The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) once again stood tall on the regional stage as its faculty and students brought home multiple victories during the Cluster Farms and Industry Encounters through the S&T Agenda (FIESTA) on Coconut with the theme “Tropical Tech Paradise: Revitalizing the Tree-of-Life Industry” held back-to-back with the 38th Regional Symposium on RDE Highlights (RSRDEH) and Farmers and Fisherfolks Forum on August 13–15, 2025 at Honey’s Hotel and Restaurant, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Showcasing the University’s commitment to advancing science and technology for sustainable development, USeP’s faculty researchers dominated the paper presentations across all categories.

• In the Research Category, USeP secured 1st Place for the paper “MeloRisk Australasia: Reducing the Risk of Exotic Root-Knot Nematodes in Australasia,” presented by Dr. Cecirly G. Puig.

• In the Development Category, USeP garnered 2nd Place for “Production of Healthy Banana Seedlings in Partnership with Maragusan Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAGROW MPC),” presented by Dr. Cecirly G. Puig.

• In the Policy Category, USeP achieved a double win: 1st Place for “MeloRisk Australasia: Reducing the Risk of Exotic Root-Knot Nematodes in Australasia,” presented by Dr. Cecirly G. Puig, and 2nd Place for “Development of Traceability System for Cacao in Southern Philippines,” presented by Dr. Rey A. Castillo.

These victories underscored USeP’s academic leadership and research excellence in the region, particularly in producing outputs that do not only advance academic discourse but also address pressing issues in agriculture, policy, and industry.

The winning momentum extended beyond the faculty as USeP students also brought pride to the University through the pocket events. In the much-anticipated Same Day Edit Competition, their creativity and storytelling prowess earned them a 3rd Place finish, reflecting the University’s holistic approach to cultivating excellence, balancing rigorous scholarship with creativity and innovation.

For USeP, these achievements are more than just accolades. They embody the University’s strategic direction to advance Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) that empowers communities, strengthens industries, and inspires a new generation of leaders and innovators.

The Cluster FIESTA on Coconut, along with the RSRDEH and Farmers and Fisherfolks Forum, brought together researchers, industry players, farmers, fisherfolk, and policymakers to highlight the critical role of the “tree of life” in driving economic growth and community resilience. With the theme “Tropical Tech Paradise: Revitalizing the Tree-of-Life Industry”, the event emphasized the importance of science-driven solutions and inclusive participation in revitalizing the coconut industry.

As USeP celebrates these triumphs, the University reaffirms its lasting commitment to generating impactful knowledge and technologies, propelling not only the coconut industry but also the nation toward a sustainable future.