SU Aggies present 7 papers at ICoNSIE 2024
The Silliman University College of Agriculture (SU CoA), through the leadership of Dr. Jose Edwin C. Cubelo, CoA dean and Philippine Society for the Study of Nature (PSSN) vice president, presented a total of seven (7) research papers at PSSN’s International Conference on Nature Studies and Innovation for the Environment (ICoNSIE) 2024, held from July 15 to 21, 2024, at Sultan Kudarat State University, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
Kirsteen Queen A. Dave, an incoming senior-year student taking Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) – Agronomy, presented her paper titled, “Rainfall and Temperature Anomalies in Central Visayas, Philippines Based on the 1991-2020 Climatological Normals.”
Jack C. Silva, an incoming junior-year Agribusiness student, presented his paper titled, “Crop Diversity Analysis During The Dry Season Of Cropping Year 2024 In Negros Oriental, Philippines.”
Jehemiah Vic R. Quinamot and Reiki Elijah L. Varquez, both incoming sophomore BSA students, presented their paper titled, “Profiling the Chlorophyll Content of Sweet Corn at Various Canopy Heights During Reproductive Stage.”
Nicole Angelie T. Siez, incoming sophomore BSA student, presented her paper title, “ Exploring Agricultural Online Resources: A Study of Websites and Applications for Enhanced Crop Production.”
Princess Cid G. Jarapan and Emilio B. Jacinto II, both incoming sophomore BSA students, presented their paper titled, “Enhancing the Water Holding Capacity of the Soil Using Various Amendments.”
The students’ research papers were co-authored by Asst. Prof. Rehel A. Diaz, adviser and CoA faculty member. In addition, a recent graduate of BSA-Agribusiness, Maria Kristina L. Dizo, also co-authored one of the research papers.
Meanwhile, Cubelo presented his paper titled, “Understanding Agriculture Students’ Perspectives on Organic Farming: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intentions.” He was joined by Chester W.S. Señerez, full-time instructor at the CoA, who also presented his paper titled, “Assessing Knowledge and Biosecurity Measures Regarding African Swine Fever Among Smallhold Swine Raisers in an ASF-Free Municipality of Negros Oriental.”
The conference underscored the integration of technological advancements with nature conservation efforts worldwide.
With the theme, “Re-envisioning Nature Conservation in the Green Transition and Digital Transformation Era,” the ICoNSIE 2024, which was hosted by PSSN in its 22nd Annual Scientific Conference, “aims to bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to explore the complex relationship between nature conservation and technological innovation and to propose innovative solutions for sustainable coexistence.”
Parallel sessions were organized to delve deeper into key subthemes such as green transitioning policy, governance, sustainable agriculture, and One Health initiatives, highlighting the critical role of collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. Cubelo also participated as moderator during these sessions.Throughout the five-day conference, keynote speakers from Malaysia, Singapore, India, Thailand, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños delivered presentations that explored strategies for enhancing ecosystem services, promoting green infrastructure, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative approaches.
Beyond academic presentations, ICoNSIE 2024 included a post-conference eco-tour, allowing participants to experience firsthand the natural beauty and conservation efforts in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato provinces.
Looking ahead, the College of Agriculture is already preparing for ICoNSIE 2025, scheduled to take place at the University of the Philippines, Baguio.