Dr. Tarhata S. Guiamalon, Research Director of Cotabato State University (CSU), together with Dr. Raffeq S. Alim, Executive Assistant of the VP for Research, Extension, Development, and Resource Generation, attended the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) 1st Quarter Research and Development (R&D) Cluster Meeting for CY 2025 held on January 16, 2025, at the USMARDC Auditorium, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato.

The meeting focused on crafting the roadmap for regional priority commodities and preparing the 2024 Annual Report. It began with the presentation of highlights from the previous meeting and proceeded with discussions led by SOXAARRDEC leaders, including Consortium Director Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele and R&D Cluster Coordinator Dr. Tamie C. Solpot.

Among the agenda were updates on the USMart-TB1 project, initiatives from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, and the development of the AANR Compendium. The participants also discussed plans for the consortium’s 2nd R&D Cluster Meeting for CY 2025.

Dr. Guiamalon and Dr. Alim represented CSU by sharing the university’s R&D accomplishments for CY 2024 and actively participating in the discussions. Their presence emphasized CSU’s commitment to advancing research and development in the region.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration and commitment among the consortium members to strengthen research initiatives across SOCCSKSARGEN.
// ALG