The UP Mindanao community celebrated Kasadya 2023 Christmas Parolan Lantern Parade on 21 December 2023 with the theme, "Duyog: Pagdala sa diwa sa pagpahinungod ngadto sa komunidad" (Bringing the spirit of Oblation to the community).

Festivities began with the "Pailaw," the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, lanterns, and the Oblation Plaza, on December 15, 2023. UPMin constituents witnessed the lighting of the Oblation statue, in line with the Kasadya theme. 

Chancellor Lyre Murao, in her message, said "Ang liwanag na ating natatanaw ngayon ay nagpapatnubay ng tungkulin ng Unibersidad bilang gabay at taguyod ng lipunan." 
"Nawa'y maging patuloy na simbulo ang Pailaw ng dedikasyon na walang pag-iimbot at ng pagkakaisa patungo sa layuning maglingkod sa ating mahal na bayan," she said.

The Land Reservations Management Office organized the "Handog Tsinelas" Project for 150 children-beneficiaries, mostly from the Dibabawon indigenous peoples tribe in the UP Laak Land Reservations, to receive a new pair of slippers for Christmas.

On December 22, 2023, students, faculty, staff, and administrators showcased their skills and creativity during the Parolan Competition, Christmas Carol and Dance Competition. The program also highlighted the announcement of winners for the recently concluded Building Decoration Competition.

The Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the university’s advancements in achieving specific targets outlined in the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This inaugural annual report serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and assessing the university’s contributions toward global sustainability objectives. It highlights the institution’s commitment to addressing pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

Through meticulous analysis and documentation, the SDG Report 2023 sheds light on the achievements and identifies areas that may require further attention and improvement. By transparently communicating the successes and challenges, the report fosters a culture of accountability and encourages collective efforts to propel the university closer to its sustainability goals. It serves as a vital resource for both internal and external audiences, demonstrating the university’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices while inspiring continued dedication to global development targets.

For a deeper understanding of the university’s sustainability journey, we invite you to explore the complete SDG Report 2023. Here’s the link: UPMin SDG Report 2023. Press the link to access the full report and delve into the university’s progress, challenges, and ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive future.

Land Reservation Management Chief Joel Sagadal promotes the "Handog Tsinelas" project to UPMin constituents

To celebrate Christmas, the Land Reservation Management Office launched the "Handog Tsinelas" project for children in UP Laak Land Reservation in Davao de Oro Province. The LRMO aims to give a new pair of Tsinelas (slippers) to 150 children beneficiaries, mostly of the Dibabawon indigenous people's tribe who are residents of the Laak Land Reservation. The project is in line with UPMin's Kasadya 2023 theme of "Duyog: Bringing the spirit of Oblation to the community." The LRMO reached out to UP Mindanao employees and students to join the project by donating any amount. Donations were accepted through online payment systems. The deliveries of the goods are scheduled for mid-January 2024. Mr. Sagadal assured the donors of a forthcoming report.

Davao de Oro's 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga (seated, center) flanked by the TTBDO team and Board Member Rowena Gonzaga (standing, right-most)

A portion of the UPMin campus map showing the KIST Park site with the Oblation Plaza Circle and Administration Building seen above the site

Davao de Oro Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga expressed his support for UPMin's Knowledge Innovation Science and Technology (KIST) Park and its related legislation in a visit by the UPMin Technology Transfer & Business Development Office (TTBDO) team on December 14, 2023. The TTBDO team presented the KIST Park plan to the 2nd District Representative in the presence of Provincial Board Member Rowena Gonzaga, and the two related bills pending in the House of Representatives. These are the "Establishment of the Guidelines and Incentives for the Development of S&T Park in the Philippines" and the "Establishment of Techno-Park Development Funds for S&T Park Infrastructure Development." Congressman Gonzaga stated his interest in the KIST Park project and offered to study the pending House bills for the possibility of co-authoring the first bill and co-sponsoring the second with a principal congressman. The legislator also stated his desire to tap the TTBDO's consultancy services to improve the provincial agricultural sector, particularly in post-harvest management and processing of high-value products.

The TTBDO also met Davao de Oro's Acting Assistant Provincial Administrator, Grace Almedilla, and the Local Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Office-Business Development Section Head, Mr. James de la Cruz. The TTBDO requested their assistance in obtaining a list of industries and companies for business matching and identification of potential business locators in the UP Mindanao KIST Park. The group also discussed the plan for co-organizing an Academe-Industry Knowledge Sharing Summit with the Davao de Oro Provincial Government.

TTBDO team leader Dr. Melvin Pasaporte was satisfied with the success of their visits and the forward step towards establishing a regional innovation hub in the Davao Region.