๐–๐Œ๐’๐” ๐‚๐จ๐ง๐œ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ž๐ฌ ๐ƒ๐Ž๐’๐“ ๐๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ค ๐’๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ฆ ๐„๐ง๐ ๐š๐ ๐ž๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ

Technology (DOST) and DOST-PCIEERD, successfully culminated the short-term engagement of Dr. Elmer-Rico E. Mojica (Pace University, New York) through the 2026 Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Exit Conference, held on August 24, 2026, at the Amphitheater, Science Hub Building, WMSU Campus B.

Anchored on the theme “Bringing Minds Together. Building a Stronger Scientific Future,” the exit conference highlighted the research milestones, capacity-building workshops, and academic mentorship accomplished during Dr. Mojicaโ€™s stint in analytical chemistry and scientific research.

๐•๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ซ๐ฒ ๐‹๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ƒ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐’๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ ๐€๐๐ฏ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ

The University extends its deepest gratitude to WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena for her unwavering support, visionary leadership, and dedication to institutional research excellence. Under her stewardship, WMSU actively pursued and championed this DOST Balik Scientist engagementโ€”opening doors for international scientific exchange, fostering multidisciplinary research initiatives, and elevating the research capabilities of Crimson faculty, researchers, and students.

๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ฆ ๐‡๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ & ๐–๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐…๐จ๐ซ๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐

โ€ข Institutional Support & Vision: The morning commenced with warm welcome remarks from Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, followed by an inspiring message from University President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, reaffirming WMSUโ€™s commitment to becoming a premier smart research university.

โ€ข The Exit Report: Dr. Elmer-Rico E. Mojica presented his comprehensive exit report, summarizing key findings, capability-building activities, and collaborative pathways forged with the Department of Chemistry and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM).

โ€ข Menteesโ€™ Voices & Testimonials: Faculty and student mentees shared their transformative learning experiences, key insights, and reflections from the program, highlighting the valuable knowledge gained, professional growth, and project-related experiences. The testimonials featured Dr. Najeeb S. Abdulla II and Asso. Prof. Jayson T. Francisco of the Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Mathematics (CSM); Dr. Kay P. Ramos, Head of the Philippine Agriculture Research and Extension Center (PARC); Dr. Genelyn G. Madjos, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, CSM; Dr. Mario Ritchie O. Hibionada, Associate Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE); and Mr. Emilio Gabriel A. Badua, a BS Chemistry student from CSM.

โ€ข Statements of Gratitude & Partner Responses: Expressions of appreciation were delivered by Dr. Reynante E. Autida (Director, RDEC) and Dr. Lina S. Lacandalo (Head, Department of Chemistry), alongside strong commitments to future collaboration from Dir. Rosemarie S. Salazar (Regional Director, DOST IX) and Dr. Marvin A. Maulion (Director, ZIEERDeC).

โ€ข Conferment of Commendation: The program concluded with the awarding of the Plaque and Certificate of Commendation to Dr. Mojica, followed by closing remarks delivered by CSM Dean, Dr. Mohammad Nur S. Paspasan.

WMSU remains steadfast in translating scientific knowledge into impactful community solutions, global collaborations, and sustainable regional development.

๐‘๐„๐‚๐Ž๐๐๐„๐‚๐“. ๐‚๐Ž๐‹๐‹๐€๐๐Ž๐‘๐€๐“๐„. ๐€๐ƒ๐•๐€๐๐‚๐„.

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