Visayas State University continues expanding its global academic footprint as three master’s students secure coveted spots in competitive international programs across Southeast Asia and Japan. These achievements underscore the university’s growing reputation for producing research-ready scholars capable of addressing critical sustainability challenges.
**Key Points**
- John Mark Francisco joins 117 selected participants worldwide for Indonesia’s ISCoNREM 2025 environmental management program
- Khristel Nicole Banes and Mark Laurence Fornis present swine reproduction research at Hiroshima University’s UN SDG summer school
- VSU strengthens long-standing partnerships with international institutions, building on previous successful exchanges
- Student participation addresses practical agricultural challenges relevant to Philippine livestock and environmental sectors
How are VSU students making their mark in prestigious international programs across Asia?
What makes the Indonesia environmental program so competitive?
Francisco tackles climate action through transdisciplinary approach
John Mark R. Francisco, pursuing his Master of Science in Horticulture, earned selection for the 4th International Summer Course in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (ISCoNREM) at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia. The September 7–15, 2025 program drew applications from across the globe, with Francisco securing one of just 117 available positions.
The program’s theme, “Exploring Harmonization in Tropical Ecosystems: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Better Environmental Solutions,” emphasized hands-on learning through field activities, ecological expeditions, and coral reef observations. Participants engaged directly with community projects exploring youth roles in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Rigorous preparation requirements test commitment
Before arriving in Indonesia, Francisco completed multiple pre-program assignments demonstrating his dedication to environmental management principles. These included climate change impact assessments, tropical ecosystem analysis, and developing innovative educational materials for children on youth climate action contributions.
Consequently, his selection reflects both academic excellence and practical commitment to sustainability research. SEARCA, VSU, and the Graduate Education Office provided crucial support ensuring his Indonesian experience would enhance his ongoing research and training objectives.
Why are animal science students heading to Hiroshima University?
Swine reproduction research takes center stage
Khristel Nicole L. Banes and Mark Laurence L. Fornis, both Master of Science in Animal Science candidates, attended Hiroshima University’s 17th International Summer School for UN Sustainable Development Goals from September 8–12, 2025. Their participation centered on presenting collaborative research addressing practical challenges in livestock breeding efficiency.
Banes focused her research on poultry egg yolks as novel semen extenders, while Fornis explored watermelon juice alternatives for conventional extenders in domestic boar reproduction. Both projects directly address breeding efficiency improvements critical to Philippine agricultural productivity.
Laboratory training expands research capabilities
Beyond research presentations, the students worked extensively in specialized laboratories under Dr. Masahide Nishibori’s Animal Genetics program and Dr. Masayuki Shimada’s Reproductive Biology research. Their training encompassed SDG-focused lectures and cultural immersion activities emphasizing science’s role within global sustainability frameworks.
| Research Focus | Student | Alternative Extender |
|---|---|---|
| Swine Reproduction | Banes | Poultry Egg Yolks |
| Swine Reproduction | Fornis | Watermelon Juice |
How do these partnerships strengthen VSU’s global presence?
Building on established academic relationships
The Hiroshima University collaboration represents a continuing partnership that previously brought four VSU students and two faculty members to the 16th International Summer School in 2024. This sustained relationship provides ongoing opportunities for graduate students and faculty to participate in training programs, research exchanges, and international conferences.
Notably, these partnerships demonstrate VSU’s strategic approach to graduate education, connecting local research priorities with global academic networks. The university’s international engagement strategy ensures students develop capabilities for both regional practice and international scholarly collaboration.
The impact extends far beyond individual achievement.
Through Francisco’s environmental management focus and Banes’ and Fornis’ agricultural research, VSU showcases how its graduate programs prepare scholars for meaningful contributions to sustainability challenges. Their experiences illustrate the university’s commitment to producing researchers capable of translating academic knowledge into community impact.
Bottom Line
VSU’s international program successes signal the university’s evolution into a globally-connected institution producing research-ready graduates. Francisco’s selection for Indonesia’s competitive environmental program and Banes’ and Fornis’ Hiroshima University presentations demonstrate how the university strategically positions students in international academic networks addressing critical sustainability and agricultural challenges.
As VSU continues expanding these partnerships, the experiences of these three students establish a foundation for future scholars to engage meaningfully in global conversations while maintaining focus on Philippine agricultural and environmental priorities. Their achievements represent the university’s growing capacity to bridge local research needs with international academic excellence.
