Volume III, No. 1
August - December 2021
PRIMUM The Official Student Publication of the University of Mindanao
N E W S L E T T E R Upholding knowledge through information
YOUNG INNOVATORS OF UM BAG AWARDS — IN A ROW! Photo Courtesy: Alipugpug Tech Solutions and GEMS Facebook Pages
Yessamin Paredes
UMIAN’S INNOVATIVE IDEAS ENDURE AMIDST GLOBAL CRISIS. Young innovators of UM were recognized for their outstanding performances in different agricultural, business, and technology pitch events held last October 9-25. The teams are composed of students from engineering, education, accounting, business, and IT, guided by their respective coaches who aid in molding their ideas into creation.
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niversity of Mindanao once again hailed victorious after successive wins in four different Pitch events: Impact Hackathon 5G Agriculture, Innovation Olympics 2.0, QBO’s Mindanao Pitch Fest, and Business Idea Devel-
opment Award (BIDA), last October 2021. The competitions, respectively, enable UMians to showcase clever advances in business, agriculture, and technology that would potentially improve the livelihood sector of the country in the forth-
coming years. Alipugpug Tech Solutions under UMansenso Hub developed the vertical farming system that reshapes the what, when, and how of farming, and provides a promising solution to food insecurity at a national lev-
el. The bamboo-made prototype merges into a digital platform consisting of three components: Malakas, the solar-powered vertical farming system; Maganda, a capsule with formulated waste materials that stimulate plant growth; and Du-
mangan, an online platform that connects farmers to the consumers. Impact Hackathon program under Impact Hub Manila, announced Alipugpug Tech Solutions’ invention as first place ... cont on Page 2
Photo Courtesy: UM Official Facebook Page
UM SWEEPS PACUCOA AWARDS Rhett Angelo Belonio
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QUEST FOR CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT. The University of Mindanao gears towards accreditation as it stands true to its commitment and effort to open and quality education.
h e Un i v e r s i t y o f Mindanao re ceived 12 accolades from the Philippine Association o f C o l l e g e s a n d Un i versities - Commiss i o n o n A c c re d i t a t i o n ( PAC U C O A ) during its 32nd General Assembly last December 7, 2021. UM was recognized as the institution with the 2nd highest a c c re d i t e d
programs in the count r y, a n d t h e h i g h e s t i n Re g i o n X I , w i t h 4 5 a c c re d i t e d p r o g r a m s. Mo r e ov e r, it was also recognized as the first instution in the country to have Level III accredited status in 8 graduate p r o g r a m s. In addition, the Un i v e r s i t y o f M i n d a n a o - Ta g u m c l i n c h e d the top prize in poster
making contest while UM-Digos placed seco n d i n C a s e St u d y Contest. Career planning and student development; community ser vice, linkages and consortia; planning process; research productivity; and teaching and learning o u t c o m e s a r e PAC U C O A’s c r i t e r i a f o r a c creditation.
02 N E W S L E T T E R cont. from Page 1 Young Innovators Of UM Bag Awards - In A Row!
Photo Courtesy: Alipugpug Tech Solutions Facebook Page
PROJECT ANGAT’S FEAT: Team Alipugpug Tech Solution receives their award and renders an inspiring message at SEARCA Headquarter - University of the Philippines Los Baños, last December 10, 2021.
UM CELEBRATE S IP MONTH Jasmin D. Ja-alain
Photo Courtesy: UM-PAGLAUM
during the 2021 Impact Hackathon 5G Agriculture on October 9. A week later, University of Mindanao’s Project Angat representing the same model in the 2021 Innovation Olympics 2.0, won the grand prize jointly with Nueva Vizcaya State University last 16th of October. “Investment in agriculture is the best weapon against hunger and poverty. One farmer at a time,” Elpedio Corbeta, CEO of Alipugpug Tech Solutions, remarked. Subsequently, a group of four students under Team RiceUp developed a Raising Rice App and a Rice Artificial Intelligent Dryer (RAID) that won second place in the 2021 Regional Mindanao Pitch Fest, last October 25. The rice app will run internal analysis for rice cost, while the RAID, an automatic mobile dryer, will provide precise moisture content and temperature sensors that reduces crop damage and improve the condition of the plant produce. “During our Rice Up journey, I’ve realized that there are so many community problems that need attention,” shared Therese Regis, one of the RiceUp participants. Team Rice-
Up aims to assist small-holder farmers in examining the appropriate pricing of rice in various regions. This project also ensures that farmers will reap what they have worked for. “Our team believes that there is always room for improvement. If we can do the pitch fest again, we will point out parts of our project that needs improvement and work on them,” Therese added. Finally, another victors of the Business Idea Development Award 2021 lauded UM students from various programs for the National Business Plan Competition held October 20-21. Scrap to Crop marked second place and Mount Gasper seized the third spot for the non-food category. Meanwhile, E-byahe App placed third for the technology category. Despite the recent threats to health safety, the University of Mindanao remains its fire and passion in molding students to become competent individuals who significantly contribute to the community, by providing students the support and appreciation as they bring the glory of the University of Mindanao in various competitions.
BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY: UM-PAGLAUM is one with the nation in participating in the preservation of Indigenous Cultural Communities and cultivating a sense of community in raising cultural awareness of indigenous culture and heritage in the University.
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he University of Mindanao once again joined the virtual IP Month Celebration last October through launching virtual events, showcasing the beauty of the Indigenous Peoples Community and the creativity of its members. The celebration was spearheaded by the University’s local organization for IP members, Programs, Advocacies, and Governance for Lumad Association of the University of Mindanao (PAGLAUM). This year, UM’s IP Month Celebration was themed: “IP Governance Education Dialogue and Tribal Festive Channels to Strengthen Mindanaon Heritage.” The celebration culminated through three
events: Tribal Dress Presentation, Karaan ExiVid Contest, and Yutang Kabilin Nami Promotional Video Contest. The celebration kicked off last October 28, 2021, with an opening program headed by PAGLAUM adviser Erna C. Caquilala, through Google Meet and Zoom Conference. The first two events then started right after the same day. On the 29th, the last event began. The Culmination and Awarding Ceremony then followed the day after. Cluster 1, composed of the Mandayas, won as champions in the Tribal Dress Presentation. Meanwhile, Cluster 3, formed by Ata & Matigsalog, triumphed the Karaan
ExiVid Contest and Yutang Kabilin Nami Promotional Video Contest. All the winners and participants from all clusters were given cash prizes. The IP Month Celebration is a nationwide event led this year by National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) through Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA) in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 signed in 2009 that mandates the “recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities-Indigenous Peoples (ICCIPs). Amidst the pandemic, various government and non-government agencies like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Office of the Muslim Affairs (OMA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have extended their efforts to enjoin the commemoration of the IP Community.
UM SENDS, WELCOMES VIRTUAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS
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trengthening the University’s partnership with other institutions, The University of Mindanao (UM) has 11 online exchange students in Malaysia and Indonesia as part of the Student Exchange Program under the External Relations and International Affairs Office for the first semester, this academic year. Despite the pandemic, eight outbound students are accepted in University Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya, Indonesia— Albert Cabatlao, Arquilian Agustin, Chuking Pandia, Kaye Marie Gulle, Gallen Canillo, David Francisquete, Jenalyn Manguiob, and Rejan Patumbon from the College of Arts and Sciences. On the other hand, three students from the College of Accounting Education will study in University Kebangsaan Malaysia—Ian De la Peña, Cared Hillary Abalo, and Lee Francis Bañez. Meanwhile, Dr. Pedrito Castillo, VP for Institute of Pedagogical Advancement and Competitiveness, led the recognition of 22 inbound Indonesian exchange students from UBJ, who will also study in the University for the 2nd term of the 1st semester, SY 2021-2022, via Zoom meeting last October 15.
Edmalyn Canton
Dr. Castillo believed that the exchange students’ exposure to different cultures is important. It allows students to gain new knowledge and perspectives that can help their overall growth as UM students. Lee Francis Bañez, asserted that a good exchange student must be ‘eager’ enough to accept the challenge of taking the leap of faith to apply student mobility. “Indeed, the idea of applying to an international school is a daunting task and seems irrelevant given the virtual set-up of this academic year’s exchange program, but it is still an opportunity to not only learn but also grow as an individual, as submerging yourself in the education system of a foreign university is a challenge worth investing your time and effort on,” Bañez told. Bañez added that his application is a testament that COVID-19 should never be an end-all sentence to pursue our academic aspirations—considering that having acquired knowledge from a world-ranked university will definitely give you an upper hand in acing your dream job.
Thereupon, Albert Cabatlao mentioned that passion, determination, and confidence are traits beyond who you are. He always looks for room for improvement, embracing new learnings from different angles, and accumulating these things to become better every day. “As communication students, we are expected to be good communicators and to actually practice our skills, it would be great to do it with people from different race and culture. To be an exchange student is an opportunity to learn how other countries education system works and venture out diverse setting of learning. I see that pandemic is not hindrance for opportunities. This Covid-19 would only last for years but the experience and knowledge being an exchange student would last for a lifetime,” Cabatlao spoke. All interested applicants are screened via online interview before being declared officially nominated to a certain university. Furthermore, for those aspiring to be one of them, visit UM International Affairs Office, the official Facebook page of the External Relations Office.
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UM MEDTECH RACKS UP AWARDS IN INTER-SCHOOL MEDTECH WEEK
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ollowing their recent win in a nationwide inter-school quiz bee, students from the University of Mindanao Medical Laboratory Sciences program has again brought pride to the University during the 2-week Interschool MedTech Competition: Connect 2021, as they competed among nine schools in the region in a series of events, garnering 7 awards out of 13, as announced last October 3 via Facebook live. “We were at a disadvantage, especially in both numbers and resources, compared to the other schools which ranged from a few hundred to thousands of students,” Mr. Paolo Martinez, President of the UM-Guild of Aspiring Medical Technologists (UM-GAMETES), expressed during an exclusive interview. “We still pushed through and overcame those adversities,” Martinez added. At the culmination event, the students’ success in the series of competitions were announced, showing how their fighting spirit and prowess exceeded their population, as they were held as champion in Quiz Bee category one, 3rd place in Quiz Bee category two, champion in Spoken Poetry female category, 2nd place in Pala Awit group category, 2nd place in Meme Making, 3rd place in Digital Poster Making, and 3rd place in Mobile Legends. Aside from practicing excellence among future RMTs, the event also emphasized the importance of their profession through promoting advocacies relevant to the global pandemic, in which the UM representatives, Mr. Christian Mille Matute and
Photo Courtesy: UM-GAMETES
Janna Meg Lendio
BLAZING MAROON. Kindled with burning excitement to compete, the tenacious Medtech students chanted their encouragement for the team through a cheer rally.
Ms. Cerlyn Cabanit, were crowned as Connect 2021 Ambassador and Ambassadress. The reigning students were both COVID-19 survivors, making their advocacy called the “Project Kaalam” very impactful as it amplifies the importance of health literacy to prevent the further increase of positive cases. “This second life that I have right now became more purposive as I want to disseminate the essence of being educated in terms of our health,” Cabanit expressed in their promotional video. “Through Project Kaalam, we want to correct misinformation,” Matute added. “It was definitely a good topic because it has a major impact, not just on a single aspect or group of people, but it encompassed the entirety,” UM-GAMETES President commended their candidates’ chosen topic. In the field of academics, the MedTech students were successful in proving their intellectual capabilities amidst the competition’s pressure. “I didn’t waste even a day to equip myself. I studied hard, managed my time, and worked together with
my team,” Mr. John Lennon Encarnacion, one of the quizzers, stated when asked about his preparation for the event. “This pandemic has greatly affected our lives and everything that we normally do but despite what we are facing right now, we are unified for our vision and our goal to serve and learn,” Matute mentioned during the Q and A portion of their event, reflecting Martinez’ intention for the future RMTs, “We wanted to build a stronger bond between our own students and with other schools through these friendly competitions.” Although the series of contests parred the students in both academic and creative intelligence, it promoted unity between learners separated by distance, successfully executing the event’s theme, “Rendering a new vision beyond borders.” With the support of their professors, the participants were able to bring glory to the university and to their student organization. “We may be a starting school for the BSMLS course, but we could also excel despite us being beginners,” Martinez affirmed
UM-CEE STUDS NAMED AWARDEES FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT CREATIVE RESEARCH Jasmin D. Ja-alain
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he recently concluded Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) event by DOST Region XI has brought another victory to the University of Mindanao, specifically to the College of Engineering Education, with its students bagging all of the awards from first to third places in one of the event’s categories, SIBOL Award. The recipients of the first prize of the SIBOL Award were Electrical Engineering students named Francis James Bagol, Franco Bellera, and Cris
John Pogoy. On the other hand, Chemical Engineering student Ivanbert Damasco brought the second-place home, while Elpedio Corbeta and Jeremiah Malalis won third place. RICE is a biennial nationwide event launched by the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI). It is dedicated to the potentials of Filipino inventors with ideas that deserve recognition in their respective industries. The event consisted of five categories: the SIBOL
Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research for High School and College Students. In the thesis entitled “Synthesis of Nanocellulose from Durian Rinds for the Preparation of Self-Healing Smart Concrete with Augmented Mechanical Properties,” Ivanbert Damasco won second place. The study addresses the continuously high demand for concrete with a cost-effective alternative using one of the prominent resources in the city. Damasco is under the guidance of Dr. Chosel P. Lawagon.
UM AB ENG PAVES ITS WAY TO INTL SPEECH COMPETITION
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Sunday Shane Eorreine M. Ferrer
wo exceptional students from the University of Mindanao made it to the Top 30 out of hundreds of participants from different universities across Asia and the Pacific in the 5th AUAP Student English Virtual Speech Competition last September 21 and 22 via Zoom Conference. Rhett Angelo Belonio, 4th year and Suzanne May Alcasid, 3rd year - both from the AB English Language Program - have made the University proud, together with their coach Professor Maico Demi Aperocho. After submitting a 3-5-minute recorded speech video with the theme “Cultivating Educational Landscape” alongside contenders from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, and Thailand, both representatives proceeded to the semi-finals. The representatives then delivered a 5-minute speech about the vulnerabilities of the students during remote learning. “It definitely was one for the books. Imagine competing against big universities across Asia and Pacific, garnering a spot in the Top 30 was already a great feat. I am beyond grateful,” Rhett Belonio, who was unable to proceed to the finals, expressed Suzanne Alcasid, on the other hand, finished as a finalist after competing in the extemporaneous speaking round where she rendered a 5-minute talk about “My anxious thoughts couldn’t believe that I actually made it, that I brought recogni-
tion to our school and my loving parents. But, along with these festive emotions, nervousness inevitably creeps in, begging to join the celebration. It was just the beginning of a long ride.” She also shared that being a finalist was both an honor and a bittersweet experience for her. “My anxiety would say that I only made it because the piece was pre-constructed, and I would not make it tomorrow for the finals. However, the people around me were pleased with the information and cheered me up, especially my mom who is now in heaven,” she said. They also gave encouraging messages for students who would like to join the said competition. “When opportunity knocks on your door, don’t hesitate to welcome it. Not everyone has the chance to represent their University in the international arena, or whatever endeavor that may be, you just have to give it a shot,” Belonio advised. “You should allow yourself to be pushed to your potentials and take on opportunities as these will significantly help you in the long run,” Alcasid urged. The English Speech Competition is an annual event organized by the Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) and participated by the partner universities. The event was held online for the first time this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic where Lyceum of the Philippines University- Batangas was this year’s event host university.
Meanwhile, Corbeta and Malalis, under the advisory of Mr. Jetron Adtoon, won as third prize winner with their research entitled, “Utilization of Bamboo as an Automated Vertical Farming System: A Breakthrough on Bamboo Technology.” Moreover, the study entitled “Development of Portable Fire Exterminator using Shock Waves” by Francis James Bagol, Franco Bellera, and Cris John Pogoy have first place. The study aims to extinguish the fire, specifically targeting enclosed areas with massive electrical wirings, gadgets, and dangerous appliances to exterminate with water. “Our goal is to provide futuristic technology that can contribute to our society without harming the environment.
We believe that our technology has potential in the future,” Franco Bellera shared on behalf of his team. The winning team’s project was initially for their thesis submission to Engr. Stephen Paul Alagao, their adviser. Engr. Alagao saw a winning potential in the idea, and consequently tapped the three and encouraged them to join the contest, proving his instinct right. As SIBOL Award regional prize winners, the team will automatically represent Davao Region in the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), competing against the other twelve regions from all over the Philippines. For now, the team members are settling all their academic affairs for a clearer focus later on as they prepare for the national event.
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UM-JPIA caps off regional acad fest as the 2nd runner-up Kryzl Laureanne M. Romaldon
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arrying the banner of excellence, the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-UM Main ranked as 2nd Runner-up with six golds, five silvers, and four bronzes during the annual Regional Academic Festival last October 1–31, 2021. Though everything is moving around virtually, the onemonth celebration ReALL-in Whiz (Champion)
gional Academic Festival of the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-Region 11, Hinagiban Federation, took place throughout October via Zoom Meetings and Facebook Live with ten participating universities. The following participants were recognized as individual winners and runners-up:
Group Category Winners and Runner-up Infographics (Champion)
Ellen Mae Gamale, Isavel Idong, and Whitny Algen Gamolo
Logo Making Competition (Champion)
Cyrus Jeilo Patron, Ana Carla Adorable, and Richfield Bernaldez
Debate Tournament (1st Runner-up)
Ian De La Peña, Marie Nella Huraño, and Cared Hillary Abalo
Design your Face Mask (2nd Runner-up)
Mark Bernard Alavazo, Megumi Julianne Faith Estrella, Cristine Mariko Edazawa, Joan Rachel Calansingin, and Angel Kyla Kate Cagalitan
Hymn Writing Challenge (2nd Runner-up)
Michelle Angelica Basco, Irish Faith Gelicana, Ritz Leopoldo Completano, Monna Mae Dominguez Milan, Marv Theo Jacob Cadanilla, Nikka Melicado, Gennesse Marshelle Villacorte Galvez, Faizah Arroyo, James Andrew Campos, Matthew Gieon Yasol, Lowee Jay Garao and Jonnah Estremos
John Jason Panes
Wizard Tournament for Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting (Champion)
Randolf Empal
Wizard Tournament for Financial Accounting and Reporting (Champion)
Alexis John Olanolan
Wizard Tournament for ALLin Whiz (1st Runner-up)
Joelle Marie Rebato
Wizard Tournament for Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting (1st Runner-up
Sheryl Agohob
Wizard Tournament for Fundamentals of Accounting (1st Runner-up)
Alyssa Stephanie Viña
Wizard Tournament Regulatory Framework and Business Transaction (2nd Runner-up)
Renalie Berador
Extemporaneous Solution (2nd Runner-up)
Kent Cedrick Balaga
Concurrently, this event is anchored by its theme, “ALOHOMORA: Chronicle of Excellence,” which aims to deepen their knowledge of the accounting profession, motivate, and educate students about the accounting profession, advance academic competencies, and foster responsibility and camaraderie among contestants. John Kyle Uping, President of the UM JPIA, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all Academic Festival 2021 participants. “You have the
UMDS COMPETE IN O NATIONAL DEBATE Photo Courtesy: UMDS Facebook Page
Andrea Mae Sitcharon
UMDS IN NATIONAL ARENA. UMDS debaters participate and compete at the DILG Core Youth National Defense via Zoom last October 18, 2021
n October 18, 2021, the University of Mindanao was appointed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI to represent the Region XI in the DILG Core Youth National Debate hosted by the DILG via Zoom Conference. The said event was participated by the University of Mindanao Debate Society members, Jaspher Jade Baliscao, 2nd year AB Political Science; Kathleen Claire Bantuana, 3rd year AB Political Science; and Veronica Silayan, 1st year BS Legal Management. The debate circulated on the Constitutional Reform and Local Government such as local economy and policies. The team surpassed the elimination
imagination and willpower to do anything you set your mind to. I hope you are proud of yourself today and that you are confident in your capacity to meet your next challenge.” This one-month Regional Academic Festival was made possible by the initiative of the Regional Executive Officers together with their Standing Committees to achieve the organization’s goal of providing its members events that will develop their capabilities as future professionals. This annual event,
in collaboration with people from different industries, review schools and auditing firms, aims to uphold academic excellence through talks given by speakers for the 5 academic talks conducted, as well as the creative and exciting eleven academic events and five non-academic competitions of creativity and wits. In line with this, the winners of the Wizard Tournament will represent Region 11 in the 2nd Samuel Misa Cup and NAQDOWN Competition in National Level Competition.
round against Mariano Marcos State University from Region 1. The discussion was challenging and engaging because they had the opportunity to debate local government topics. Nevertheless, in their last round before they were eliminated, the discussion had the most pressure, apparently because both teams were determined on establishing their counter-arguments of their opponent’s claims. The participants reached into quarterfinals competed against St. Louis University from CAR. “I can say that our team dynamics is quite excellent because we reached to quarterfinals. Although it’s somehow exhausting, I’m happy we had good rounds,” Bantuana expressed. “In reflection, giv-
en that we got to debate against the great from certain locations, it was a really interesting and insightful experience. I believe that the learnings and breakthroughs that we gain at each round are the most vital factors of each competition,” Silayan said. The UMDS expressed their appreciation to their adviser, alumni, and seniors for their persistent efforts in teaching the participants with their expertise and the University of Mindanao-Office of Student Affairs - OSA for their support of the participants. The team couldn’t reach what they had achieved without the help of trainers and the excellence of the participants.