15 Research Studies Presented

A total of fifteen (15) research studies were successfully presented during the Sustainable Development Goals Research Symposium at the Mapua Malayan Colleges of Mindanao last November 11, 2022.

With the theme “Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Action for Davao Region through SDG-Oriented Studies,” the symposium covers multi-faceted topics aiming to enhance the replication of sustainable living practices and to promote the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for adoption and localization in the Davao Region and the rest of South-Central Mindanao.

Promoting Sustainability to Davao and Beyond

The presented studies of researchers tapped various sustainable goals, including, No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15).

“The Philippines ranks 103rd out of 191 countries that committed to promoting the 17 sustainable development goals. With this, we have a very long way to go. Hence, research is a very relevant tool in achieving these SDGs with a multi-sectoral and collaborative effort. May we continue to support research studies of our people to make a difference in our society while leaving no one behind,” Atty. Mark Penalver, IDIS Executive Director, said.

The research studies presented during the symposium are the following:

1. Species Composition of Volant and Small Non-Volant Mammals in the Green Spaces of Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines by Brian Pototan
2. Opportunities for Enhancing Epidemic Preparedness through Wastewater-based Epidemiology in Highly-Urbanized Cities by Maria Otero
3. Optimal Process Network for Integrated Solid Waste Management in Davao City, Philippines by Kristin Olalo
4. Improper Disposal of COVID-19 Associated Waste in Davao City: A concern to Health and Environment by John Paul Banzon
5. Risk Factors Associated with Severity and Survivability of COVID-19 Patients: Empirical Evidence from Davao Region by Charisse Miguel
6. Vulnerability Assessment of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) in Davao City, Southern Philippines by Marie Damgo
7. The Mediating Effect of Synchronous E-Learning on the Relationship between Digital Literacy and Writing Skills of English-Major College Students: A Mixed Methodology Study by Dr. Febbie Ramos
8. The Influence of Level of Sustainability Reporting on the Financial Performance of Publicly Listed Companies in the Philippines with Firm Size as Moderating Variable by Ianah Guzman
9. Synthesis of Nanocellulose from Durian Rinds for the Preparation of a Self-Healing Smart Concrete with Augmented Mechanical Properties by Ivanbert Damasco
10. Statistical Approach in the Determination of Causality Factors of Seismic Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Residential Buildings by John Liu, et. al
11. “KALINAW” – A Proposed Forest Education Center and Stormwater Park: A study on Utilizing Flood Retention Zones as Spaces for Ecological Literacy by Christian Sangadi, et. al
12. Stakeholders Valuation on Davao City Parks: A Study on Determining Public Value by Angelo Regalado
13. Is the Government’s Socialized Housing Program Serving the Needs of Low-Income Households? The Case of Davao City by Micah Yares
14. Characterizing the Urban Green Spaces in Davao City, Philippines: Implications for Design and Management by Ryan Songcayaoun
15. Land Use Change of Urban Wetlands in Davao City by Lemuel Lloyd Manalo

Dr. Gernelyn Logrosa, Head of Office for Research, Development, and Innovation of MMCM, also encourages the youth and the students to look into the society’s core problems and challenges, then produce SDG-driven research for the progressive advancement of the region and the country.

“As educators and researchers, challenges [in our society] remind us of our purpose – give real-life solutions to a real-life problem,” Dr. Febbie Ramos, uttered during her presentation.

Support from the City and NGA

Offices from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI, Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) XI, and Councilor Luna Acosta attended and supported the event.

Councilor Atty. Luna Acosta, through her representative, expressed her strong support for the event and all research studies necessary to achieve SDG, particularly studies for renewable energy, zero waste, watershed protection, sustainable agriculture, and disaster-resilient and green community.

SRS II Alvin Angelo A. Salting, Research, and Development Unit Chief of DENR XI, also expressed his support to the event and researchers. He also encouraged the participants to continue doing research and apply the concept of basket research which means integrating various SDG into the research. “We won’t have what we have now if not because of research,” Salting said.

Other reactors from MinDA, DHSUD, and OCD, such as Sheila Almasa, EnP. Eden Santiago, and Angie Dela Cruz, respectively, expressed their support for the presented research studies. They requested copies of abstracts of the presented studies and will adopt necessary studies for their offices. (IDIS, Inc.)