Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang of the Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, was recognized as Outstanding Researcher in Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources category at  the first-ever Idlab Awards by the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region VI last November 19, 2022 as part of the National Science and Technology Week 2022 celebration in Western Visayas. 

Idlab Awards is the first-ever regional research and development merit and awards system established by the RRDIC of the RDC Region VI to recognize outstanding researchers, engineers and innovators in the region. It has four (4) categories namely: Basic Research; Agriculture, Aquaculture and Natural Resources; Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies; and Health Research. Furthermore, this aims to amplify research and innovations in the region as well as to create a venue for the government and the private sector to generate resources to support research and development.

Dr. Caipang’s research contributions include the biofloc technology which showed its technological and economic viability, sustainability and positive impact to our environment. His research was able to help the local aquaculture industry acquire scientific and innovative technologies that could further enhance their productivity.