Dr Edgar Allan C. Po (2nd from left) receives Best Paper for Research Category award during the 2012 XU Annual In House Review. With him are XUCA research coordinator Dr Ma Theresa Rivera, MUST Director for Research and Development Division Dr Oliva Cancencia and DOST-X ARD for Technical Services Jacinto C. Taran Sr.
The GeoInformatics team of the College of Agriculture composed of Dr Edgar Allan Po (Precision Agriculture specialist), Engr Mark Alexis Sabines (GIS expert), and Engr Jan Taat (Hydrologist) bagged the 2nd best research award for their study, “Bathymetric Survey of the Cagayan de Oro River.”
The research, which won best paper in the university’s annual In-House Review, was presented during the 24th Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights of the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture and Resource Research and Development (NOMCARRD) at the National Economic Development Authority Region 10.
The study was highly commended for producing innovative, timely and relevant research using state-of-the-art equipment yet entailing little cost. The survey employed a river raft equipped with echo sounders (sonars) and a mapping-grade, Trimble ProXRS GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Data obtained was analyzed through Geographical Information System (GIS).
A 3-Dimensional depth profile of the Cagayan de Oro River was produced by the study reflecting the baseline condition of the River after typhoon Sendong. The study found the average depth of the Cagayan de Oro River to be 2.92 m, but 50% of the river has a depth of equal to or less than 1 m. The study was also able to simulate, in a subsection of the river, flooding that is at least four times greater than that which occurred at the height of Sendong and comparable to what was shown by post Sendong satellite imagery coming from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
The findings of the study are useful to the development initiatives of the National and Local governments, and for communities situated along the river banks. The researchers pointed out the need for a follow up intensive study to validate their findings, and to increase utility of study results to guide development and project initiatives of the above mentioned entities.
Another XU Agricultural Engineering faculty member, Dr Greg Cubio, presented in the dissertation category. His study, “ASTM Characterization, Refining and Biodiesel Conversion of Waste Vegetable Oil: Impact of Engine Performance and Emissions” was praised for the positive impact it can give to the environment.
The symposium afforded a venue for the presentation of the best research and development studies in line with the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction through Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Initiatives” from the 20 member-agencies of the NOMCARRD. There were 30 research and development papers, 4 dissertations and 3 posters that competed during the event. Of the 30 papers, 19 competed for the research category and the remainder under the development category.
More information on the two studies by the XU College of Agriculture can be obtained from the GeoInformatics Center at 8583116 ext 3325 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..