Negros Oriental State University

🤝𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) presented its accomplishment report before the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) today, June 23, during the Exit Conference of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Development Approach – Phase II Project held at the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Conference Room. The project, with a total cost of ₱2,091,500.00, is funded by DOST.

The CEST Project aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and improve the socio-economic status of target communities in Negros Oriental, particularly through goat dairy production in the Zamboanguita Goat Farmers Cooperators and salt-making initiatives in the Sycip Plantation Farmworkers Agrarian Cooperative.

NORSU CEST Project Leader and Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Merivic G. Catada, presented the overall implementation of the project, highlighting key components such as silage production, goat dairy production, and goat milk feeding. Other aspects discussed included the project timeline, training activities conducted, major accomplishments, financial reports, and challenges encountered during implementation, such as delays in equipment procurement, unstable weather conditions, and initial resistance to new technologies.

DOST Negros Island Region (NIR) Officer-in-Charge Engr. Joel O. Legaspi also discussed potential future collaborations between DOST and NORSU. Four initiatives were introduced, focusing on (1) Solar PV, (2) Energy Audit, (3) Weighing Scale Calibration, and (4) Food Safety.

Among those who attended the Exit Conference were University President Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development and Extension Dr. Edwin F. Romano Jr., Supply Office Representative Alan Alagarmo, University Chief Accountant Maurice Anaver B. Dordado, CPA, and Director for University Extension and Community Services Dr. Guilbert Nicanor A. Atillo.

Mr. John Paul P. Ubal, representative from DOST, was also present during the conference.

Ms. Annie Rose S. Taguba, RGC, RPm, Director of the University Student Welfare Services, spearheaded a productive meeting at the Uni Bistro today, June 23, 2026.

The meeting brought together NORSU external campus guidance counselors and student leader representatives to map out key strategies for the upcoming school year. The discussion centered on vital CARE initiatives, highlighting the importance of mental health and the upcoming activities designed to welcome new students and ensure a fresh start to the academic year.

Advancing Graduate Education in the Region! 🎓✨

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) proudly highlights the active participation of its key leaders in the Philippine Association for Graduate Education – Negros Island Region (PAGE XVIII) Strategic Planning & Direction Setting Meeting, held last June 18-19, 2026, at the Coast Wise Hotel, Dumaguete City.

Representing the university as esteemed members of the PAGE-NIR Board of Directors are:
🔹 Dr. Chizanne Sarabia-Larena (NORSU Graduate School Dean)
🔹 Dr. Ryan O. Tayco (NORSU Main Campuses Director)

Their involvement underscores NORSU's unwavering commitment to collaborating with regional educational leaders, shaping the strategic roadmap, and elevating the standards of graduate education across the Negros Island Region.

Congratulations, leaders, on a successful and impactful collaborative meeting!

Negros Oriental State University hosted a benchamarking visit of the Graduate School of the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City today June 19, 2026 .

The benchmarking aims to learn the university's exemplary graduate program practices, especially in relation to academic governance, curriculum implementation, faculty requirements, and student support services, research and extension development, quality assurance processes, and accreditation preparedness.

Dr. Chizanne Sarabia-Larena, Dean of the Graduate School, presented to the officials and representatives of USLS the different strategies and practices of NORSU Graduate School in the aspects of its GS objectives as aligned with national policies and global standards; program compliances; capability-building workshops; consortium with other universities; research publication and community extension projects. Meanwhile, NORSU Vice President for Student Affairs Services and at the same time, the program chair for MAED major in Educational Management, Dr. Cesar Estrope discussed the Horizontal Constructive Alignment ( HCA) and Vertical Constructive Alignment ( VCA).

This visit forms part of the continuing commitment to strengthen the academic quality, administrative systems, and quality assurance mechanisms of the graduate programs of St. La Salle and is part of their preparations for the forthcoming PAASCU accreditation of the Graduate School programs, particularly in the areas of Education and Business. An open forum followed after the two presentations.

Present during the benchmarking were Dr.Roulette Cordevilla, Dean from the College of Teacher Education, Dr. Benjamin Villagonzalo,University Research Director, Dr. Dindo de la Peña,Program Chair for Ph.D. Educational Management and Dept. Chair for Community Extension and Prof. Efreneth Alama, GS faculty for MASPED. On the other hand, the USLS team was headed by Dr. Eric Arthur Dio, Dean of the Graduate Studies in the University of St. La Salle - Bacolod.

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Main Campus I served as the venue for academic discourse during day two of the 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐀𝐀𝐏 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐂) on June 19, 2026. The day featured a dynamic lineup of poster presentations, intensive judging, and highly anticipated parallel breakout sessions spanning multiple disciplines.

The parallel breakout sessions were split across three venues, giving researchers a platform to present solutions to real-world problems. The official list of winners showcases exceptional work across all fields:

𝟭. 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Garry A. Benico – Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Philippines: Distribution, Taxonomy, and Emerging Threats
𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Hazzel Mae E. Tinguban – Knowledge, Motivations, and Barriers Influencing Voluntary Blood Donation Among College Students in Dumaguete City
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Jennel Jane S. Mabatid – Extracellular Enzymes and Mycoremediation Potential Endophytic Fungi from Different Beach Plants

𝟮. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Jean Carrem R. Esparcia – Techgiya: Mobile-Based Sentiment Analysis Chatbot
𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Oliver R. Gagarin – Designing of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery In Hybrid Renewable Energy System: An Optimization Analysis For Educational and Commercial Buildings In The Philippines
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Johann Heinrich P. Malongo – Design and Fabrication of a Dual-Purpose Multifunctional Machine for Dough Cutting and Root Crop Slicing Applications

𝟯. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Eden Grace V. Tabanao – An Assessment of the Needs, Challenges, and Opportunities Among Persons Deprived of Liberty
𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Philner P. Salindo – Advancing Disaster Resilience in the Philippines: Blueprint for Education Extension Initiative
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Albert C. Albina – Influence of Grit and Gratitude on the Happiness of Public Elementary School Teachers Across Career Stages

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Ma. Andrea L. Dismaya - Central Luzon State University
𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Michelle S. Ebasan - Siquijor State College
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚: Liezel E. Pajulas - Siquijor State College

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Laura B. Fermo, JAAP Vice President, who commended the researchers for their invaluable contributions to contemporary science, technology, and social development.

The diverse range of research topics presented during the conference underscores NORSU's commitment to fostering impactful studies that tackle pressing environmental, technological, and societal challenges.

Day two of the 8th JAAP International Research and Development Conference (IRDC) was held today, June 19, 2026, at the NORSU Main Campus I.

Keynote speaker Dr. Mukhammad Muryono, S.Si, M.Si., Deputy Head of the Center of Studies in Industrial Development and Public Policy at the ITS Campus in Surabaya, Indonesia, delivered a presentation titled, "From Paddy to Carbon Market: IoT-Based Methane-Water Sensing and Genotype Biomass Responses as a Foundation for Carbon Smart Rice Systems."

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the speakers during the Plenary Session held at NORSU Main Campus II.

Poster presentations and parallel breakout sessions will follow for the rest of the day, featuring specialized tracks in Science & Health, Engineering & Technology, and Education & Social Science.

The 8th JAAP International Research and Development Conference (IRDC) officially kicked off its first day on June 18, 2026. Hosted at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Main Campus 2, the event gathered distinguished local and international scientists, educators, and research leaders.

The first day featured a packed agenda focusing on cross-border scientific collaboration, agricultural innovations, and systemic institutional reforms. JAAP President Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon and NORSU University President Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi formally welcomed the international delegates. Inspirational messages were delivered by Dir. Shigehiro Matsuda (Director of the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines) and Dr. Yoshio Otani (Director of JSPS Bangkok). Dr. Leah Buendia, the Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D) at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), delivered the keynote address, framing the significance of research development in regional sustainability.

The lectures for Day 1 tackled cutting-edge biological and environmental engineering breakthroughs, internationalization, advanced farming methodologies, policy critiques, and livestock technologies:

Lecture 1: The Science and Engineering of Composting — Efforts to Promote the Adoption of Composting Treatment: Presented by Dr. Kiyohiko Nakasaki, Professor Emeritus at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Director of the Institute of Plankton Eco-engineering at Soka University.

Lecture 2: Advanced Pathogen Genomics and Simplified Diagnostics for White Spot Syndrome Virus in Shrimp Aquaculture: Presented by Dr. Keiichiro Koiwai, Assistant Professor at the Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology, focusing on addressing prominent disease threats in aquaculture.

Lecture 3: Internationalizing the Higher Education Curriculum through Virtual Mobility: Reflections on Completed and Ongoing COIL Projects delivered by Dr. Craig N. Refugio, Professor VI and Director of the Office of the University International Relations at NORSU.

Lecture 4: Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): A Practical Solution for Reducing Methane Emissions and Improving Water Productivity in Rice Systems: Led by Dr. Kristine Samoy-Pascual, Senior Science Research Specialist from the Philippine Rice Research Institute, focusing on water-saving rice cultivation methods.

Lecture 5: Unravelling the Science behind Farmer Knowledge in Pest Management: Chemical Ecology delivered by Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang, a Retired Career Scientist and Agricultural Chemistry Researcher from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.

Lecture 6: When Metrics Outlast Missions: Institutional Decoupling that Trapped the Philippine Scientific Career System in the 80s, a critical institutional critique presented by Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, MIB, Scientist I and Senior Research Specialist at DOST-PNRI.

Lecture 7: Unlocking the Potential of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) in Water Buffaloes, an international perspective shared by Dr. Ronald Nuwasasira from Bugema University, Uganda, East Africa.

Following interactive discussions after each lecture and a cultural performance, the first day of the conference concluded with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, Graduate School Faculty, University of Sto. Tomas. The event successfully served as a bridge linking Philippine researchers with global counterparts to foster innovative solutions for real-world issues.

Happening Now | Kicking off Day 1 of the 8th JAAP International Research and Development Conference (IRDC) at NORSU Main Campus II.

This year’s theme, "Building Resilient Futures: Global Collaboration for Scientific Innovation," brings together researchers, scientists, and innovators to drive global impact.

The 8th JAAP International Research and Development Conference (JAAP-IRDC) 2026 officially commenced its activities today, June 17, 2026. Organized by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) in partnership with the JSPS Bangkok Office, the international event addresses complex global challenges through cross-border scientific innovation.

This year’s conference is hosted by Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in collaboration with Siquijor State College (SSC), underscoring a shared commitment to internationalization, research excellence, and capacity building.

The Pre-conference Mentorship (Day 0) focused entirely on high-level mentorship, setting the stage for academic exchange. Dr. Edwin F. Romano Jr., NORSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, delivered the opening and welcome remarks, while Dr. Maria Natalia Dimaano from the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School presented a comprehensive rationale for the conference.

The conference features a multidisciplinary panel of experts, including:
•Dr. Maria Natalia Dimaano (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science)
•Dr. Gary Benico (Phycology and Harmful Algal Blooms)
•Dr. Mary Beth Maningas (Aquatic Health and Crustacean Immunology)
•Dr. Susan Gallardo (Environmental Engineering and Catalysis)
•Dr. Maria Rowena R. Eguia (Aquaculture Genetics)
•Dr. Karl Marx Quiazon (Aquatic Biosciences)
•Dr. Fernan Tupas (Science Education)

The Pre-conference Mentorship centered on an interactive session and open discussion, giving attendees direct access to established specialists. Participants discussed critical areas of academic growth, including research productivity strategies, work-life balance, and building international networks.

Guided by the timely theme, "Building Resilient Futures: Global Collaboration for Scientific Innovation," the 8th JAAP-IRDC aims to bridge the gap between disciplines and national boundaries. By gathering foreign and local scientists, academicians, and innovators, the event serves as a premier platform to exchange evidence-based solutions, strengthen professional linkages, and establish enduring global research partnerships.

After the mentorship session, the pre-conference was formally closed by NORSU Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Unit Head Dr. Johann Heinrich Malongo.

Tomorrow, June 18, 2026, will mark Day 1 of the event, which will feature lectures from seven prominent researchers.