MSU at Naawan and MSU-Gensan Forge Partnership on Microplastics Research

Just this morning, October 7, 2025, a Memorandum of Agreement was officially signed between Mindanao State University at Naawan and Mindanao State University – General Santos for the collaborative research project titled “Microplastics in Processed (Sea)foods: Probing Their Threat to Food Security and Sustenance, and Assessment of Toxicological Impacts through Computational Simulations with Implications for the Establishment of Analytical Standards (Microthreatenence).”

Representing MSU at Naawan were Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement (VCRIGE) and Project Leader of the said initiative; Ms. Sherley Ann Inocente, CMRI Center Head; and members of the Microthreatenence Team. Meanwhile, the MSU-General Santos delegation was led by Chancellor Dr. Shidik Zed Abantas, accompanied by Dr. Christine Dawn G. Obemio, Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Innovation, and Dr. Angem Descallar, project collaborator.

This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of both universities to confront emerging challenges in food safety and security through science-based and interdisciplinary research. By merging expertise and resources, MSU at Naawan and MSU-Gensan aim to generate vital data that will support the development of analytical standards and guide policy formulation to ensure safer seafood products for Filipino consumers.

The Microthreatenence Team will be in General Santos City throughout the week to conduct courtesy visits and coordination meetings with industry partners. These engagements emphasize the project’s vital role in bridging academia and industry, fostering collaboration toward protecting public health and strengthening the country’s food safety systems.