True to the vision of WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena to establish Western Mindanao State University as a “Smart Research University” by 2040, the NICER Phase 2 Project 2 Chemical Division recently concluded a week-long engagement in Iloilo.
At the heart of the trip was the 39th Philippine Chemistry Congress, held at the Iloilo Convention Center, Mandurriao, with the theme “Beyond the Orbitals: Exploring the Multi-Realms in Chemistry.” The congress brought together top minds in the field, from quantum chemistry and sustainability to advanced instrumentation and applied sciences. The team engaged in plenaries, and cross-sector dialogues opening doors to potential partnerships, advanced training opportunities, and collaborative research for regional growth.
WMSU also proudly took the spotlight. Dr. Reynante E. Autida, RCh, NICER Project Leader and Director of the Research Development and Extension Center (RDEC), delivered a compelling talk during the Special Chemistry Education Session. His presentation highlighted the achievements and insights gained from implementing the NICER program in Western Mindanao, particularly through the lens of chemistry.
In addition, Asso. Prof. Clarissa T. Balolot, faculty from the Chemistry Department, also presented her research titled “Pre-Admission Data as Predictors of Student Success in the BS Chemistry Program,” offering fresh insights into how student background factors can influence success in chemistry education.
Aside from the 39th PCC, the team visited three of Iloilo’s premier universities for benchmarking, cross-learning, and future institutional linkages and collaborations:
University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV)
• Explorations at their homegrown and stellar Regional Research Center included labs in food science, microbiology, materials engineering, and nanotech. Later, the team returned for a focused benchmarking session at UPV- NIMBB, aligning with WMSU-NICER’s objectives of amino acid, fatty acid, and cholesterol profiling of the ZamPen Native Chicken.
Central Philippine University (CPU)
• The team examined CPU’s high-efficiency and profitable native chicken hybrid program, touring their feed production and genome sequencing facilities. Conversations with research leaders and agri-entrepreneurship students centered on innovation, sustainability, and the growing potential of local breeds in national and export markets.
University of San Agustin (USA)
• Guided by Dr. Jonel Saludes, RCh, the NICER group toured USA’s nonpareil research centers such as the KNIF2E, C2B2, CND3, and the Magnetic Resonance Facility, all home to advanced spectrophotometric instruments like multiple qTOF mass spectrometers and the crown jewel of molecular analysis, their NMR spectrometer. A promising informal exchange followed soon after, opening the door for future collaborations and shared research goals.
Representing the NICER Chemical Division were:
Dr. Reynante E. Autida – Project Leader, Director – RDEC
Prof. Susan E. Montebon – Project Staff
Asso. Prof. Jayson T. Francisco – Project Staff
Mr. Al-Omar C. Daris, RCh – Project Staff
Mr. Arkin Garon A. Sarmiento, RCh – Project Technical Aide V
This trip was more than a typical benchmarking or cross learning visit. Instead, it served as a highlight to the ever-growing need of the democratization of science and inter-institutional collaboration to propel regional Philippine chemistry into the global arena, pushing current scientific boundaries to their limits and propelling WMSU to the stars. As a result, the NICER team returns inspired and ready to deliver stringent, indigenous yet world-class science.
(Arkin Garon A. Sarmiento, RCh)
