• November 27, 2025

MinSuPala-IRDC Commences the 1st

The Mindanao Sulu Palawan – Innovative Research and Development Consortium (MinSuPala-IRDC) officially commenced the 1st Mindanao Forum on Waters and Natural Resources today, November 26, 2025, in General Santos City. This year’s forum carries the theme “𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠.𝗜.𝗡.𝗔.—𝗠obilized Collaboration, 𝗜ntegrated Knowledge, 𝗡urtured Innovation, and 𝗔mplified Local Wisdom.”

The landmark gathering convened over 190 researchers, innovators, policymakers, faculty experts, and development partners from across Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. It serves as a major platform for sharing breakthrough research, forging institutional partnerships, and advancing sustainable water and natural resource governance across the region.

The program opened with a warm welcome from MSU–General Santos City Chancellor Atty. Shidik Abantas, followed by the presentation of the Forum Rationale by Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona of MSU–Maguindanao, who also serves as the MinSuPala-IRDC Consortium Lead. In her message, she highlighted the Consortium’s journey from data gathering to policy-oriented research, underscoring how the evidence generated in Phase 1 can help address longstanding ecological and socio-economic challenges in Mindanao.

DBM XII Regional Director Akmad J. Usman, CPA, CESO III, reaffirmed the firm commitment of the Department of Budget and Management to supporting research-driven initiatives in Mindanao, echoing the vision of MinSuPala-IRDC Founder and former DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.

Serving as Keynote Speaker, Undersecretary Dr. Janet M. Lopoz, CESO I, Executive Director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), commended the consortium’s mission of integrating science, policy, and action to build resilient communities across Mindanao’s water basins and ecosystems.

One of the highlights of the opening program was the ceremonial turnover of the Phase 1 consolidated reports and published books, led by Chancellor Limbona and handed to DBM XII Regional Director Usman, symbolizing the transition from research output to policy application.

The event also featured the Innovation Hackathon, showcasing the ingenuity of student innovators presenting solutions aligned with the Forum’s sustainability and innovation goals.
 
In the afternoon session, distinguished plenary speakers shared insightful presentations:
• Engr. Joan S. Barrera, Director III of MinDA’s Policy, Planning, and Project Development Office (represented by Ms. Sheila Mae Almasa)
• Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, Professor Emeritus of UP Diliman and former professor at the UP Marine Science Institute
• Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Professor Emeritus of the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, UPLB
• Cardinal Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, Chairperson of the Mindanao River Basin Management Council
Industry partners Shimadzu Philippines Corporation and Guill-Bern Corporation likewise presented their technological solutions and laboratory innovations supportive of water and environmental research.
 
The successful commencement of the Forum marks a significant step toward a more collaborative, science-driven, and future-ready Mindanao—where knowledge, innovation, and partnerships converge for the sustainable management of its waters and natural resources.
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The MinSuPala-IRDC is a brainchild of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, was conceived during an exploratory meeting on June 1, 2023 at the Greenleaf Hotel. The signing of its Memorandum of Agreement followed just 50 days later, a testament to the eagerness to strengthen social capital development through collaborative research and innovation. Today, the consortium proudly brings together fourteen (14) member State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).