Aldersgate College Inc. (ACI), through its Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship (RDE) Unit, has strengthened its commitment to research excellence by participating in specialized training on advanced scientific tools. Representing the institution, Ms. Lhyca Ann A. Sibal, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Officer (KTTO), attended the Training-Workshop on Operations of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in the Detection of Pests and Diseases, held on August 13–14, 2025, at the Crop Protection Building, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
This initiative forms part of Phase 2 of the project “Evaluating the Efficacy of Biological Control Agents for Pest and Disease Management in Citrus Orchards,” led by Dr. Jonar I. Yago, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, with support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office – Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (MECO–TECO). The project aims to strengthen pest and disease detection and management in citrus production.
The workshop opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Maribel S. Bacena, Director for Extension and Training, who emphasized the importance of equipping participants with skills that will enhance their professional and research capabilities.
The training featured a comprehensive overview of SEM, including its history, models, equipment, and applications presented by Katrine Field Incorporation. Dr. Yago then delivered an in-depth lecture on SEM principles, sample preparation, analysis techniques, and its specific use in citrus pest and disease detection, as well as broader institutional applications.
A hands-on session allowed participants to operate the SEM, capture high-resolution images, and interpret data. Additionally, the workshop introduced Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) technology, highlighting its interdisciplinary applications in food science and industrial research. SEM-EDX enables precise detection of heavy metals, macro- and micronutrients, trace elements, and toxins, demonstrating its value beyond agriculture.
Through this capacity-building initiative, ACI reinforces its mission to integrate cutting-edge technology into research and entrepreneurship programs. The training not only strengthens faculty expertise but also enhances student theses and academic research, empowering future researchers to produce data-driven, globally competitive outputs.
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