DOrSU Bags Best Paper Award at Mindanao Water Congress

The Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) recently won the Best Paper Award during the inaugural Mindanao Water Congress held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, from April 23-25, 2024. The award-winning paper, titled “Investigating Heavy Metal Levels in Selected Farms in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental,” was presented by Mr. Geralph Sam P. Villarubia, who was part of a research project funded by DOrSU’s Research Innovation & Extension and implemented by the University Research Complex (UResCom) through the Institute of Soil and Water (i-SaW).

The congress had the theme “Sustaining Life and Nurturing Resilience through Innovative Technology for a Thriving Mindanao” and featured 19 research papers from various organizations, including LGUs, NGOs, water concessionaires, DENR, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), business sectors, and Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICE) members.

The winning paper was part of a project that aimed to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in the tissues, shells, surrounding waters, and sediments of shrimp farms in the City of Mati, known for its aquaculture shrimp industry. This is important because the presence of heavy metals in shrimps can be harmful to humans who consume them. The study supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, and conserving sustainably the marine resources for sustainable development.

The paper’s recognition demonstrates DOrSU’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and collaboration in addressing critical environmental challenges and improving Mindanao communities and ecosystems.

The project team consisted of Dr. Roselyn V. Regino (Project Leader), Dr. Janeth C. Tayone (Study Leader), Mr. Geralph Sam P. Villarubia (Study Leader), Carmela May Albios (Researcher), Rogie Mart B. Ambasan (Researcher), Lorjie B. Bation (Researcher), Joselle Marie P. Deaño (Researcher), and Dr. Wilanfranco C. Tayone (Study Leader). (DOrSU PIO)