November 15, 2024 – Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) faculty-researchers delivered oral presentations on their research at the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS)-JSTA International Congress, held on November 9-10 at the Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan.The delegation was led by both Vice Presidents of the college, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan, and Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance Engr. Oscar C. Barawid, along with the Director of the Research and Development Office Dr. Alking B. Gorospe, PhD, and faculty-researchers Dina DC. Lim, Chenie Mae T. Bibon, Jomer B. Mangawang, and Mark Angelo E. Diaz, PhD.
This year’s theme, “ISSAAS in 2024 and Beyond: Agricultural Science for Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia,” highlighted the importance of agricultural innovation for sustainable development in the region.
Dina DC. Lim, Associate Professor at ASCOT, presented her research titled “Exploring the Potentials of Pigmented Rice Farming in the Lowland Areas.” This study, co-authored with VPAA Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan is about the baseline information about pigmented rice farming in the province Aurora.
Chenie Mae T. Bibon, Assistant Professor I, presented her research titled “Integrated Weed Strategies for Direct-Seeded and Transplanted Pigmented Rice Variety in Aurora, Philippines.” on the following day. This study, co-authored by Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan, Maribelle A. Soriano, and Jomer B. Mangawang, delved into innovative weed management strategies for pigmented rice cultivation.
Also, Assistant Professor I Jomer B. Mangawang presented his research titled “Physicochemical and Organoleptic Evaluation of Indigenous Pigmented Rice Varieties in Aurora, Philippines,” co-authored with Maribelle A. Soriano and Dr. Cabatan. The study focused on evaluating the unique characteristics of indigenous pigmented rice, emphasizing its potential in contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture in the region.
These three studies are a testament to the dedication and expertise of ASCOT’s faculty and researchers in advancing agricultural science.
Meanwhile,VP Barawid presented the research titled “Innovative Mechanized Coconut Climber, Enhancing Emasculation, Pollination, Harvesting, and Hybridization” The said research co authored with, Alking B. Gorospe, PhD, Director of Research and Development Office, and Mark Angelo E. Diaz, PhD; Instructor III at School of Engineering, offers transformative potential for the coconut industry, particularly in enhancing processes like emasculation, pollination, harvesting, and hybridization. It also showcased a mechanized device designed to streamline coconut farming processes, a valuable contribution to coconut production efficiency and sustainability.
ASCOT’s participation in the ISSAAS Congress highlights its commitment to internationalization, showcasing its research capacity and reinforcing its role in shaping global agricultural sustainability and resilience.