Empowering Minds: SPARK Conference Series Welcomes Returning Faculty Scholars in Human Ecology and Food Sciences

The third Scholar Professors Advancing Research Knowledge (SPARK) Conference was held on October 30, 2024, at the Commercial Building of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM). During this activity, five USM experts from the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences shared their research with a broader audience. This initiative arose out of USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia’s challenge to bring the knowledge of USM experts to a wider audience and promote research engagement across the university community. Headed by Assoc. Prof. Mary Joy S. Cañolas, the SPARK Conference Series also provided opportunities for meaningful discussions to inspire new ideas and encourage collaboration among various departments.

Assoc. Prof. Melchie G. Palapar presented the food tourism industry in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, focusing on resources, awareness, attitudes, and compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations among street food vendors. Following her, Instructor John Stephen C. Ramos, a nutritionist, discussed the experiences of barangay health workers in implementing the Micronutrient Supplementation Program in his phenomenological study.

Next, Assoc. Prof. Ivy Mar B. Cabornida, a food technologist, shared her research on enhancing the quality of local fruit juices by using Blue Ternate (Clitoria ternatea L.) as a functional ingredient. She highlighted her product development process, which involved using juice from Blue Ternate to create a healthier beverage option, especially appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Instructor Ray-Hannah G. Makakena, also a nutritionist, discussed her study on the perspectives and experiences of Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes during Ramadan fasting in Kabacan, North Cotabato, through the lens of health belief theory. Her findings indicated that fasting holds significant spiritual value for diabetic patients, contributing to their sense of fulfillment as Muslim believers.

Lastly, Asst. Prof. Avegale S. Roy presented her research on factors influencing tourist satisfaction in SOCCSKSARGEN, providing inputs for a Tourism Development Plan. She emphasized a need to bridge the gap between tourist expectations and actual experiences by strengthening support for local guides, promoting agri-tourism, and enhancing tourism development across Region 12 among others.

The presentations were followed by an informal discussion facilitated by Prof. Meldred F. Samblaceño, with input from discussants Mr. Naga A. Sarip, Prof. Jayson Andy P. Graviles, Prof. Maribelle T. Piamonte, Prof. Renzeneth T. Jumawan, and Prof. Rudy Marc Nonesa. After that an open forum was made and  Dr. Urduja Nacar, the Dean of the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences concluded the scientific program.

The SPARK Conference Series, a locally funded project monitored by the Extension Services Office, was co-organized with SOXAARRDEC under the lead of Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele. There were 200 on site faculty and undergraduate students from various university colleges attended the event, around 14.6 thousand online viewers making it a dynamic platform for academic exchange.