LOOK | UPMin alumna Architect Gloryrose Dy-Metilla is among the awardees in the Mindanao Women in Development Awards 2024. Ar. Dy-Metilla, second from right in the stage photo, was awarded for “Translating Mindanao’s Beautiful Culture into Architecture.”
The award was bestowed by the Mindanao Development Authority through its chairperson, Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta.
Source: University of the Philippines Mindanao
Alumni Milestones
Bobby Batungbacal Heads Makati Business Club
Effective March 15, 2024, our member Bobby Batungbacal assumed the Executive Director’s position in the influential Makati Business Club.
Its website cites MBC’s purpose to be the voice of the Philippine business sector, taking advocacy positions and implementation roles necessary to contribute to nation-building. Bobby retired as Managing Director of Dow Chemicals Asia Pacific operations in April 2023. During his time, Dow Chemicals sponsored a Research Grant for the DMMME on Upcycling of Waste Plastics, with several Thesis Support Grants for the participating students.
He has been active in the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng Industri Kimia (SPIK) and with several programs of the Department of Trade and Industry. Since his retirement, he has been active in UPERDFI affairs, as a member of the Innovation Committee.
We wish for him renewed energy in his MBC leadership role. Several UPERDFI members are also active in MBC advocacies. Our member, Ed Chua, also served as MBC ED soon after his retirement as Country President of Shell Philippines in 2016.
Source: UPERDFI Newsletter – March 2024
CSC recognizes UP alumni in the 2023 Outstanding Government Workers Awards Rites
UP alumni from different government offices were recognized for their outstanding performance in and contribution to public service in the Outstanding Government Workers Awards Rites 2023 given by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on February 14, 2024 at Malacañang Palace.
The annual ceremony is divided into three categories: the CSC Pagasa Award, given to an individual or a group for their outstanding contribution/s resulting from an idea or performance that directly benefit more than one department; the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan), conferred to an individual for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of observance of the eight norms provided under Republic Act No. 6713; and, the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, awarded to an individual or group comprised of five members for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony.
“Naway magsilbing inspirasyon ang ating mga pangangaralan upang mapagtanto ng lahat na ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi instrumento sa pagpapaunlad ng sarili kung hindi para sa kabutihan ng nakararami (May our awardees be an inspiration for everyone to realize that public service is not an instrument for self-development, as it is for the common good),” CSC Chairperson Karlos Nograles said in his opening remarks.
The first category called was the CSC Pagasa Award. Two UP alumni belonging to different teams were given the award as follows:
Senior Science Research Specialist Sheryl B. Narida-Napoco, member of the Food Processing and Innovation Center Davao (FPIC-Davao) of DOST XI in Davao City, for implementing 17 food innovation centers across the country by collaborative approach that supports competitiveness, and encourages startups and more students to pursue Food Technology; and,
Associate Professor I Rhuelyn Alimpolos-Ballaran, member of Palayamanan Project Team of Bulacan Agricultural State College in San Ildefonso, Bulacan “for pioneering a diversified integrated rice-based farming system, transferring the technology to more than 500 farmers mainly in Central Luzon”.
The next category was the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan) Award. Head Teacher III Glenny E. Laping of the DepEd Lapu-Lapu Division Office in Lapu-Lapu City was the lone UP alumna among the ten awardees who received the award “for coming up with ingenious ways to stimulate interest in learning using gamification, digital exercises and a mobile application where students, parents and teachers can access learning modules even without internet connection resulting in improve academic performance”.
And the last category is the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, with five UP alumni conferred the award in this category. They are the following:
Professor III Julie Ann Acebuque Salido of Aklan State University in Bacan, Banga, Aklan, for her “creation of an Android mobile application Sea condition Emergency alert and warning apparatus for vessel safety or Seawaves”;
Medical Officer V Dr. Donnabel Lorenzana Tubera Panes, Team Leader of Baguio Lead Contact Tracing Team of the City Government of Baguio for the “team’s prompt, proactive and collaborative approach in the management of COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Baguio thru the creation of Baguio re-tooled contact tracing system that inspired other LGUs from Ilocos region to Zamboanga to follow suit”;
Senior Vice President Randolp Luib Montesa, Team Leader of the Landbank Agent Banking Program Team of the Landbank of the Philippines in Manila City, for “being at the forefront of promoting inclusive growth especially in the countryside thru the delivery of innovative products and services powered by digital banking platforms and supporting the government’s financial inclusion. Their initiative facilitated the opening of transaction accounts to 3.74 million previously unbank registrants from 60 provinces”; and,
Garry Tayona Balinon and Ryan Vilmor J. Dumpit, both members of the S-PaSS Core Team of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI in Iloilo City, for the group’s response to the urgent need for an accessible and efficient travel management system during the pandemic thru the development of Safe, Swift and Smart passage or SPASS. Piloted in Western Visayas, the SPASS was eventually implemented by the Department of Transportation in airports, seaports, and terminals nationwide.
Every individual and group received a gold gilded medallion crafted and sponsored by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a presidential plaque, PhP200,000 cash reward for individuals and PhP100,000 cash reward for each member of the group awardees and an automatic promotion to the next higher position or equivalent salary increase.
References:
Award Rites for the Outstanding Government Workers of 2023 Video
https://www.csc.gov.ph/pbbm-awards-exceptional-government-workers
https://csc.gov.ph/programs/honor-awards-program/search-for-outstanding-government-workers
UP Visayas Dr. Prieto-Carolino wins second place in the 2024 Loretta Makasiar Sicat Prize for the Social Sciences
The UPV Division of Social Sciences proudly congratulates Dr. Alice C. Prieto-Carolino for winning the Second Prize in the Loretta Makasiar Sicat Prize for the Social Sciences 2024 (LMS Prize) organized by the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC).
Dr. Prieto-Carolino is set to receive her award on April 18, 2024 at the awarding ceremony and scientific lecture for the LMS Prize.
Source: UPV Division of Social Sciences Facebook
UP Geologists Discover Evidence of Gas Hydrates in Manila Trench
By Harvey Sapigao
Gas hydrates are great alternative energy sources, but they could also harm us and the environment.
Much like carbonated drinks are water infused with carbon dioxide, gas hydrates are ice mostly infused with methane, a natural gas used as fuel. Gas hydrates are ice-like substances that usually only form beneath the seafloor, where the pressure is high and the temperature is just below the water’s freezing point of 0°C.
Elisha Jane Maglalang, Dr. Leo Armada, Madeleine Santos, Karla May Sayen, and Dr. Carla Dimalanta of the UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) discovered that gas hydrates may be abundant in the Manila Trench, west of Luzon. Their study is the first to investigate these substances in Philippine trenches, pioneering gas hydrate research in the country.
Because gas hydrates contain huge amounts of carbon and methane, they can be a great alternative energy source. “The western Philippines has vast potential for this unconventional energy resource,” the researchers said. They discovered that a total area of around 15,400 square kilometers in the Manila Trench, or about the size of Palawan, could contain gas hydrates. They estimate these substances might be around 200 to 500 meters below the seafloor.
However, gas hydrates can be a geologic and environmental threat. Because gas hydrates are unstable solids, they will dissociate and melt when the conditions in which they form change, usually during earthquakes. Worryingly, the Manila Trench is an active margin, responsible for numerous earthquakes in Western Luzon. When gas hydrates melt, it will agitate the seafloor, possibly triggering submarine landslides and tsunamis.
Moreover, methane can harm the environment when released into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, and just one cubic-meter block of gas hydrate contains as many as 160 cubic-meter blocks of methane in its gas form. This is equivalent to 14% of an average Filipino’s methane emission in 2021.
“Therefore, it is essential to determine the distribution and stability conditions of gas hydrates offshore of the Philippines,” the researchers emphasized.
To determine their location without drilling through the seafloor, scientists rely on sound waves. Similar to how a pond reflects sunlight, gas-bearing substances like gas hydrates reflect sound waves. These seismic reflections, called bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs), indicate where gas hydrates might be present. By analyzing existing seismic data in the Manila Trench, the UP geologists were able to map out BSRs and, consequently, deduce possible locations of gas hydrates in the region.
The researchers note, however, that while BSRs are tell-tale signs of gas hydrates, they are not definitive. “Future drilling of offshore targets will be instrumental in confirming methane hydrate occurrence,” the researchers said. “These investigations offer a vital opportunity to develop our indigenous energy wealth,” they added.
To move forward, the researchers are conducting additional investigations in other offshore places in the Philippines to expand our geophysical dataset. Moreover, the team is spearheading efforts to foster marine geophysics in the country. ”These efforts will contribute not only to the advancement of scientific knowledge but also to the development of the expertise of Filipino geoscientists in marine geophysics,” they concluded.
References:
Maglalang, E. M., Armada, L. T., Cecília, M., Sayen, K. F., Dimalanta, C. B., Shu Kun Hsu, & Yumul, G. P. (December 2023). Bottom simulating reflectors in the Manila Trench forearc and its implications on the occurrence of gas hydrates in the region. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 158, 106538–106538. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106538
For interview requests and other media inquiries, please contact: media@science.upd.edu.ph
UPV alumnus is incoming NACA Director General
Ms. GT Mabilog
The Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific (NACA), in its 33rd Governing Council Meeting in New Delhi, India, elected Dr. Eduardo Leaño as its incoming Directer General starting May 2024 last 06 March 2024. Dr. Leaño will take on a five-year term, succeeding Dr. Huang Jie.
Dr. Leaño is a graduate of Master of Science in Fisheries of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV). He completed his Bachelor of Science in Inland Fisheries at Central Luzon State University and earned his PhD in Applied Biology from the City University of Hong Kong.
At present, he is NACA’s Senior Program Officer for Health and Biosecurity Program, and Food Security, Safety, and Certification Program. He was previously a research scientist in the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). Moreover, he was a research fellow at the Taiwan Fisheries Research Institute, and research fellow and adjunct professor at the National Taiwan Ocean University.
Throughout the course of his career, Dr. Leaño has successfully published seven books on aquaculture and aquatic animal health. His track records also includes publications of 50 scientific articles in various national journals, proceedings, and book chapters. (With sources from NACA)
Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/upv-alumnus-is-incoming-naca-director-general
UP PGH Department of Medicine Batch MaxIMus achieves 100% passing rate in the 2024 PSBIM
The UP PGH Department of Medicine congratulates Batch MaxIMus for the 100% passing rate in the 2024 PSBIM:
Joanna Felicita Adul
Eladio Anino V
Aaron Joseph Ayro
Marc Lharen Barsabal
Rosa Silvana Bascuna
John Thaddeus Campo
Myron Cayabyab
Joanna Pauline Cu
Marvin Roi Espino
Emerald Gersava
James Robert Go
Jose Gabriel Go
Josiah Juan Alfonso Joson
Patrick Nicolo Mari Lozano
Regiel Christian Mag-usara
Marvin Mangulabnan
Maria Katrina Mata
Chelsea Colleen Paris
Paul Miguel Perez
Ysabella Veniece Ponce
Janine Bianca Marie Rafael
Beverly Christine Yu
May you continue to be in pursuit of excellence and respond to the country’s health needs. Padayon!
Source: UP PGH Department of Medicine Facebook
UP Baguio Department of Biology congratulates its alumni who passed the 2024 Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) Certification Examination
📣EXCITING NEWS!📣
The Department of Biology, UP Baguio congratulates our BS Biology alumni who passed the 2024 Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) Certification Examination for Registered Microbiologist held last January 20-21, 2024. We sincerely wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
May this monumental achievement also serve as inspiration for our future microbiologists, scientists, and medical professionals, as well as encourage them to consistently strive for both honor and excellence.
Padayon, mga Iskolar ng Bayan! ✊🏼💯
Source: Department of Biology, UP Baguio Facebook
UP-Diliman graduate grand champion of 51st Nihongo Speech Contest
Dolly Dy-Zulueta
MANILA, Philippines — Jacob Fuentebella, a University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman graduate who now works as a Korean Account Associate, is the grand champion of the 51st Nihongo Speech Contest, which took place at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City last February 24.
The speech competition was one of the highlights of the Nihongo Fiesta 2024 organized by Japan Foundation Manila.
Fuentebella, who represented Bulacan, bested eight other finalists from all over the Philippines who came together to showcase their talents and skills in communicating their thoughts in Japanese. Fuentebella’s speech, as translated (“People-to-People Connections Through Foreign Language Studies”), talked about his language learning journey, starting from Korean, and now venturing into Japanese, aiming to inspire others.
Securing the second place was Erina Sotoya (Cebu), with her piece called “Irreplaceable Person,” which she used to share how her memories with her father shaped her deep appreciation for present connections.
Third place went to Anferee Tizon (Taguig), a 4th year BA Communications student at Adamson University, with his speech titled “Not All Coffee Tastes Bitter,” which reflected his personal journey on friendships and how the lessons he learned shaped his current perspective and attitude towards people, similar to how his taste for coffee has changed.
The Special Jury Award was given to Niño Raphael Mesajon (Davao), a Grade 12 student from Philippine Nikkeijin Kai International School, for his speech “Truth Beyond First Sight.” It talked about how his perspective changed during a visit to a Lumad community, leading him to question the true meaning of living a good life.
The winners were chosen based on Content (originality, organization and impact), Delivery (voice and manner) and Language (appropriateness and correctness).
Fuentebella will be joining the study tour hosted by the Japan Overseas Enterprises Association, with airfare sponsored by the Japanese Association Manila Inc. and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc.
The 51st Nihongo Speech Contest was one of the highlights of the Nihongo Fiesta 2024 organized by Japan Foundation Manila. The Nihongo Fiesta stands as a tradition serving not only as an event but as a celebration that fosters deeper connections between Japan and the Philippines. It provides a fertile ground for the flourishing community of Nihongo speakers and enthusiasts, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, from eager language learners to seasoned professionals, to take part in an immersive arts and cultural experience.
Nihongo Fiesta 2024 also featured the “Minna no Nihongo Fiesta,” a captivating display of photos submitted by educational institutions across the Philippines, giving the audience a unique glimpse into the diverse facets of Japanese cultural appreciation in the Philippines. Meanwhile, attendees were treated to a performance by the UP Philippines-Japan Friendship Club (UP Tomo-Kai), showcasing the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.
Capping off the event was a performance of the Ryukyu Buyo, an Okinawan traditional dance performance, as Nihongo Fiesta 2024 turned out to be a celebration of language, culture and creativity.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/2024/03/03/2337784/diliman-graduate-grand-champion-51stnihongospeech-contest
UP Cebu Professor Conferred Outstanding Individual Award by the City
UP Cebu Fine Arts Program Coordinator Dr. Dennis E. Montera was conferred the Outstanding Individual award by the City of Cebu on the occasion of its 87th City Charter Anniversary celebration held at the Pacific Ballroom of Waterfront Hotel and Casino on February 22, 2024.
Prof. Montera was recognized in appreciation of his dedication to the visual arts community of Cebu serving as an educator, accomplishments as an artist, and a driving force in advancing the interest of the visual arts community.
The city government of Cebu recognized outstanding individuals, institutions, and the Mayor’s Special Awardees for their significant contributions to the betterment of Cebu City. The awarding ceremony and testimonial dinner were led by the city’s chief executive, Mayor Michael Lopez Rama.
Source: University of the Philippines Cebu Facebook