Ad Infinitum April-May 2024 Issue

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Editor’sNote Editor’sNote

AfteratiringmonthasPALAKASANcameandwent,finalsseasonhasconcludedandweareyettoreapthegreen gradesthatwedesire Indeed,whilethusyear’sUniversityGameswasahecticendeavoraswellasafruitfulevent, itcamewithunexpectedsurprisesforme,aswellasthewholepublication Yet,thelegacyofourstudentleaders andsupportivefacultycontinuestoupliftuson

Indeed,asthethemeofthisissuesuggests,fosteringexcellenceisasteppingstonetowardssustainability,notonly inthecompetitivearenabutalsodemonstratingexcellenceintocommunityextension,seeingthatourresearch indeedmakesanimpacttothecommunitiesthattheUniversityisbuiltuponandindeedservestomarkitslegacy

ThisisthelastissuethatwillbepublishedduringmytermasEditor-in-Chief Whilebeinganincompleteterm,as theEIC’stermbeginsinthesummer,whileIonlytookofficelastSeptember20,2023,leavingabequesttomy successorsisevidentofagreaterpassiontoofferoneselftotheserviceoftheLynxes Afterreachingoutto newsmakershereandbeyondCSM,thisissuemustserveasaninheritancetoanincreasinglyenlightenedstudent population,apopulaceilluminedbythelightoftruthandstrengthenedbythefortitudetogoforeveronward.

-JAMESMONTEZA

Leavingabequestsimplydoesnotmeantakingpossessionofone’sinheritance,andas we,Lynxes,havebeenbestowedwithaheritageofexcellence,wemustindeedperpetuate anidealofexcelentiaestnormaevenbeyondtherealmsofcomepetitions.Itis,indeed,in theeyesofLynxesthatexcellencetrulyshinesitbrightestlightsbymoldingMindanao’s innovativemindstoinfluencethefuture

Indeed,inthewordsofouracclaimedDeanMaratas,excellenceisalifestyle,andthe bequestofexcellence“becomesaquest”toseekwhatliesfurtherbeyond,withCSM’s supportivefacultyandstudentleaderstoguidetheway

COVERBY:RenzRemotin

WalidOmar

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

Photosby:JamesMonteza

PALAKASAN 2024 has come to a close, and CSM has been proclaimed as the fourth runner-up in this year's University games.

Though Lynxes have placed lower than the 2023 run, may the efforts of all Lynxes bear fruit in this year's meaningful encounter.

The College of Science and Mathematics pulled strong in the realm of sports as it bagged the individual CSM wins are as follows,2nd RU Women's Volleyball, 1st RU Women's Badminton, 2nd RU Men's Table Tennis, 1st RU Women's Table Tennis and grabbed the Championship in Women's Chess, MVP Imel Flordeliz. Moreover, CSM bagged 2nd RU Men's Futsal and 2nd RU in VALORANT

The College of Science and Mathematics gains the overall first runner-up in this year's PALAKASAN literary events The individual CSM wins are as follows:

Pubverse Champions, reaping all special awards, Ultimate Quiz Bowl Champion, 1st RU Project Pitching, 1st RU Chancellors Cup

While being unplaced in this year's PALAKASAN overall top Culture and Arts (CuA) and Special Events contenders, CSM still reaped significant awards in these categories: 1st RU Mass Dance and 2nd RU Lyrical Dance

Meanwhile, for the Special Events, CSM reaped 1st RU Street Dance and 1st RU in the Film Festival with Best in Original Music Best Actress, Best Trailer, and People's Choice

Indeed, this year’s PALAKASAN season has become a productive endeavor for all of CSM Congratulations, Lynxes!

Bio-innovationinWasteSegregation: Bio-innovationinWasteSegregation: DBSlaunchesEco-SmartIliganProject DBSlaunchesEco-SmartIliganProject

WalidOmar

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando PhotocourtesyofProf CarolSocorroMaguinsay

The Department of Biological Sciences once again put hope in the preservation of Earth’s precious resources in this year’s Eco-Smart Iligan Project, led by Prof. Carol Soccoro Maguinsay with the collaboration of experts from the department’s Environmental Science Group

In a Facebook post,Prof. Maguinsay, Department of Biological Sciences faculty noted that the program allowed the department’s faculty and students to engage with the community to provide environmental solutions to Iligan’s woes “Our focus as the Department of Biological Sciences Extension rogram is on advocating �����,�-� �������������-�"�(�� and ���.�,�-���"�������� ���(���.�-�"�(���, ” she added

Moreover, Maguinsay also highlighted on the role of public engagement on the ideas of plastic waste pollution in the community, which was in line with 2024's Earth Day celebration

“We're working to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of plastic on the environment while showcasing ����������"���� ����� �.�)�������"���� �-���!���(���(���"��, for everything from biodegradable materials to plastic.” she added

Indeed, the efforts of the Department of Biological Sciences in delivering not only excellent education but also environmental initiatives play a part in building a fight against plastic, where scientists merge with people in creating a sustainable world

her video presentation (top left, Miss Renewable Energywin(topright),Beachwearwin(bottomleft)andTalentShowwin(bottomright).Photos courtesyofCarouselProductionsLivestreamandJCIPrinceSalazar

WalidOmar

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando PhotocourtesyofProf CarolSocorroMaguinsay

Animal Biology Senior Kristel Anne Codas brought home the top 15 spot along with numerous awards which she grabbed as a pageant frontrunner.

While her road to the crown was cut short in the long gown event, Codas continued to shine through in the hearts of IITians, Iliganons and Filipinos through her Fans Choice Award win, with over 15K reactions and numerous shares on the Miss Philippines Earth fan page.

Brandishing herself as a passionate biology major, a patriot-scholar, and an eco-warrior, Codas seeks to become a healing hand for the people and the environment

This year’s Miss Earth Competition dwells on the concept of ecological heritage, and Kristel highlights primarily on protecting the natural waterfalls of Iligan City, as well as becoming an advocate for sustainable consumption and energy production.

Kristel,asapageantfrontrunner,garneredsignificantpreliminaryeventwinsthatcementedher rising status among the other 28 contenders in this year’s Miss Philippines Earth She was nominated as one of the top 10 HANA beauties on the said pageant’s press presentation Moreover, during the Beachwear competition, she garnered the silver award, strutting the runwaywithanIligan-madeensemble.

Moreover, she aced Santa Clara Power’s Miss Renewable Energy search, advocating for research and development in the energy sector to contend with energy needs Finally, on the lastpre-pageanteventbeforetheCoronationnight,sheonceagainslayedthetalentstagewith a gold medal win last night at Northern Highlands Resort, Buru-un, Iligan City, where she was alsoawardedMissRobinsons

This win demonstrates that Lynxes do not only bear in brains but are also beautifully brilliant with a heart to influence the planet’s future Kristel’s win, indeed, shines through as an environmental banner in CSM’s commitment towards sustainability and beyond

SHE IS MOTHERING: All for Mother Earth, Ad Infinitum featured Ms Iligan and now Miss Philippines Earth Kristel Codas’ journey from

The aromatic smell of homemade broth and the mouth-watering sight of our favorite meals straight from the kitchen is a scene thatoneenvisions.Thetableisset,thechairs are arranged and we are ready to dig in. Tasting the softness of adobo on a warm plateofrice,orthetartnessofjamspreadon a piece of bread is enough to send us into a safe space of warmth and love. But, what if these famous local dishes had an extra element to their aura that inspired even our Mx. CSM Influencer to bring healthy local foodtokids’tables?

The tartness of the jam comes from a native fruit called Kalumpit or the adobo having a chewy Bikuyo to add texture. These are various ideas of using local ingredients to elevate homemade food derived from Lokalpedia Yet, who is John Sherwin Felix, the greatmindbehindLokalPedia,andhowdidhis journeytowardsdocumentationleadtoglobal screens?

A Journey to the Heart of Food and Knowledge

Lokalpedia is an advocacy project dedicated to documenting Philippine ingredients and fooditems.Itpromotesalternativesourcesof nutrition in a hectic life where massproduced, nutrient-poor food has limited Filipinos' food culture and wellness experience LokalPedia is a breath of fresh air, indulging back to our country's great wonders In a world where kids’ tables are bereft of good nutrients and heritage food to the point where not only our taste buds but also our health suffers, through this platform, John Sherwin Felix shows local nutrition movingtothedigitalrealm

Felix’s journey into food making and documentation was all done by his one-man effort.Beingaself-taughtcookandnavigating through the digital realm of social media, he has single-handedlyplaced his advocacyon a bigger platform LokalPedia has reached immense heights by even being considered bymajorinstitutions

p y p 23, 2024, he stated that LokalPedia is now recognized as a "respected research entity" among numerous institutions, such as universities, culinary schools, media, and organizations "It's a testament to the cultural impact of the project," he added

Asteptonutritionandfruition

Inaworldwherefoodcontentrevolves around exotic or expensive food to be branded as healthy, LokalPedia allows amirrorintoreadilyavailableyetrarely used ingredients in the community, abandoned partly because of people's instantlifestyle

Moreover, LokalPedia aims to showcase ingredients and techniques not only for personal fame but also to spread knowledge and awareness of local cuisine and its healthy impacts "It's a conscious decision not to trivialize our food heritage a d lt It's easy to exploit this subj and engagement, but I've pursuearoadlesstraveled, glitzandglamorofcelebrity

often likened to our CSM Influencer’s advocacy of bringing changes towards health, that with macro-efforts of awareness, a viral wave of healthy and strengthened followers soon ensues in Filipinokitchens

As an archive of endemic and endangered ingredients in Filipino kitchens, Felix aims to display the variety of dishes we know and love by elevating them adding new ingredients found locally Aside from the deliciousmealsprepared,feastonthelayers of knowledge imparted by LokalPedia It not only focuses on the documentation of said ingredients but also respects the cultures andtraditionsofthelocals.

LokalPedia shows that while different regions have varying names for one item, they are utilized in the kitchen in multiple ways Regardless of the localized name or Filipino-centered advocacy, food brings out the colors of our collective heritage and passion f ndeed, everyone can agree that mes the knot that ties our gastro s and weary, hungry, andhealth her.

UnpackingthePackedPALAKASANNights

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,����������,�ü���������������������������ü��—whilesome IITiansfelldizzyfromthelackofdeodorant by the Night of Songs and Dances audience, it cannot be denied that amassingalotofstudentsintoanexciting flurry of sights and sounds in the University Gymnasium has its repercussionsattheendoftheday.

ManyLynxesbelievedthattheseevents, which were meant to be the most anticipated nights of the year, were an essential part of what makes a genuine PALAKASANexperience.Indeed,withthe projectorwarsaroundthecorner,sitting besidebarkadasand blockmatesliesas the key element of these programs' undeniableappealtoIITians.

Yet in both sweltering heat and unbearing rain, clumping over two thousand IITians in one venue is a logistical nightmare, and thus, since the 2023 PALAKASAN, the Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-Aaral (KASAMA), along with the MSUIITCenterforResiliency(MCR),hasimplementeda ticketingsystemtoavoidpotentialincidentsduring theUniversitygames

Thisticketingsystemwasnotwell-receivedduring last year's events, with some audiences being barred from entering the Gymnasium during the then-benchcheeringcompetition,whichwasseen asatraditionalhighlightofeveryPALAKASAN

While the ticketing system in itself, rebranded as couponsinthe2024iteration,hadsomeprogressin keepingtheopeningcrowdatbay,theunexpected downpourduringMonday'sNightofDancesturned the Gymnasium into a sweltering sauna of people takingrefugefromtherainandenthusiasticviewers coupledbyalackofairconditioningorfansonthe top bleachers, one could feel frazzled from the constantrumbleofcheersandvoices

This sardine-like situation could have been avoided by calling for better ventilation and improving the satellite viewing sites' experience aroundthecampus.

Theair-conditioningunitlocatedontopoftheCSM bleachers is barely functional, at least, and dehydratedstudentsonthevergeoffaintingwould need a little more breeze to sustain themselves throughout the energy-taxing night Some hand fans could help, but with little action on improving the gym's ventilation during major events, this sweltering scenario could repeat on future PALAKASANiterations

Moreover,studentscomingtothegymshouldbring water and fans during big events, given the everincreasing moodiness of Iligan weather. The dripping roof of the University Gymnasium did not offer an abatement from this year's heat wave though, as some performers and audiences were reported to slip on their way across the venue, necessitating some assistance to bring them to standbackup

Indeed, a desire to bring the MSU-IIT community togethertakesIITianstogreatlengthstoqueuein the University Gym and enjoy the night events safely, and yet, with an increasing student population and an aging gymnasium, what solutionscouldbeofferedtoprovidestudentswith asimilar,unifyingPALAKASANnightexperience?

WhileitislaudabletohaveanLEDscreenoutsidethe Gymnasium, especially during the Night of Dances, satellite viewing areas have to be equipped against rain or shine Thus, it is recommended to open the lecturehallsandamphitheatersofcollegebuildingsto serve as watch party venues for those unable to comeintothevenuebecauseofticketingquotas

Furthermore, there should be more satellite viewing sites in next year's PALAKASAN, as the 2022 Welcoming Week had to offer As to some people who perceive that watching the KASAMA livestream at their boardinghouse does not equate to a full experience, satellite viewing venues provide an alternativeyetequallycompellingexperiencetobeing inthegymlateatnightForthosewhoarebusyornot feeling well, it was not advised to step into the jampacked Gymnasium and instead watch the live streamprovidedbyKASAMA

TheNightsofSongsandDancesareessentialtothe PALAKASAN experience, but the chock-full experience of being packed in the gym and on the way home necessitates a fresh outlook on the Academic Year's most anticipated events and unpacking the uncomfortable baggage during this year'spackedPALAKASANnights

Cartoon byYzaCuajotor

BattleagainsttheBottle:KickstartingReusables amidstloomingPlasticBan

Photoby:RhycaVillanueva

WALANG PLASTIK. The initial reiteration of Special Order No. 2716-IIT, s. 2019 last April 11, 2024, known as the Single-Use Plastic Ba brought waves in an increasingly plastic-dependent post-pandemiccampus.

With the ever-increasing volume of plastic bottles and food containers left in student spaces, MSU-IITshouldhastenitseffortstocurbsingle-useplasticwithinthecampusandkickstartits constituentstooptintorenewableoptions.WhiletheorderhasbeensuspendedasofApril14 this year, 2024's Earth Day, calling for a global battle against plastic pollution, urges the Universitytowalkitstalktowardsenvironmentalsustainability.

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Good as it sounds, the single-use plastic ban necessitates a paradigm shift for students to consume more sustainably The 2019 order, when implemented at its full strength, is expectedtobanpolyethylenetarpaulinsandsell productspackagedinsingle-useplastics

Moreover, all single-use plastics brought inside the campus premises will also be confiscated upon entry a scene that post-pandemic freshmen are yet to experience, with some thirsty and heat-stricken students bringing in plasticbottlesorhalo-halocontainerswithinthe campustocooloff

"As a constant water bottle user, I buy bottled waterforconveniencewhenmywaterflaskruns out of water, since dispensers around CSM or eveninthecanteenmaybeempty,soIresortto the nearest option [that is, to buy bottled water]," Dereck Herbieto, a Microbiology freshman said To make the bottle ban sustainable, students need more water-refilling facilities around campus, especially when walkingaroundtheuniversitycampus

Furthermore, University-manufactured products needing plastic packaging will also be subjecttoclearancefromtheLocalGovernment Unit (LGU) of Iligan City. While we have seen painted streamers around the campus during major events, tarpaulins marking major campus occasions have become the norm after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting campus happenings and bringing its branding to Universityvisitors

Yet something more than tarps or billboards brought an icon, an image of sustainability, and even a revolutionary message of IIT towards Mindanaoandthenation.

The plastic ban became so iconic to MSU-IIT that evenProf LeslieMichelleDalmacio,PhD,chairof the National Research Council of the Philippines, mentioned MSU-IIT's efforts on plastic pollution and microplastic research in the 2024 Research Week Opening Remarks She also glossed on the pre-pandemic plastic ban (now eased) as a policy of the University when she last came here years ago on a visit to the Department of Biological Sciences

The plastic ban also became a reflection of increasing creativity among students to avoid tarpaulinusebeforethepandemic,usingmakeshift tarpapelsorbiodegradablepropsforPALAKASAN, orcreatingvisualaidsforlessons

Moreover, a plastic ban would start up research trends and incentives toward commercializing plastic substitutes Jack Tiongco, a second-year Animal Biology student, noted the apparent necessity of plastics along the campus "Plastics are necessary and so we need to develop alternatives to traditional plastics so that the environmentalimpacttheyhavewouldbeatleast manageableandatmosteliminated"

Indeed, in a digitized world, single-use plastic as a matter of convenience allows us to make radical changesasUniversityconstituentsbyreducingthe load of clear plastic envelopes through a digital enrollmentsystem

Introducing a single-use plastic ban for the University would also cascade conscious choices for constituents to hopefully apply a sustainable lifestyle outside campus walls, such as using alternative or reusable packaging in buying groceries or school supplies, as well as avoiding sachet-based products when buying basicboardinghouseessentials ����������������������

Moreover, to deal with MSU-IIT's existing plastic problem, the University needs not only a policy onsingle-usewastebutalsoonrecyclingexisting plastic products within the campus "We also need to implement better waste management systemsthatcaptureplasticwasteswheremost ofthesecanthenberecycledandtheresttobe disposed of in contained areas so that the environmentalimpactwillbeminimizedasmuch aspossible,"Tiongcoemphasized

"Plastic will never disappear unless we act on reducing and recycling it Because we are too dependentonplastic,itwillneverbeahundred percent solved, but we can reduce it," Mark Mendoza, a second-year Microbiology student, also added "We need more conspicuous waste binsandreusablestocomplementoureffortsto reduceplasticwaste."

Even if a plastic ban takes ages to transition, we better take steps as students to reduce plastic waste,forwearealwayscalledtoabattleagainst thebottle:tofightfortheplanetinitswaragainst plastics

Marine Science enthusiasts of all ages gathered in the University Gymnasium today, May 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the Paglusbog Sa Iligan forum. With the theme “Promoting MSR and Bringing Scientists Closer to the People,” the said forum delved into the Philippine Fisheries sector, as well as the conservation and protection of the West Philippine Sea.

Dr Deo Florence Onda from the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) noted the lack of interest in the country for research in the seas "Not many Filipinos see [a] profession in science, especially marine science We need more scientists. MSU-IIT will greatly help this [endeavor] by training a new generation of marine science research "

"Paglusbog" is a Visayan term signifying immersion or return to the community's roots, and is the namesake of the forum presented by the UP Marine Science Institute, the U S Embassy in the Philippines, the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc , and the Foundation for the National Interest, partnering with MSU-IIT

The forum was graced with renowned marine science experts, such as Academician Mudjekeewis Santos on aquatic resource management and sustainable fisheries, Dr. Nygiel Armada on fisheries management, and Dr Ephrime Metillo on updates on the region's marine scientists

Commodore Jay Tarriela was also present to provide an eye-opening introduction to the transparency policy of the country in defending the West Philippine Sea with its natural resources and biodiversity

Cassandra Lumbo, a BS Marine Biology sophomore, commented on how the forum sparked her interest in her future thesis work

"Because of Dr Onda's discussion about the lack of research on some areas in the Philippines and the importance of MSR, his words motivated me to continue my pursuit of studying reproductive biology no matter the costs of research in the Philippines."

Meanwhile, Al Matthew Lindayao, another BS Marine Biology student, noted that the forum awakened him on issues “My plan was to pursue a doctorate in marine science However, when Dr Onda said, 'Mahirap maging scientist, pero mas mahirap maging scientist dito sa Pilipinas,' it struck a chord with me I [have] realized the challenges scientists face here, but as Filipinos, resilience and perseverance are in our blood This realization [has] deepened my drive to become a marine scientist [in the Philippine field] ”

On the West Philippine Sea, on the other hand, Lumbo echoed Commodore Tarriela's words to continue fighting for spreading correct information and real narratives of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea

"[I hope that] every Filipino or even from around the world will know the real situations of this issue, especially on our Filipino fishermen and the unfortunate experiences they faced [from the China Coast Guard] such as harassment and the lack of livelihood," she concluded.

JAMESMONTEZA

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun, Frenz Timtim, Stephen Guisando

Photos by: Ji Kaycee Bianan

In a two-day convergence of budding chemistry researchers, the 2024 Chemistry Undergraduate Thesis Seminar concluded today, May 14, 2024, at the Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics 2F Convention Hall.

The department's public thesis defense program, themed “����(�'�-�"���� �����)���(�������,

���'�'�(�/���-�"�(�'” , is now in its 21st edition, featuring topics from analytical, medical, computational, and electrochemistry.

Organic synthesis, natural products, and polymer chemistry also took center stage in the research presentations, while panelists from various fields questioned the presenters on their thesis work

Amethyst Budiongan, a BS Chemistry senior, noted that the public nature of the thesis seminar helped reach some experts to comment on their studies

"The diverse and interdisciplinary connections within chemistry, especially with the overlap between polymer, organic, and computational chemistry, really demonstrate the role of chemistry as the central science."

Another Chemistry senior, Bella Llegaria, noted that after six months of thesis work, the public defense seemed like a capping moment for their batch "It [the undergraduate thesis] was not a straight path, as we all had doubts if we would continue or extend our stay in the program Yet, without the guidance of the Department of Chemistry and PRISM's Drug Discovery lab, we wouldn't have made it "

Chemistry Society Mayor Fernando Gabucan Jr stated that the public thesis defense proved beneficial to the third-year BS Chemistry students taking their research methods class in picking potential questions from the panelists

Moreover, they also helped their seniors prepare for their final defense by serving on the seminar's working committee. "When research defenses are publicized, it is beneficial for the presenters to listen to a critical audience and be trained to present papers with larger audiences, such as in conferences and when undertaking graduate studies "

Gabucan also sees the defense as one step closer to IIT's core values of research and innovation "Indeed, [through this], people should also engage in scientific innovations and chemistry research "

When asked about the adage "Hayag na ang toga" for the successful defense, Budiongan said: "It feels very emotional that after all [our] efforts in the lab, we made ourselves, our professors, and our batchmates proud that we survived IIT together Congratulations to us all "

JAMESMONTEZA

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun, Frenz Timtim, Stephen Guisando

FarahDimpas

Proofreadby: StephenGuisando Photoby:JamesMonteza

Larry C. Herbito Jr., an MS Environmental Science student, garnered the Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research and Innovations, held at Zamboanga City last April 18-19, 2024.

His paper, titled "Unveiling the Prevalence of Invasive Alien Plant Species in Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape, Misamis Oriental, Philippines", won the prize under Cluster 2 - Biology and Environmental Studies.

Herbito acknowledged the support of the paper co-authors, Professors Armi G. Torres (adviser), Jaime Q. Guihawan (coadviser), Christine Marie V. Casal (panelist), and Daisy Lou L. Polestico

Delving into invasive species research, he highlighted addressing environmental challenges through research, especially managing invasive species.

"My current study on invasive alien plants aims to inform adaptive management strategies for protected area managers, while also raising awareness among the public about the threats of invasive species to local biodiversity," he noted.

Moreover, for future CSM researchers, Herbito advised students to pursue topics related to their passions. "As a word of encouragement, recognition will follow if you put your heart on what you do; stay grounded as you pursue your aspirations."

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Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando FILEPHOTO|CharlieLavillaJr

Prof. Charlie Lavilla Jr, chairperson of CSM’s Department of Chemistry, has been awarded a prestigious cardiometabolic scholarship from Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN), a French research mobility program.

Offered by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, Prof. Lavilla is set to commence a one-month internship in various research institutions in Lille, France under the Nuclear Receptors, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases laboratory group.

During his stay, Prof. Lavilla’s research engagements will focus on untangling the molecular links with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular diseases, seeking to develop novel prevention and therapy for these illnesses.

Lavilla’s current research interest mainly focuses on searching for molecular targets with the aim to combat muscle insulin resistance using glucolipotoxic cellular models “I wanted to further this by considering research projects which also look into complications of diabetes, in particular the one that involves the cardiovascular system.” he furthers.

Aside from Lavilla, two other Filipino researchers have received the same award and are set to collaborate with scientists from various universities in France and Micronesia during the internship. Moreover, he will also showcase his diabetes research at the summer school forum of the European Genomic Institute of Diabetes (EGID).

“The mobility will provide me the opportunity to work with cardiometabolic researchers in Lille France. By so doing, this could help strengthen my research capability at the same time [to] build more networks and collaborations [with other researchers] ” he added.

When asked about the impact of the SSHN scholarship on mentoring future CSM researchers, Lavilla sees it as an opportunity to link IITians in the fields of Chemistry, Biology and Health Sciences towards the global arena. “This network we have with Lille University will open more collaborative works in the future wherein our students could get involved - in the form of enrichment or sandwich programs. This means that if they are interested in working with cardiometabolic research, we can potentially arrange that part of their projects/thesis will be conducted abroad. Thereby, students can learn and acquire skills in an international setting" he concluded.

Lavilla currently serves as Chemistry Department chair and is a CSM’s College Research Ethics Committee member. MSU-IIT News reports that he will seek additional funding for further international research collaborations.

were treated to an intense display of athleticism and skill ;ast, April 28, 2024

With scores of 21-5 and 21-15 for Singles and Doubles respectively, the CSM women's team dominated the court with their lightning-fast reflexes and seamless teamwork, outmaneuvering their opponents at every turn.

JamesMonteza

Proofreadby: StephenGuisando

Photoby:Asst ProfHaronHakeenLua

CSM's Valorant team garnered a series of losses in both semifinal matches against leading contenders CED-IDS and CCS last April 14, 2024, at Black Site Internet Cafe

The Space Lynxes soared on a high momentum in the pregames, initially landing an upper bracket spot in the semifinals vs the Czarina Phoenixes However, today's series at a 2-0 defeat saw the CSM team barely catching up with their opponents as matches were played at 13-11 and 14-12, respectively

Meanwhile, CSM played another game in the lower bracket semifinals with the Wizard Wolves, falling at a greater margin than their previous rounds with CED-IDS, with the 2-0 loss being played at 13-3 and 13-5 for games 1 and 2, respectively

Gio Mondejar, team leader for the CSM Valorant E-Sports team, noted that clashing with PALAKASAN 2024's leading E-Sports contenders was a tight race for the top spot "Playing with them wasn't an easy task, but as far as we know all too are contenders for the championship "

He also highlighted that in the future, the CSM Valorant Team will rise from their past mistakes and become next year's top placer "[The] game was tough; some mistakes were made, and everyone did what they could We will come back stronger next year and take the top spot ”

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

PhotoCourtesyof:msuiiteduph

The Space Lynxes Table Tennis team bagged the first runnerup placement in the Women's category and the second runner-up title in the Men's games The matches happened in the Department of Physical Education (DPE) rooms 102 and 103, from April 29-30, 2024.

In their first games against the College of Arts and Social Sciences, the women's team garnered a 2-0 win against CASS in both singles and doubles matches The women's singles game were played 2-11 and 5-11, and the doubles at 3-11 and 7-11

Meanwhile, on the men's category, an initial setback was experienced by the CSM team in their first singles match against the Arachnosphere, played at 0-2 with CASS dominating 5-11 and 2-11 for both respective sets

However, the Space Lynxes turned up the tide for the later doubles game with a 2-0 victory, played at 9-11 and 7-11, putting the Arachnids at a close deficit.

Meanwhile, to close that day's matches, another singles match played by Allen Nathan Cabiaa against CASS resulted in another two-set win played at 5-11 and 8-11, respectively

The Space Lynxes got its first sports podium finish after placing third in the Women's Volleyball semifinals in this year's PALAKASAN The CSM team struggled to fend off pecks from the CED-IDS team, who swept the Lynxes at a 0-2 game today, April 24, 2024

Set 1 held alternating runs for the Lynxes and Phoenixes until near the end of the set where CED-IDS soared at 18-25 Moreover, a hopeful start was expected from CSM in the second set, with the Phoenixes only gaining traction at the 10-all point, spreading the lead to 15-25 and gaining a spot for the finals against the COE Flaming Dragons

Despite losing a finals berth, Krizza Adalla, a setter for the Lynxes, noted that tonight's game was still a win for the team "We were challenged last night as we wanted to play for the championships We lacked some preparations this PALAKASAN season and I felt this last game was still a win-win situation even after we lost, since we still gained a podium finish " For next year's endeavors, Adalla mentioned that in her second year as a CSM player, she still needs to improve for the finals "As for me, it's my second Palakasan, and it was fulfilling [as I] contributed a lot as a setter Bawi rami next year [as we still have] room to improve "

CSM Sports and Development Chair Quesie Omnos also delivered her felicitations to the team "Congratulations to them [volleyball team] as we saw their efforts and hard work, and we appreciated their perseverance for our college, especially as they reached a podium finish "

"Kontra, sukol lang," Adalla added for Lynxes who are yet to play their PALAKASAN events. "It doesn't mean when your opponent is strong or is a powerhouse that you don't have to fight Dapat mosukol mo as a team to do your best," she concluded

JamesMonteza

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CSM defends Chess Women’s crown, Flordeliz stands out as MVP

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando Photoby:MarkVillondo

CSM’s chess players showcased their mental prowess and unyielding spirit by bagging the college’s sole sports event championship in the Women’s Chess event. Furthermore, Imel Flordeliz was declared as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the said competition.

In the first round, the Space Lynxes faced the Griffin Gods (CEBA) in an intense and nerve-wracking match

CSM's men’s team experienced losses in two games while the women’s team earned one win and one loss Despite the tough start, the pursuit of excellence pushed forward in round two against the Flaming Dragons (COE).

Flordeliz, who kicked off the tournament as a standout CSM women’s chess participant, finished her match first among all colleges in the first round, maintaining an undefeated record in both rounds

“I felt honored to represent the College of Science and Mathematics for 2 years in a row, and for this year also, we have to bring back the bacon so that [we remain as] defending champion ” Flordeliz noted

The game played at 70-67, was held at the University Gymnasium last, March 17, 2024, amidst cheers from exhilarated Lynxes hoping for the team to enter the semifinals in a crucial match.

Team Captain Shilo Tagbo noted that their PALAKASAN journey was marked with confidence and challenges for themselves, especially following their initial win against the Icy Sharks weeks earlier and their loss against the formidable Czarina Phoenixes

Hitting wolves and griffins with one ball, the CSM men’s futsal team is up to a soaring start in the first day of this year's PALAKASAN This initial boost is seen as a boost in morale among players who are yet to compete in other sports events such as badminton, chess, and table tennis.

In an exhilarating start of this year's PALAKASAN proper, the CSM Men's Futsal team drove the CCS wolves into cloudy skies today at the IDS Multipurpose hall, today, April 27, 2024. The match, played at a 2-2 drawn game followed by a challenging 3-1 penalty shootout, brought the Space Lynxes at its first game win in the said event