Multi-disciplinary researchers of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences delivered their findings and recommendations in the "Talakayang CHSS" held on March 12, 2024, at the CHSS Audio-Visual Room. Associate Professor Dennis Sumaylo of the Department of Humanities explained how geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas remain vulnerable to natural hazards due to the "Digital Divide." Assistant Professor Ryan Songcayauon of the Department of Architecture showed how the college could accommodate the increased enrollment of the "Road to 5K" program with cooperation among faculty and students. Instructor Malaya Lapina of the Department of Social Sciences disclosed that gender-safe spaces are defined by social relations rather than physical spaces. Instructor Jeffrey Javier of the Department of Humanities pointed out how local topographic features featured in poetry using adopted languages could displace local cultures. Finally, Assistant Professor Jezreel Abarca of the Department of Human Kinetics advocated the use of "Laban" notation to document the indigenous dances whose practitioners are decreasing in number.                 

Eri Kitada is a historian based in Tokyo, Japan.

UP Mindanao's Department of Social Sciences organized the talk "Reckoning with records of violence in Davao, 1906-1921," given by Eri Kitada on February 28, 2024, at the UP Mindanao College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The talk was based on her monograph titled "Intimately Intertwined: Settler and Indigenous Communities, Filipino Women, and U.S.-Japanese Imperial Formations in the Philippines, 1903-1956," which uncovers the little-known history and legacy of Japanese settlements in the U.S. colonial Philippines.

Associate Professor and UP Artist Teody Boylie "Bong" Perez won First Prize in the "Outsiders" International Exhibition and Competition 2024. Prof. Perez's winning entry was "Life Goes On," Oil on canvas, 57 X 45 inches, created in April 2021. "This painting evokes the Filipino spirit of hope and determination to survive and remain positive amidst pandemics and calamities," stated the artist's note accompanying the painting. Prof.Perez won over a field of 20 finalists from different countries.

"What is crucial to me is gaining an understanding of the conditions that exist in my country," wrote Prof. Perez in his Artist's Statement. "I believe that to create meaningful art; one must appreciate ideas that are relevant and then strive to achieve masterful freedom in expressing them," he stated. 

The "Outsiders" exhibit and competition is organized by Crosscurrents Gallery. "The theme 'Outsiders' invites artists to explore and interpret the concept of individuals or groups existing on the fringes or margins of society," stated the organizers. Visit the exhibition page here: https://www.crosscurrentsgallery.com/outsiders-exhibition 

BS Architecture graduates of the University of the Philippines Mindanao continued their 100-percent-passing performance in the January 2024 Licensure Examination for Architects.

UP Mindanao produced 11 new licensed architects in the licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission's Licensure Board for Architecture in January 24 and 26, 2024. The licensure exams are offered twice a year.

The UPMin BS Architecture graduates have consistently achieved a 100-percent-passing performance through the years. The architecture program has produced a number of top ten board topnotchers through the years. They are trained with an in-house mock exam, the Architecture Instructional Examination (AIEX). This addresses the Sustainable Development Goal (#4) on Quality Education.