2^nd Place for Best Poster Award and 3^rd Place for Best Paper Award both for Social Science Category were the recognitions received by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) through Regional Management Office (RMO) Ranaw during the 2^nd MSU System Research and Innovation Summit on July 29-30, 2015 at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Naawan Campus, Misamis Oriental.

The papers presented were entitled “Empowering Communities through Capacity Building in Conflict-affected areas in Mindanao”, and “Outcomes of Pilot Projects under Capacity Building in Conflict-affected areas in Mindanao”, all under the Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) Project implemented by BDA supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with ICNet Limited.

CD-CAAM staff of the fishery sector represented by Mr. Pendatun Patarasa, ICNet project coordinator, assisted by Mr. Alimoddin Macodi, regional project operations officer (RPOO)-for fishery sector in collaboration with the MSU-Maguindanao presented the papers in front of the panel of evaluators.

Mr. Patarasa is praised not only by the members of the panel but by the audience, as well. He received a round of applause from the audience for his well-deserved and very informative presentations and for giving satisfactory answers to questions rose by the panel and the audience.

Accordingly, the presentation promoted understanding of the CD-CAAM project for the audience who do not know the project.

One audience asked if CD-CAAM will continue to expand its project to different areas in Mindanao, particularly the conflict affected areas and asked how the program can be availed of.

MSU System Research and Innovation Summit aims to (1) promote culture of research and collaboration; (2) disseminate research findings to colleagues; (3) attempt on how to publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed/referred journals; (4) to provide a platform for R & D collaboration among various campuses of MSUs and; (5) recognize Best paper and Best Poster presenters by giving certificates and cash awards.

According to Dr. Elnor Roa, director for research, the summit gathered 120 officials, representatives and other participants predominantly from the academe and research divisions of the 11 campuses of the MSU system to strengthen collaboration in research and development programs in pursuit of excellence in instruction, research and technology, and social sciences.

BDA, JICA and ICNet would like to extend its deep appreciation to the MSU system and the technical partners, the MSU-Naawan and MSU-Maguindanao for the inclusion of the CD-CAAM papers/poster presentation in the 2^nd MSU System Research and Innovation Summit.