6th BIOME web conference conducted

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6th BIOME web conference conducted

The Catanduanes State University (CatSU)- Research and Development Services together with the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of the College of Health Sciences spearheaded the 6^th BIOME (Biodiversity meeting) through a web conference on Research and Creative Works on Food, Health and Environment with the theme, “Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Society, Education, Environment and Development (S.E.E.D.)- Ageing happily and living sustainably with healthy diets and functional local food systems” on October 22-23, 2020.

The three-day web conference was in collaboration with the Pacifictech NGO, Inc. and Hechanova & Co. Inc and The International Union for the Conservation of Nature- Commission on Education & Communication (IUCN-CEC) Switzerland.

Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CatSU Officer-In-Charge and CHED and Regional Director ROV gave his welcome message to the guests, presenters/lecturers and participants present and extended his great appreciations to the organizers of taking such initiative to conduct the event in which he said, “…a timely and relevant one because as the theme suggests, it touches the base of our current situations mired and yet unbowed by the privations of worldwide pandemic.” He further said that research as hallmark of a university, plays a very pivotal role in making it more relevant and responsive over cross –cutting issues and addressing various societal concerns. Also present as keynote speakers are Hon. Joseph “Buboy” Cua, Provincial Governor and Hon. Hector Sanchez, Congressman of Lone District of Catanduanes.

Topics discussed by respective competent lecturers and speakers were presented during the program proper. Plenary sessions and research talks regarding Research & Innovation at CatSU, Biodiversity and Food, Mangroves and Ocean Science, Agriculture, Agro-forestry & Fisheries, Food and ABACA production, Research Management, Technology and  Covid-19 pandemic were given as well.

Invited keynote presenters who delivered their presentations during the second day of the event were Hon. Felizardo “Sarge” Colambo, Vice President of AMA University and Former Regent of Catanduanes State University, with his topic on challenges and prospects of blended learning. Atty. Editha R. Hechanova, President/CEO of Hechanova & Co. Inc. who talked about Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing in SUCs. Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, Philippines Nuclear Research Institute (DOST) had his topic on Organ Bioprint and Human Immortality and lastly, Dr. Efren Abueg, Writer and Professor at De La Salle University- Manila who discussed about Ageing Happily and Living Sustainability during Covid-19 pandemic.

The 6^th BIOME which tackles the link of Biodiversity with Food, Health and Environment during the Covid-19 pandemic was facilitated by Research and Development Services Office led by then Research Director, Dr. Jimmy Masagca, the convenor of the research conference, under the Research, Extension and Production Affairs Division headed by Vice-President Lily Custodio.

The event primarily aimed to drive sustainable solutions through leading communication, learning and knowledge management to prepare more inclusive, environmentally sustainable and resilient food system, and to ensure no one is left behind.