SLSU Hosts Proposal Presentation for DOST Funding with Key Projects Focused on Agricultural, Fisheries, and Digital Transformation in Southern Leyte
On September 24, 2024, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) hosted an important event titled "Proposal Presentation for DOST Funding: Strategies for Successful Submission and Approval" at the Office of the President Board Room. The event was organized to showcase and discuss several research proposals aimed at securing funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Attendees included key academic leaders and researchers from various SLSU campuses.
The program commenced with the Philippine National Anthem and a prayer, followed by a welcome message from Dr. Marie Khul C. Langub, the Director of Research and Innovation. Her message underscored the importance of collaborative research efforts in pushing forward innovations that benefit the region.
An inspirational message was delivered by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President of SLSU, who not only highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing science and technology through meaningful research projects but also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DOST. Dr. Duarte thanked DOST for their continuous support and acknowledged Dr. Ramil Uy for being a staunch advocate of SLSU’s research initiatives over the years. His message emphasized how their unwavering support has been pivotal in the growth and development of the university’s research programs, which significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of Southern Leyte.
Dr. Ramil Uy expressed his full support for the projects presented during the event, providing valuable inputs to enhance and improve the proposals. His insights offered additional perspectives that could further solidify their chances of securing funding. Mr. Emmanuel Lagdamen also shared comments and suggestions that could refine the proposed research projects. Additionally, Dr. Ramil Uy took the opportunity to recognize SLSU for its unwavering commitment over the past years to fulfilling its responsibilities and consistently delivering on its initiatives.
The first proposal, "STI Solutions to High Economic Value Agricultural Commodities in Southern Leyte Year 1 of 3 Years," was presented by Dr. John Paul Ranches Gapasin from SLSU-Hinunangan Campus. This research focused on the Abaca Tissue Culture Laboratory, with the aim of increasing the value of abaca, one of the region’s high-potential agricultural commodities. By applying tissue culture technology, the project seeks to improve the crop's quality and productivity, ultimately boosting the economic potential of abaca farming in Southern Leyte.
The second proposal, "Assessment of Sea Cucumber Stocks in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, Philippines: Implications to Aqua Ranching and Stock Enhancement Initiatives," was presented by Dr. Jimmy Salamida from SLSU-Bontoc Campus. This research program aims to sustain sea cucumber fisheries in Southern Leyte by providing baseline information on the current status of sea cucumber stocks. The project also seeks to initiate sea ranching and stock enhancement activities to improve economic gains and relieve fishing pressure. Specifically, the research will investigate the abundance and species composition of sea cucumbers in Sogod Bay, the traditional uses and processing techniques employed by local fishers, and the market potential. Additionally, the project will study the growth and survival of hatchery-reared juvenile sea cucumbers in wild-release conditions to aid in stock recovery efforts.
The third proposal, "Establishing the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Digital Transformation Hub: A Decision-Support Backbone for the Sustainable Development of Southern Leyte," was presented by Mr. Francis Rey Padao from SLSU-Main Campus. This project aims to establish a centralized platform for collecting, storing, and managing various data sources relevant to Southern Leyte, such as demographic, economic, environmental, and social data. It will also develop advanced analytics tools to identify trends and correlations, along with predictive modeling techniques to forecast future scenarios, enabling proactive planning. Furthermore, the project supports scenario planning by simulating different future possibilities and analyzing the impact of various policies and interventions on the sustainable development of Southern Leyte.
As part of the ongoing efforts to drive socio-economic and technological development in the region, Dr. Ramil Uy presented the Science, Technology, Innovation Programs to Enhance Economic Development of Southern Leyte (SPEED-SL). This groundbreaking initiative integrates the various programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with the province’s unique needs. SPEED-SL addresses critical areas such as industry advancement, disaster risk reduction, socio-political stability, and human resource development (HRD). The program aims to foster an environment conducive to innovation, education, and skills development, ultimately contributing to the local economy and workforce empowerment. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SPEED-SL endeavors to promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth by nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Dr. Uy encouraged researchers to align future proposals with the goals of SPEED-SL to maximize the impact of their projects on Southern Leyte’s growth and development.
The event concluded with a moving forward plan and a closing message from Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services. Dr. Sy encouraged the researchers to continue striving for excellence and innovation, emphasizing the importance of securing DOST funding for the long-term success of their projects. She expressed her excitement about the proposals and acknowledged the brilliant ideas of the proponents. Dr. Sy further highlighted the need to produce tangible research projects and stressed the significance of focusing on commercialization to ensure the projects' impact and sustainability.
