WMSU-SERDAC researchers secured a prestigious award, bringing honor to the institution at the recent Philippine Agriculture and Economic Development Association (PAEDA) National Conference. The event was held at Visayas State University in Leyte from December 3 to 5, 2024. The conference gathered researchers from across the PhilippinesโLuzon, Visayas, and Mindanaoโwho presented 40 research papers on various fields in agriculture.
The research paper titled โ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐-๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐ซ๐ถ๐บ๐ป-๐บ๐ฌ๐ป๐ผ๐ท) ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐/๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐,โ presented by Mr. Dennis R. Marcelino, was recognized as the Second Runner-Up for Best Paper under the category of Policy Analysis and Impact Assessment in Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR).
The study, funded by DOST Region IX, assessed the effectiveness and relevance of the DOST-SETUP program in enhancing the technological capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the Zamboanga Peninsula’s horticulture and agriculture sectors.
The research findings highlight the significant positive impact of the program in improving products, services, and operations, resulting in increased productivity and competitiveness among MSMEs. The program achieved a Benefit-Cost Ratio of 1.16, indicating that the governmentโs investment in the DOST-SETUP program is highly beneficial.
The research team comprised Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, Mr. Dennis R. Marcelino, Dr. Anabel E. Gamorez, Mr. Alvener H. Sakili, Mr. Moh. Shanizee A. Sarabi, and Mr. Claro R. Potenciano Jr., all faculty and staff members of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU). (Dr. Teresita R. Narvaez, VP-Resource Generation)

