26/05/2026
๐๐ก ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ | ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ญ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด
The 2026 Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) officially opened on 19 May 2026 at Hotel Oazis in Butuan City, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Offices in Mindanao, led by DOSTโCaraga, the event carries the theme: โUN SDGs: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development.โ
Acd. Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL and Chair of the Health Sciences Division, underscored the role of STI in building a resilient and sustainable future, while Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the need to transform research into community-based solutions. DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang also highlighted Mindanao initiatives aligned with the SDGs.
The afternoon plenary sessions focused on soil health and innovations in production, processing, and post-production systems.
Dr. Sailila Abdula, Branch Director of the Philippine Rice Research InstituteโMidsayap Experimental Station, presented PhilRice innovations promoting โsoil intelligenceโ through digital agriculture, nutrient management tools, IoT-based technologies, and regenerative farming practices for sustainable rice production.
Representing Bureau of Soils and Water Management Director IV Dr. Gina P. Nilo, Supervising Agriculturist Mr. Vince Albert P. Ching discussed the National Soil Health Program, highlighting the strengthening of soil laboratories, monitoring systems, and sustainable land management initiatives.
Dr. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan, a retired professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies at the University of the Philippines Mindanao, emphasized climate-smart agriculture, postharvest innovations, food systems transformation, and sustainable consumer practices as critical strategies for achieving Zero Hunger.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tomas M. Austral Jr., Professor at the Department of Animal Science of Caraga State University, underscored the importance of advanced processing technologies, mechanization, cold storage systems, and AI-driven innovations to reduce agricultural losses and strengthen food value chains.
The discussions highlighted the critical role of STI in advancing sustainable development, setting the stage for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange throughout the 2026 Mindanao RSM.