benchmarking activity for heads of academic institutions.

The USeP President is one of the few leaders chosen to deliver a speech on character education. President Generalao started her talk with a quote from Thomas Roosevelt, “To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society”.

In her speech, Dr. Generalao underscored the “sad reality that in today’s generation, many have forgotten that the family is the basic building block of every booming society, and it is within the family where values, morals and ethics are first taught and nurtured.”

The USeP President believes that if universities would give emphasis on character education, students could develop a sound and healthy mind which is vital in controlling one’s emotion amidst challenges, trials and problem that will lessen the chances of students “committing suicide, inflicting self-injury, hurting others, or resorting into activities that will give momentarily happiness or self-gratification but with long-term ill effects”.

Generalao ended her speech by emphasizing that character education in the academes will result to “graduates who are skilled, knowledgeable, and with the right character. She also reminded her fellow education leaders that “the graduates of universities are the future leaders, whether they be in the government, the academe, the industry, and in many other institutions, even in the homes”.

Aside from imparting to the heads of schools the significance of character education, the forum also improved the international linkages of the participating universities. On the part of USeP, among the schools that it has inked a memorandum of understanding with are the Mico University College in Kingston, Jamaica; Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India; and the International Balkan University (IBU) in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. The University is now processing its potential partnership with Sunkyunkwan University and other universities that took part in the WELF.  USeP and IYF also signed a memorandum of understanding. (USeP PR)

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) renewed its commitment as an Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) through signing the memorandum of agreement between the USeP and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). USeP President Lourdes C. General and Attorney Josephine R. Santiago, IPOPHIL Director General  signed the MOA on July 12 during the fourth Annual ITSO Planning at the University of Immaculate Conception (UIC), Bonifacio Street, Davao City.

During the nationwide ITSO planning, the IPOPHL conferred special awards to selected ITSO institutions and members which had performed with excellence. The USeP-ITSO garnered national level awards for 2015, viz: Number One Patent Filer for having filed the most number of patent application under IPOPHL’s Patent Protection Incentive Package (PPIP); Number One IP Educator for having conducted the most number of information dissemination activities; and Number Three Patent Search Service Provider for having conducted the third most number of patent information searches. In 2014, the USeP-ITSO received the same award as the No. 1 Top Patent Filer.

It can be recalled that that the IPOPHL also awarded USeP for having the most number of patents filed under its PPIP in 2014. Through the support of the ITSO in the University, USeP has filed a total of 34 patents in 2014.

The IPOPHL also gave Special Citation Award as IP Champions to Dr. Romel V. Gador, USeP ITSO Manager and Engr. Michael V. Machica, USeP faculty and strong supporter of ITSO for their dedication and contribution to the ITSO and IP community in recent years. The award was IPOPHL’s recognition to individuals who served as IP advocates by teaching the various topics on IP and helping IPOPHL in delivering its mission and vision to spread IP awareness both within the ITSO network and throughout the country.

The ITSO started its operations in USeP Obrero, Davao City in mid-2011 after the signing of the agreement among USeP, IPOPHL, Technology Application and Promotion Institute, and Department of Science and Technology on the establishment of ITSO in the University. True to its function as a patent search facility and library for patent information, the USeP ITSO brought pride to the University for having filed the most number of patents in the country for two consecutive years, 2014-2015.

The renewal of commitment with IPOPHL is a manifestation that USeP will continue to support in IP creation, IP protection and IP utilization in the country. (USeP PR by MCPagkaliwagan & AJMTobias)

Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao (right), USeP President, receiving the USeP-ITSO awards from Atty. Josephine R. Santiago, Director General of IPOPHL

Dr. Romel V. Gador (extreme right), ITSO Manager, with Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao (middle), USeP President,  receiving the IP champion award from Atty. Josephine R. Santiago, IPOPHL Director General.

Engr. Michael V. Machica (right), receiving the IP champion award from Atty. Josephine R. Santiago, IPOPHL Director General.

President Generalao (extreme right), signed the MOA that renews USeP’s commitment as an ITSO. Beside her is Atty. Santiago, IPOPHL Director General. Also in the photo is CARAGA State University President Antony Penaso.

President Generalao during the MOA signing with Atty. Santiago (middle) of IPOPHL and other Presidents of SUCs with ITSO.

USeP with IPOPHL Directors and other SUCs. (From left to right) Engr. Machika, Dr. Gador (ITSO Manager), Dr. Generalao (USeP President), Ms. Peralta (IPOHPL Director for DITTB), Atty. Santiago (IPOPHL Director General), Dr. Penaso (CSU President), Dr. Gabales (USeP Director for Extension, and Instruction and Curriculum) and other SUC President.

The faculty-researchers of the College of Agriculture and Related Studies (CARS) participated in the conduct of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) facilitated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on July 21, 2016 at the RDE Conference Room, USeP, Obrero, Davao City. The SEARCA has been commissioned by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) to conduct the project entitled “Strengthening Agricultural Research and Development towards ASEAN Integration.” The on-going study aims to help strengthen the capacities of R&D institutions in the Philippines. Part of it is to assess the collaborative efforts between government agencies and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). ~OVP-RDE

USeP, with SMAARRDEC (a RDE Consortium hosted by the University), joins the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2016.

With the theme “Juan Science, One Nation”, the celebration take place in four science communities, namely Bicutan, Taguig City, Manila, and Los Baños, Laguna and in all regions of the country.

SMAARRDEC participates in the S&T Fair and Exhibit which showcases products and services to the public to bring S&T closer to more Filipinos. Its exhibit areas are at the PCAARRD Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna and at the NCCC Mall Activity Center in Maa, Davao City. The regional exhibit runs from July 25-28, 2016.

Student leaders from five USeP campuses joined the University Leadership Enhancement and Training (ULET) last July 21–23 at USeP Tagum–Mabini Campus, Apokon, Tagum City, with the theme: “Courage to Take the Lead”.

Tagum Campus Student Council (TCSC) President Hon. Margielyn D. Caldoza, during her welcoming speech, said that they took it as a challenge to host ULET inside USeP Tagum. This year’s ULET was hosted outside the Obrero Campus, making it the first time to hold the annual event outside the main campus. The three-day event was attended by 244 delegates coming from each campus’ Student Council, Local Councils, and Student Publications. The student leaders were grouped into “tribes” to encourage fellowship among them. The House of Representatives opened this time with the main focus to uniformly constitutionalize the existence of Local Councils through the legislators of all campuses.

A series of talks were conducted during the second and third day of ULET with the aim to enhance leadership skills. Topics discussed include: Leadership with Management; Student’s Right and Student Governance; Parliamentary Rules and Procedures with a discussion on Resolution Making; Building External Affairs; Secretariat and Business Correspondence; Treasury and Auditing; and Government Procurement Process.

During the second day, two representatives from LinkedIn Corp. visited the student leaders in order to promote its professional social media service. In the evening, a pageant dubbed as “Mr. and Ms. ULET 2016” was also held inside the Physical Education and Cultural Center (PECC) Gymnasium which was participated by contestants from the different tribes.

An open forum was conducted on the last day of ULET in order to entertain questions and concerns from different USeP campuses. Later in the afternoon, an “Amazing Race” was organized so as to foster camaraderie and leadership amongst the student leaders.

Los Baños, Laguna – The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) represented by its President and former SMAARRDEC Director, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao and the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) represented by its Executive Director, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the implementation of S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards (SAFE) Program in Davao Region. This is in support of the initiatives of USeP in sustaining the rehabilitation program of the Typhoon Pablo-Stricken Communities in the region.

The SMAARRDEC’s entry, “Community based – Science and Technology Based Farm (CBSTBF) Program on Coco Sap Production”, wins Best Development Paper in the recent National Symposium on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD), awarded on July 28, 2016 at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.

The project was funded by the DOST-PCAARRD and implemented by Dr. Augie E. Fuentes and Dr. Nila Nannette S. Revilla of the Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Dr. Purisima G. Bayacag of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Mr. Benjamin R. Lao of Lao Integrated Farms Incorporated (LIFI).

Building on the earlier coco sugar R&D outputs specially the value chain studies implemented by USeP and the STBF project of MS Lao; the project led by SPAMAST has up-scaled the application of S&T interventions through the establishment of community-based STBF on improving the coco sap production in Davao del Sur and expanded the market of organically produced coco sugar through certification, packaging enhancement and promotion with MS Lao as co-operator along with the toddy gatherers of the selected municipalities in Davao del Sur.

With the help of the project, the use of salt and vermicast as fertilizer to coconut trees has increased the volume of sap/toddy from an average of 4 liters/tree/ day to 6 liters/tree/day. The increase of sap yield has resulted to the increase of production of coco sap-based products, the coconut sugar and syrup giving the mananggete an increase of monthly income from P6,460 to P33,530 (cocosugar) or P17,530 (coco syrup). To date, the number of mananggete was increased from 62 to 110, organized as a community grower groups in six municipalities and one city in the province.

Cocosugar is a natural sugar produced from boiling the fresh sap that drips from tapped flower buds of coconuts. It has low Glycemic Index (GI) at 35-54/serving (FNRI, 2007) compared to sugarcane sweeteners such as refined white sugar, muscovado and molasses (65 to 100 GI per serving). Low GI sweeteners are good for controlling diabetes, reducing bad cholesterol and for weight reduction.

This high value product has a very reliable market niche and perceived as the new superstar product in the export scene as emphasized during the 1st National Coconut Sap Sugar Congress (www.gov.ph/2012). The industry can be aptly described as a ‘sunrise industry’. The industry is at its growth stage and is expected to be increasingly important in the future. It is gaining bright prospects both in the local and international market.

Developments in the global market such as growing awareness for healthy product options and increasing consumer preferences for high quality and traceable products are major demand drivers for coco sugar and its by-products.

NSAARRD recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of agri-aqua research and development. Initiated by PCAARRD, NSAARRD served as one of the highlights of its 5th anniversary celebration and this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

The SMAARRDEC or Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium composed of 24 Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) and is hosted by USeP for almost 13 years.

The University launched the USeP Employee Sports Tournament and Fitness Program last July 27, 2016; 3:30 PM at the USeP Gymnasium.

With the theme “Reviving the Great Filipino Workout”, University employees had fun indeed in participating in the recreational activities highlighted in the launching. These included basketball, badminton, table tennis, Pinoy Aerobics/Zumba Fitness, which are perfect for teams and individuals whose primary goals are to have fun, enjoy a sport, and get to know and gain more friends among colleagues in the University. The Pinoy Aerobics/ Zumba Fitness were led Dr. Pearl Ann Mancao and Dr. Benjie Badon was the highlight of the event.

This activity is in accordance to memorandum circular (MC) No.6 S.1995 from the Civil Service Commission requiring all government agencies to adopt “The Great Filipino Workout” as an integral part of the National Physical Fitness and Sports Development Program for Government personnel. The mandate aims to inculcate among government workers the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a regimen of regular physical fitness activities as a strategy to reduce the level of risk factor of heart disease.

Kudos to Dr. Jose Alther M. Rivera, Director of University Sports Office and his team for spearheading this activity.

The USeP Employee Sports Tournament and Fitness Program will continue every 4:00-5:00 PM, Wednesdays and Fridays at the USeP Gymnasium. Faculty and Staff are enjoined to participate in this activity. Indeed, as a Buddha quote goes: “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” (Karren Caye Gonzalo)

Once again, USeP is elated to hear that another alumnus has added feather on the University’s cap by placing 5th in the July 2016 Master Plumber Licensure Examination.

Congratulations, Belly John Dioquino Carbonell!
Your USeP Family is very proud of you!

The College of Development Management of the University of Southeastern Philippines recently launched the re-reoffering of graduate programs in Mintal Campus namely; Master of Public Administration Major in Local Governance and Administration, Master of Business Administration Major in Agri-Business Management, and Master of Business Administration Major in Cooperative Management. The event was held at the gymnasium of the college last July 29, 2016 and was participated in by various stakeholders from the government agencies, private sector, cooperative, other civic organizations, USeP Officials and USeP-CDM Faculty and Staff.

The event captured the theme “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Reflective Governance” with the aim of supporting and accelerating the graduate programs of USeP-CDM in a global learning community. Insights from invited guest speakers were solicited to expound the challenges and opportunities facing the major areas of the graduate programs to be offered. Representing the honourable Mayor of Davao City, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang of the Second District of Davao City, arrived to share the thoughts of the Mayor as well as his invaluable wisdom in the field of local governance and administration. Likewise, the Operations Manager of Philfresh Meats Corporation, Mr. Norberto Hofelina, was invited to share his thoughts in the field of agricultural business management. Finally, the Chief Executive Officer of MAGSIGE-Multipurpose Cooperative, Mr. Agripino Toress, shared his insights about the challenges and opportunities facing the cooperatives today.  The invited guest speakers were able to signify the relevance and timeliness of offering the graduate programs in Mintal Campus in order to cater the various needs of local governance, agri-business, and cooperatives in the area.

To add a symbolic act among stakeholders, Signing of Manifesto of Support was carried out by the end of the event. All the stakeholders expressed their support by posting their statements of patronage and encouragement on the Manifesto wall. But before that, the stakeholders were directed towards a gallery walk which showcased various information about the course offerings as well as the profile of high-calibre line up of faculty who will teach in the Graduate School.

The offering of the graduate programs will commence in August 2016 on the first semester of the new university calendar. (PR from CDM)

The Second District Councilor of Davao City, Hon. Danilo Dayanghirang, on behalf of the City Mayor Sara Duterte, shared his insights on the various challenges and opportunities facing the local governance today. He reiterated the substantial role of the academe in moulding responsible and highly-professional government employees and officials in the region.

The Vice-President for Research, Development, and Extension of the University of Southeastern Philippines posts his Manifesto of Support for the re-offering of graduate programs in the College of Development Management in Mintal Campus. The signing of the Manifesto symbolizes the commitment of the stakeholders for continuous support and engagement in the offered programs.

(From left to right) Dr. Eulalio C Patayon, the Dean of the College of Development Management, Agus Abdul Majid, the Indonesian Vice Consul, and Dr. Sherlito Sable, Faculty of the USeP-CDM Graduate School.  The post was taken during the Gallery Walk and the Signing of the Manifesto of Support at the Launching of the Graduate Programs in USeP-CDM, Mintal Campus last July 29, 2016.

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) conducted its 29^th Uni-wide Symposium on Research, Development and Extension activities on August 4-5, 2016 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City.  Spearheaded by the Vice President for RDE, Dr. Danilo B. Pacoy, the activity was participated in by colleges of the four campuses of the University.

According to the Research Director, Dr. Purisima G. Bayacag, the yearly conduct of the RDE Symposium is an avenue to enhance the quality of researches the USeP faculty are doing. It is also an opportune time to recognize the tremendous efforts of the faculty in conducting research activities. Research and extension activities are part of the mandates of the University, which the faculty members are required to undertake as academicians.

A total of 32 papers were presented in the 2-day activity categorized into three clusters. Covered during Day 1 were two clusters namely: (1) Agriculture, Aquatic, Environment and Natural Resources and (2) Engineering, Technology and Computing with a total of ten completed studies and nine on-going projects. Showcased on Day 2 were researches under the Socio-Economics and Education Cluster, with 10 completed researches and three on-going projects.

The best papers for each cluster were the following:

Agriculture, Aquatic, Environment and Natural Resources Cluster

First – Development of Biological Control Strategies Against Foc Tropical Race 4

(TR4) – Belly T. Dionio, CARS

Second -Enhancing the Attraction of Oriental Fruit Flies (Bactrocera spp.) to Methyl

Eugenol Using Plastic Bottle Colored Traps in Pummelo Orchard (Citrus

                maxima) -Larry V. Aceres, CARS

Third – Revitalization the Abaca Industry through S&T Interventions for Higher Crop

Productivity Using High Yielding and Bunchy Top Resistant Abaca Hybrids –

Alminda M. Fernandez, CARS

Engineering, Technology and Computing Cluster

First –    Design and Development of Universal Engine Oil Filter Wrench – Virgilio T.

Umbao Jr., Bislig

Second – Web-Based Cemetery Monitoring and Locator System – Dhally Illisan, CTET

Third – Design and Development of Window Type Aircon Air Filter Dust Sensor –

Keno Mendoza, CT

Socio-Economics and Education Cluster

First – Price Bubble in Selected ASEAN Agricultural Exports: An Application of the

Generalized Supermum Augmented Dickey-Fuller – Karlo Martin C.

Caramugan, SAEc

Second – Performance of Pre-Service Teachers in the University of Southeastern

Philippines – Milagros A. Pedrosa, CTET

Third – ML-SEM Estimation for Small Sample Dynamic Panel Models – Ivan Art F.

Marbas, SAEc

The USeP President, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao in her message encouraged the faculty researchers to get involved more in the research and extension activities of the University. As a former SMAARRDEC and Research Director, she emphasized the importance of this thrust in the life of a faculty-researcher and academician. She also announced that the Board of Regents (BOR) has approved the increase of incentives of RDE program/project leaders and staff based on DOST rates. She emphasized that in return, quality outputs are expected from faculty-researchers.

Extension Director, Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., in his closing remarks challenged the researchers to do research works that would create greater impact to the community as well as the University.

The Non-Teaching Staff Association (NTSA) of the University conducted its 12th Annual General Assembly with the theme “NTSA: Dedicated Partner for Advancement.” This is an annual gathering of the NTSA conducted every month of July. This year’s event was conducted last July 15, 2016; at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City.

The Assembly tackled program priorities and policy updates concerning all NTSA members, mainly deliberating on the ratification of the Constitution and By-laws. Highlighted in the event were the testimonials and tribute for the retirees. Ms. Felicidad R. Oculam and Mr. Constancio D. Anter received their retirement rewards in the form of retirement rings and cash worth

The program was indeed filled with thanksgiving, fellowship and fun.

A team from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) visited the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) last August 2 to 5, 2016 mainly for the conduct of the ACIAR Horticulture Annual Review and the Mid-term Review of the USeP-ACIAR banana projects. These annual activities with ACIAR are part of the program monitoring and evaluation process.

The ACIAR Team was composed of Dr. Tony Pattison (DAF Principal Researcher), Mr. John Oakeshott (ACIAR Philippines for Horticulture), Dr. Richard Markham (ACIAR Canberra), Mr. Lindsay Stewart (Overall Project Coordinator), and Ms. Gay Maureen G. Alagcan (ACIAR Country Manager).

The team paid a brief courtesy call with the USeP President, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao last August 3. Also present during the short meeting were the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, Dr. Danilo B. Pacoy and research assistants namely: Nelvin Villason, Christine Rose Ansave, Marvin Ray Tagan and Franz Kevin Colaja.

The researchers headed by Dr. Cesar A. Limbaga Jr. and Ms. Tamsi Jasmin D. Gervacio, delivered a formal presentation before the ACIAR Review Team. Field visits were also conducted in banana plantations in Puyod Farm, Lasang, Davao City and AMSEFPCO, Kapalong, Davao del Norte last August 2 and 3, 2016. The ACIAR Annual Review was conducted last August 4 and 5, 2016.

Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 10028, otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the University of Southeastern Philippines through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office joins the whole country in the observance of the National Breastfeeding Month this August.

USeP-GAD advocates on raising awareness about breastfeeding and in recognizing that it is essential to a person’s well-being from the start of life.

“Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development; it is also the foundation of a country’s development.” ~ UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake and WHO Director General Margaret Chan (World Breastfeeding Week 2016 Message)