THE UNIVERSITY of Mindanao (UM) Research and Innovation Center (RIC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, Sept 1, for newly approved research and development projects of the university.
Four major projects, along with team and project leaders, were highlighted at the event that can help contribute to the development of Davao Region and the Philippines. These are “TRANSFORMEE”, “REESieve”, “ERASE”, and “Cafemicroguard.”
Each project has its own expected outputs and impact, which are about biosynthesis of natural colorants, a 3D-printed electrochemical ion-sieve technology, engineered robust microbial assemblies, and precision management of coffee berry borer.
UM also signed MOAs with its industry partners, the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA) co-op, Nestle Philippines, Cavite State University, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI, Hexat Mining Corporation, and Alterna Verde Corporation.
UM president Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr. said that UM is transitioning from a teaching university to a research university and that the projects are in line with the directives.
“Over the years, the partnership between DOST and UM has evolved remarkably. What began as support for simple research and development projects has grown into a collaboration on large, complex, and cutting-edge initiatives,” Torres said.
He also said the DOST has given the university’s researchers the inspiration and confidence to transform ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. shared that he envisioned that the agency must work hand-in-hand with its partners across four strategic pillars, namely promoting well-being, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability, aimed at driving national development and innovation.
On the same day, a Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Exit Report presentation by Dr. Angelo Bañares was featured to share his accomplishments, research, outputs, and collaborations as a Medium-Term Balik Scientist.
Bañares is also currently the head of the University of Mindanao Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory (UMBEL), the first laboratory for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology in the country that was launched in 2024 at the UM Bolton Campus.
