In preparation for the establishment of the CSU Natural Science Museum, the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (CMNS) – Department of Biology, in partnership with the Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CREME) and CSU Alumni Relations Office, organized MUSEOTalk: Lecture Series on Museum Operations and Collections Management on October 2–3, 2025, at the Kinaadman Hall Auditorium.
Building on the successful launch of the lecture series in 2024 and the soft opening of the Natural Science Museum at the HERO Learning Commons, spearheaded by Dr. Meljan Demetillo of the Department of Biology. This year’s lecture series emphasized the value of museum and natural history collections as repositories of knowledge for biodiversity and conservation, as well as public awareness of science and appreciation of natural heritage. The initiative seeks to equip faculty, researchers, and students with best practices, strengthen linkages with museum experts, and position CSU as a leading hub for biodiversity collections and museum-based education in the Caraga Region and Mindanao.
The lecture series featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Masahiro Ohara, renowned entomologist, professor, and Deputy Director of the Hokkaido University Museum in Japan; scientists and curators from the National Museum of Natural History—Ms. Marivene M. Santos (Museum Curator II and Division Chief, Zoology Division), Ms. Jhaydee Ann F. Pascual (Museum Curator I, Botany and National Herbarium Division), and Mr. Rolly C. Urriza (Curator In-charge for Ornithology, Zoology Division); and Mr. Arnel Pasilan, Museum In-charge of Sugwak Tu Agusan, the Provincial Museum of Agusan del Sur.
To strengthen international collaboration, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between CSU and the Hokkaido University Museum, represented by CSU President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, Dr. Masahiro Ohara, and Project Leader Dr. Ian Niel B. Dela Cruz of the Department of Biology.
The MUSEOTalk commenced with a courtesy call of the guests at the office of the University President, followed by a visit to the Natural Science Museum, and concluded with a roundtable discussion on the Museum Development Plan, attended by the guest speakers, the University President, and CSU’s vice presidents for Executive Operations, Administration and Finance, and Research, Development, Innovation, and Extension.
