With the theme, “Making Science and Technology Work for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”, PCAARRD Zonal Center for Southern Mindanao conducted the 15th Annual R&D Symposium and S&T Planning Workshop at Villa Margarita Hotel, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City on October 13-14.

The activity was formally opened with the messages from Dr. Jonathan A. Bayogan, President of Davao del Norte State College as read by OIC Dr. Julieta Abarquez, Dr. Anthony C. Sales as represented by Ms. Elsie A. Solidum, Assistant Regional Director of DOST XI and Dir. Cesario R. Pagdilao, Deputy Executive Director of PCAARRD-DOST.

During the R&D Symposium, there were 19 papers that were presented, one of which is non-competing and 18 were competing, of these four were under the development category and 15 under the research category. In addition there were seven entries under the poster category. The papers were evaluated by the panelists composed of Dir. Cesario R. Pagdilao, PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Catalino R. dela Cruz, Member of the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Fisheries, Ms. Elsie Mae Solidum, Assistant Regional Director of DOST XI, Ms. Gloria Peñera, Project Coordinator of the Institute for Socio-Economic Development Initiatives, Ms. Corazon Mae Baylon, Vice President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and Dr. Bernadette del Rosario of San Pedro College.

In the research category, the paper entitled “Delineation of the Stock of the Blue Swimmer Crab, Portunus pelagicus (L) in the Visayan Sea and Nearby Waters”, presented by Dr. Filemon G. Romero of Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography won the Best Research Paper and received PhP5,000.00 and a Certificate of Recognition. The Second Place and Third Place was awarded to Dr. Della Grace G. Bacaltos of Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) for the papers entitled “MPA Evaluation and Habitat Characterization for Vulnerability Assessment in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur” and “Invertebrate Fisheries Population as Response Indicators for Climate Change: Sea Urchin (Tripneustes gratilla) Assessment in Sta. Cruz (Davao) and other Biogeographic Regions in the Phils”. She also received cash awards and a Certificate of Recognition.