Dr. Michelle V. Japitana, Vice President for Executive Operations at the Caraga State University (CSU), joined as the university’s representative in the 4th International Workshop on Intelligent Computing held at Far East University in Chungchungbuk-do, South Korea, on May 26-29, 2026.
The workshop provided a relevant platform for exchanging knowledge on intelligent computing and its practical applications in environmental monitoring and geospatial research. Specifically, CSU participated to discuss on the application of artificial intelligence, computer vision, image processing, and remote sensing technologies in research.
The workshop provided an opportunity to present CSU’s ongoing work on remote-sensing-based mapping of agrochemical-induced soil degradation in rice-farming areas in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte, Philippines, and to explore potential areas for sustained academic and research collaboration.
The CSU-FEU Korea collaboration meeting also highlighted the importance of moving beyond introductory lectures toward hands-on training, research incubation, and collaborative publication for the GeoVision Frontier. These approaches can help CSU faculty members and students translate technical knowledge into implementable research projects that address regional challenges in agriculture, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
Moreover, Dr. Japitana’s visit and dialogue with FEU’s Professor Chulsoo Ye paved the way for the conduct of the proposed seminar, “GeoVision Frontier Seminar II: Hands-on Remote Sensing Image Analysis with AI,” which will be the second part of the seminar conducted last January 2026, and the “GeoVision Frontier Faculty Research Incubation Program” with a proposed implementation period from June 2026 to May 2027.
This collaboration between South Korea’s Far East University officially began in May 2023, when CSU attended the International Workshop on Intelligent Computing (IWIC) and signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic and educational cooperation.
Since then, CSU has become an active participant in subsequent IWICs, sending Dr. Japitana in 2024 to share insights on remote sensing technologies to address urban heat island effects and Professor Rudolph Joshua U. Candare, who presented future perspectives on artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics.
In June 2025, Dr. Japitana, together with Engr. Stephanie Mae Salcedo-Albores, the Chief of the Strategic Foresight and Management Division, also served as a resource speaker at the 3rd IWIC.
Photo via OVPEO
