Breaking Barriers and Igniting Innovation at the Araw ng Sulop S&T Exhibit
Written by Irene Faith Makinano
Uploaded on April 22, 2024
On April 22, 2024, Sulop, Davao del Sur, hosted an inspiring event as the Araw ng Sulop S&T Exhibit showcased advancements in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI). The MABIDA Project conducted a distinguished exhibit, presenting its cutting-edge 3D scanning and printing technology and offering visitors a chance to experience its remarkable capabilities firsthand. Attendees were given the unique opportunity to explore the transformative capabilities of MABIDA, which included interactive experiences with its comprehensive marine biodiversity database for fauna and flora in Mindanao.
Visitors marveled at the detailed 3D visualizations of marine life, bringing to life the rich biodiversity of the region. The MABIDA website, described as a treasure trove of marine biodiversity data, offered participants insights into its powerful tools for research and conservation.
The exhibit, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) PSTO Davao del Sur, was officially opened by Vice Mayor Willie Villegas, alongside local government officials from LGU Sulop and esteemed faculty members from Davao del Sur State College. Their collective presence underscored the crucial role that collaboration and innovation play in advancing science and technology within the local community. The event not only showcased technological advancements but also inspired future initiatives aimed at empowering researchers and conservationists in the preservation of Mindanao’s diverse marine ecosystems.
Other Articles
Capacity Building Workshop Empowers DOrSU Participants in MABIDA Website Utilization
The "Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website" capacity building workshop was successfully conducted at Davao Oriental State University on August 16-17, 2023, as part of the ABRAHAM MABIDA Project's ongoing initiatives. In collaboration with partner agencies and higher education institutions, the workshop was designed to equip faculty members and researchers with essential skills in effectively utilizing the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) website and information system. The Davao Oriental State University played a significant role in this capacity-building initiative, as the participating faculty members and researchers engaged in intensive training sessions. The workshop fostered a dynamic learning environment, enabling participants to explore various features of the MABIDA website and gain hands-on experience with its functionalities. Through interactive sessions, participants were able to grasp a practical understanding of the website's capabilities, equipping them to make significant contributions to the advancement of marine biodiversity research and conservation within the region. This workshop highlights our steadfast dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and facilitating informed marine resource management practices for a sustainable future.
Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Website Soft Launched to Increase Marine Conservation Efforts
Davao City, Philippines - Bidang-Bida sa MABIDA, the soft launch ceremony of the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Website, was conducted at the UP Mindanao Administration Building Lorenzo Hall on May 22, 2023. The event, organized by the Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) MABIDA Project in collaboration with the UP Mindanao Office of Research, coincided with the “Internal Day for Biological Diversity” and gathered distinguished in-person visitors and virtual attendees from various institutions and organizations. The MABIDA Website, accessible through the URL 'https://mabida.upmin.edu.ph', marks an important step forward in the protection and knowledge of marine biodiversity in Mindanao. The website features a large amount of data, including species profiles, habitat information, and environmental characteristics, which will be updated and enhanced on a regular basis by ABRAHAM Program FishDive Project members and collaborating partner institutions. The website envisions to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to obtain essential data about marine ecosystems. The soft launch event witnessed a diverse array of participants, both physically present and joining virtually. Notable in-person attendees included Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, the Director of DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD) Marine Resources Research Division, and Mrs. Ma. Adela Corpuz, the Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST PCAARRD Marine Resources Research Division. Notable guests who joined virtually included Mr. Jaypee G. Trinidad of DOST-PCAARRD and faculty members from the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology. The event also welcomed faculty members and researchers from partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), namely Davao del Norte State College, Davao Oriental State University, and Mindanao State University General Santos City. Representatives from UP Mindanao, including officials, staff, and students, were also present, thus underscoring the university's commitment to marine conservation and research. The extensive involvement and partnership of these institutions and DOST PCAARRD shall provide a solid foundation for future marine studies and initiatives. ABRAHAM FishDive Project Leader Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. introduced the audience to the ABRAHAM Program, the mother project of the FishDive Project and the MABIDA Project. Thereafter, ABRAHAM MABIDA Project Leader Leo Manuel B. Estaña, MSc gave a more thorough introduction of the MABIDA Project to help condition the audience as MABIDA Project Technical Specialists Geomarie Anne S. Paredes and Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan subsequently led a live demonstration to showcase the key features and functionalities of the MABIDA Website. Features showcased were the (1) Matching and Alignment, (2) Search Database, and (3) the MABIDA Website Interactive Map. The Matching and Alignment feature is intended to help with the taxonomic identification of samples supplied by website users. Meanwhile, the Search Database feature allows users to manually search and traverse the MABIDA Website's data repository of marine fisheries datasets supplied by partner HEIs and other collaborating agencies. Users can also use the MABIDA Website Interactive Map to see the numerous locations where the marine fishery datasets were collected. Future additions to this interactive map will include spatial overlay of various thematic maps relevant to marine science. Dr. Nañola urged the collaborating partner HEIs and agencies to polish and prepare the datasets that they will share and upload to the MABIDA Website, as these records will be used to improve the scientific community's ability to manage and protect the Mindanaon marine environment. In addition, Dr. Acedera of DOST PCAARRD stated that the MABIDA website will promote a more collaborative space for scientific cooperation in marine resource research and development, paving the way for more effective efforts to protect and understand the Philippine marine environment and resources. As the website becomes fully operational in the coming months, it is expected to attract a wider audience, including scientists, students, and marine enthusiasts alike.
