𝐂𝐁𝐒𝐔𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐄𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐈𝐍 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍

FUKUOKA, JAPAN — Researchers from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) showcased their scientific contributions on the international stage at the International Exchange and Innovation Conference on Engineering & Sciences (IEICES), hosted by Kyushu University at its Chikushi Campus. Presenters Carlo Gabriel Abante from CBSUA Pasacao, alongside Dr. Marife L. Pesino and Engr. Glaiza J. Visitacion from CBSUA Pili, delivered three distinct studies addressing pressing ecological and agricultural challenges across the Bicol Region.

Leading the university’s work in eco-friendly material innovation, Dr. Marife L. Pesino presented a study titled “Fiberboard Production from Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizaniodes) Using Cassava Starch Adhesive,” co-authored with Ralph Vincent M. Eloreta. The research explores the transformation of fast-growing perennial vetiver grass into a durable, biodegradable composite board bound by organic cassava starch. By converting agricultural waste into non-toxic construction alternatives, the team demonstrated how green technology can support local circular economies while offering sustainable solutions to commercial building materials.

Focusing on coastal conservation, Carlo Gabriel R. Abante presented the study “Detecting land cover changes in mangrove forests in Prieto Diaz, Philippines using Geographic Information Systems and Google Earth Engine,” co-authored with Rosechel Labilles, Jeffrey Bejison, and Kenneth Robrigado. By leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cloud computing via Google Earth Engine (GEE), the research tracks multi-temporal land cover dynamics within Prieto Diaz’s mangrove ecosystems. The resulting spatial insights equip environmental planners with data-driven tools to combat deforestation, strengthen blue-carbon sinks, and fortify coastal communities against extreme weather events.

Addressing regional water and soil security, Engr. Glaiza J. Visitacion presented “Modeling Land Cover Impacts on Rainfall-Runoff and Sediment Transport Dynamics for Soil and Water Conservation Planning in a Tropical Watershed.” The study was conducted in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team including Menglu Qin, Dhoz E. Arizobal, Rubenito M. Lampayan, Joan Cecilia C. Casila, Patricia Ann J. Sanchez, and Roger A. Luyun, Jr. Through hydrological modeling of rainfall-runoff and sediment transport patterns, the study offers a quantitative framework to predict erosion risks and river siltation, guiding long-term soil and water conservation planning across vulnerable tropical watersheds.

The successful presentation of all three papers directly advances CBSUA’s institutional targets for international research exposure and academic exchange. Following their presentation in Japan, all three papers are set to be published in Scopus-indexed conference proceedings, significantly expanding the global reach, citation footprint, and academic visibility of the university. By uniting researchers from the Pasacao and Pili campuses to present local solutions before an international academic audience at Kyushu University, CBSUA continues to solidify its role as an active contributor to global environmental and engineering science. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰 𝘎𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭, 𝘙. 𝘈𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦