In collaboration with University of Hawai’i in Hilo, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) co-hosted the inaugural Global Agriculture Multidisciplinary International Conference (GAMIC) 2024 on November 22-23, 2024. 

The conference was designed to spotlight the critical importance of global agriculture in today’s challenging environment, while also exploring innovative research and solutions in vital fields such as crop production, plant protection, sustainability, economic viability, education, and postharvest handling and technology. This event served as a platform for experts, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge and collaborate on addressing the agricultural challenges of the future.

Furthermore, MSUN virtually hosted two breakout sessions featuring presentations on topics ranging from microplastics and sustainable agriculture to agribusiness and forestry.

Presentations from MSU at Naawan included:

• The Role of Starter Diets on The Development of Exercise-Induced Haemal Lordosis in Zebrafish (Presented by: Ariel Antinero) 

• Effectiveness of the KAANIB Enterprise Development Project – Community/ Household Level Coconut Processing Project Component in Bukidnon: The Case of Damulog (Presented by: Christian Fel Batoctoy)

• The Prevalence of Microplastics in Farmed Seaweed 𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘈𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘪𝘪 in Kolambugan, Philippines (Presented by: Darlene Reble)

• Leaf Outline Descriptor of The Two Threatened Lapnisan (Aquilaria Lam.) Species Using Elliptic Fourier Analysis in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines (Presented by: Dr. Edgar Castañares)

• Microplastics in Northern Mindanao: Characterization and Polymer Analysis Across Diverse Aquatic Environments (Presented by: Marybeth Hope Banda)

• Germination Potential of Two Threatened Philippine Tree Species (Presented by Kean Roe Felipe Mazo) 

• Quantifying Microplastic Presence in the Estuarine Waters of Gingoog River (Presented by Sherley Ann Inocente)

• Vermicast Analysis with the Philippine Native Earthworm Species 𝘗𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 (Crassiclitellata: Megascolecidae): Bacterial Profiles for Potential Applications in Agriculture (Presented by: Dr. Nonillon Aspe)

In addition, a representative from MSU-Maguindanao presented her study, “Exploring the Experiences of the Camp Abubakar Community Through Climate-Smart Vegetable and Fish Production Technology: A Case Study of Sustainable Development in Conflict-Affected Areas,” during one of the parallel sessions.

This event exemplifies the growing partnership between the University of Hawai’i in Hilo and MSUN, a collaboration formalized through a signed Memorandum of Understanding. The conference marked a significant milestone in advancing research, fostering dialogue, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices on a global scale.

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