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PRESS RELEASE | Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo’s twin gold medal-win in the 2024 Paris Olympics will long be remembered as a historic feat for the Philippines. But what was a truly magical moment for a hard-earned victory quickly turned into an emotional trigger to a deep cultural divide, in a society where social media has the power to polarize people.

Hyperactive netizens, at first glued to the curious case of Alice Guo and her links to illegal Philippine Offshore Gambling Operations or POGOs, shifted their short attention span to the Yulo Family saga and found themselves torn between euphoria and disappointment. Once national obsession over the new golden boy’s family drama waned, the spotlight turned to Vice President Sara being a “shining example of a bad public servant” amid the deepening political rift between Marcos and Duterte. A fanfare of arrests also took the limelight– those of fake Filipino Guō Huápíng and her cohorts, and the fake “son of god” Apollo Quiboloy and his “angels of death”. Massive manhunts for the country’s most wanted criminals and their coddlers kept most Filipinos on alert, and distracted from their own adversities.

For months on end, media feeds feasted on the evasive POGO fugitives Alice Guo and Harry Roque, Quiboloy’s sex crimes, VP Sara on “Duterte mode”, and the looming International Criminal Court arrest of her father Digong and their allies for extrajudicial killings. But just as incessant and infuriating in the news are the Chinese forces and their monstrous vessels ramming the Philippine Coast Guard and threatening local fishers with their intrusive patrolling in the Philippine waters.

Whereas news followers fought over binge-worthy livestreamed Senate and House committee hearings, Filipinos are united in taking a stand against China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) — even when the previous “popular” administration went the unpopular route. Former President Rodrigo Duterte downplayed Philippine’s victory in a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal at the Hague, refuting Beijing’s extensive claims of sovereignty and historic rights over the WPS. Seeking economic benefits from China while loosening ties with the U.S., Duterte’s China-friendly stance was just one of his bloody regime’s endless list of epic failures. China’s bullying did not stop, while their high-interest loans and defective infrastructure projects continue to drown Filipino taxpayers in debts until today. In place of promised economic gains, transnational thugs operating gambling hubs as front for financial frauds, human and drug trafficking, and money laundering thrived to abuse thousands of desperate jobseekers in the region.

Nearly three years into office, President Bongbong Marcos still fails to bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo, as he bans POGOs and commits to de-escalate tensions in the WPS by strengthening strategic alliance with the U.S.; prompting China’s intensified hostilities against the Philippine vessels. The escalating maritime dispute between the Philippines and China goes back to the geopolitical competition between Beijing and Washington, with the Filipinos on the receiving end of Chinese harassment.

International affairs paint a ruthless world as geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts continue to intensify, taking thousands of lives and affecting millions more. The Philippine Navy logging the largest presence of Chinese ships in WPS to date, along with China’s military moves in the region, makes the Philippines a constant target. As the nation fights for its rightful territories, resources and livelihoods amid false narratives in this AI age of deepfake, political polarization due to disunity in the UniTeam further deters the country’s economic progress. And as influencers, traditional politicians and dynasties dominate the battle for next year’s national and local elections, poor Filipinos become poorer, suffering from worsening living conditions and deadlier environmental disasters due to power struggles and human greed.

UP professor and painter Marco Ruben T. Malto II offers his yearly recap of the country’s big events through his solo art exhibition titled, “Doon Po Sa Amin”.  Malto’s narrative art comments on current socio-political conditions while remembering history, as he explores cultural references from thematic beliefs and practices that are distinctly Filipino. Doon Po Sa Amin is open for viewing at Gallery Two, Art & Design West Hall at UP Diliman’s College of Fine Arts from Nov 19- Dec 6, 2024. Gallery hours are from 9AM-4PM, Tue-Sat. The public is invited to the Artist’s Reception on Nov. 22, Fri, 5PM.

About the Artist:

Marco Ruben T. Malto II (b. 1972, Manila) is a graduate of University of the Philippines Diliman-College of Fine Arts (UPCFA) completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting degree in 1993, and his Master of Fine Arts degree in 2002.
For more than a decade, Malto’s annual solo exhibitions embody themes capturing the country’s current concerns and how they interplay with Philippine history and cultural nuances. The history enthusiast in the artist chronicles, as the professor educates by engaging his public in important national discourses through his art exhibits.

Malto has been teaching at UPCFA-Department of Studio Arts since 2002, and has been a recipient of the University Artist Award (for cycles 2018-2020 & 2021-2023), and the UP Diliman Centennial Professorial Chair Award for his annual solo exhibits from 2012 to 2023: Colors of Black, 2012; Bayang Magiting, 2013; Siete Estaciones, 2014; Ang Petroglyphs ng Angono, 2015; Susmaryosep!, 2016; Peksman!, 2017; Kahimanawari, 2018; Kalendaryo 20/20, 2019; Faith, Hope and Charity: Conquest of the Philippines, 2021; Sulat: Retelling Rizal through Philately, 2022; and Bisa, 2023.

We are hiring!

The UP Office of Alumni Relations is looking for a qualified individual to fill the Senior ICT Associate position.

If interested, send your application to [email protected] with the subject line “Application for [Position] – [Last Name], [First Name].”

Your application should include the following documents:
1. Letter of Application addressed to Mr. Jay C. Amorato – Officer-in-Charge for Office of Alumni Relations
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Certificate/s of Training Attended

For further details, kindly refer to the attached photos.

Deadline for applications is on October 31, 2024.

By: Eunice Jean Patron

Thermoresponsive polymers are molecules that undergo significant changes in their properties in response to temperature changes and are widely used in biomedicine, such as drug delivery, tissue growth, and gene transfer, as noted by researchers Ward and Georgiou in their 2011 study.

One example of a thermoresponsive polymer is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), which is used to deliver drugs, such as calcitonin and insulin, to their target organ. According to scientist Dirk Schmaljohann, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) keeps the drug intact as it passes through the stomach, and once it reaches the intestines, which have a different pH level, the polymer breaks down and releases the drug.

While there are already existing conventional methods to synthesize polymers, it is difficult to control how monomers—small molecules that make up polymers—connect. This leads to varying polymer chain lengths, which affect the performance of the polymers. This prompted chemists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) to identify a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly approach of creating thermoresponsive polymers.

Using the Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization, Ludhovik Luiz Madrid and Dr. Susan Arco from the UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry (UPD-CS IC), along with Ser John Lynon Perez of the UPD-CS Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI), successfully created thermoresponsive polymers using two monomers—di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA)—in a hexylpyridinium ionic liquid, N-hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate ([HPY][PF6]). Both linear and hyperbranched structures were successfully synthesized, using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the crosslinking agent for the hyperbranched copolymer. The polymers produced by the researchers were biocompatible, meaning they can interact with living body tissues without causing adverse reactions.

“RAFT polymerization helps control the growth of polymer chains by mitigating the formation of chains that can no longer grow (a.k.a. ‘dead’ polymers), thereby creating a narrower molecular weight distribution which can allow more tailored polymer designs or properties,” Madrid explained. Solvents used in RAFT polymerization are also typically organic and volatile, posing environmental and health risks. To lessen these risks, the researchers used [HPY][PF6], a type of ionic liquid that has better polymerization kinetics and is less harmful to the environment.

Apart from demonstrating the effectiveness of synthesizing polymers with [HPY][PF6] through RAFT polymerization, the study introduced new possibilities in polymer research. “The results open up the potential for using other hexylpyridinium ionic liquids to create dual-responsive polymers (e.g. responsive to both temperature and pH), which are valuable for biomedical applications such as drug delivery,” Madrid concluded.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

References:

Madrid, L. L., Perez, S. J., & Arco, S. (2024). RAFT copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and di(ethylene glycol) methyl Ether methacrylate in a hexylpyridinium Ionic liquid. Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society. https://doi.org/10.1002/jccs.202400197

Schmaljohann, D. (2006). Thermo- and pH-responsive polymers in drug delivery. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 58(15), 1655-1670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2006.09.020

Ward, M. A., & Georgiou, T. K. (2011). Thermoresponsive polymers for biomedical applications. Polymers, 3(3), 1215-1242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym3031215

By: Eunice Jean Patron

While existing research on material properties rarely examines changes in laser pulses, or the flashes of laser lights, over time, scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) approached laser exploration differently by investigating how non-Gaussian lasers affect the diffusion of heat in metals.



In their recent study, Jenny Lou Sagisi and Dr. Lean Dasallas of the UPD-CS Materials Science and Engineering Program (UPD-CS MSEP), along with Dr. Wilson Garcia of the UPD-CS National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP), investigated the effects of different temporal laser source terms (TLSTs), or shapes of the laser pulses, on simulating heat diffusion in metals.

Validating Gaussian Assumptions in Studies

Dr. Dasallas explained that scientists often assume laser pulses to light up in a bell-shaped curve (known as Gaussian): “Dim at first, but slowly brightening until it becomes super bright in a very short time, before dimming again,” he further expounded. This assumption is common and accepted in laser research due to the laser pulse’s duration, which is one quadrillionth (10-15) of a second.

Simulations conducted by the scientists to compare the differences between Gaussian-shaped and non-Gaussian-shaped laser pulses showed that the rough edges on a non-Gaussian laser pulse make it difficult for the laser to vaporize the metal. They also noted that consecutively using laser pulses shows effects on metals that are not as distinct as those seen with Gaussian-shaped laser pulses.



“We were curious to see if there are any changes in the laser pulse’s effect on heat diffusion in metals when they are not Gaussian-shaped,” Dr. Dasallas shared. “Through our computer simulations, we were able to validate that assuming a Gaussian-shaped laser pulse has a basis. It also turns out that the shape of the laser pulses won’t matter if there are many of them.”

Implications in Industry

According to the researchers, exploring the effects of non-Gaussian laser pulses is vital for optimizing laser processing methods in more precise applications such as micro- or nano-machining, surface modification, and nanoparticle generation. Becoming more acquainted with non-Gaussian-based lasers also allows for more options and tools in laser material processing.

Extending this work to other materials, such as semiconductors, polymers, and insulators, would be very interesting. We plan to continue improving our understanding of complex laser-material interactions, which could involve experimental, theoretical, or computational approaches,” Dr. Dasallas said as he shared their team’s goals for research on laser-based material processing. “The laser industry is now worth billions of dollars. Various technologies already employ lasers, and the Philippines is catching up with these technologies.”

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

References:

Sagisi, J. L., Garcia, W. O., & Dasallas, L. L. (2024). Modification of the temporal laser source term in two-temperature model. Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A: Applications, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/10407782.2024.2350687

By Harvey Sapigao



According to the World Health Organization, prostate cancer is the third most common type of cancer among Filipino men. In 2022, almost 10,000 Filipino men were diagnosed with the disease. In serious cases, the disease can develop into an aggressive type called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Some further progress into the most aggressive form, neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), where standard treatments no longer work and it becomes the most fatal of all prostate cancers.

In a pioneering study, Romie Angelo Azur, Kevin Christian Olarte, Weand Ybañez, Alessandria Maeve Ocampo, and Dr. Pia Bagamasbad of the UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) identified and described a key protein that contributes to the progression of prostate cancer into NEPC, elucidating the molecular basis of the disease and paving the way for identifying novel treatments.

Prostate cancer depends on male sex hormones, or androgens, to grow. When the prostate cancer cells don’t have access to androgens, their development is stunted. This is why androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for the disease.

Over time, however, the cancer cells can mutate in ways that enable them to develop without the need for androgens. This advanced type is resistant to ADT and may develop into the most aggressive form, the NEPC. Dr. Bagamasbad and her team discovered that a protein called CYB561 is pivotal for the progression, growth, and survival of aggressive, treatment-resistant prostate cancer cells.

“CYB561 has a dual role in driving cancer,” said Dr. Bagamasbad. “It activates specific growth factors and manages iron levels, both of which appear to help the cancer thrive and grow even when deprived of the male hormones it usually depends on.”

Using publicly available data from prostate tumors and experimental findings from human cell culture lines, they discovered that CYB561 is more prevalent in CRPC and NEPC cells than in normal prostate cancer cells. When they depleted CYB561, the prostate cancer cells became more sensitive to enzalutamide, a common ADT drug, suggesting that the protein provides some resistance to the drug.

Furthermore, they found that CYB561 converts iron into a more active form essential for various cell processes, including supporting the growth of aggressive forms of cancer. As such, the cancer cells require higher iron levels, and CYB561 seems to help maintain the needed active iron concentration. Knocking down the protein lowered active iron levels in NEPC cells, delayed the progression of CRPC to NEPC, and dampened the highly aggressive behavior of NEPC cells.

The findings of their study, now published in PLOS One, can help develop new therapies for CRPC and NEPC. “By understanding the role of CYB561 in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Bagamasbad, “we have not only gained a deeper understanding of how prostate cancer develops drug resistance but we have also potentially identified a new target for future treatments, paving the way for novel therapies that could specifically inhibit CYB561’s activity to slow down or stop cancer progression.”

In the future, Dr. Bagamasbad and her team hope to experiment on animal models and primary tumor samples. They also plan to examine whether Filipinos have higher risks of developing CRPC and NEPC, and if CYB561 contributes to the aggressiveness of the disease. “More importantly, we need to identify other key players involved and establish a drug screening platform that can mechanistically target CYB561 activity,” Dr. Bagamasbad concluded.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

References:

Azur RAG, Olarte KCV, Ybañez WS, Ocampo AMM, Bagamasbad PD (2024) CYB561 supports the neuroendocrine phenotype in castration-resistant prostate cancer. PLOS ONE 19(5): e0300413. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300413

Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed 15 July 2024.

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

With a significant number of marine mammals stranded in the Philippines over the past years, it is within the scope of local government units (LGUs) to address this pressing concern, scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) indicated in a recent study that encompasses data from the past almost two decades.

Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, Alessandra Nicole Morado, and Honey Leen Laggui of the Institute of Environmental Science & Meteorology (IESM), along with Dr. Marie Christine Obusan of the Institute of Biology (IB), Dr. Jonah Bondoc of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), and Dr. Leo Suarez of Ocean Adventure and Ewen Lawler of University of Canberra, assessed the changes in marine mammal strandings in the Philippines over space and time, as well as the types of species that got stranded in Philippine territory from 2005 to 2022.

Marine mammal strandings and the role of LGUs

A marine mammal stranding occurs when a marine mammal is found on seashores or in shallow waters and cannot return to deeper waters on its own. The researchers mapped the stranding hotspots in the Philippines, representing areas where standing frequencies are relatively high, and designed the hotspots to identify designated LGUs to inform them about the implications of the strandings for marine mammal conservation and management. With the help of the hotspots, concerned LGUs can also be proactive in addressing marine mammal strandings. A total of 35 LGU hotspots for strandings were identified in this study. The majority of these stranding hotspots were located in Luzon (with 24 hotspots), particularly in Regions 1 and 2.

“Strandings can be of natural causes, but when marine mammals with good body condition strand, we have to worry because it could imply that they are in trouble. It is possible that their habitat is compromised in various ways – most likely from human activities such as pollution and overexploitation of our key marine resources,” explained Dr. Aragones, who also serves as the president of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN).

While natural causes such as tropical monsoons and oceanographic factors can affect marine mammal strandings, the study emphasized that fisheries production and fisheries interaction are major contributors to the stranding frequencies of these mammals. This can occur through fishing equipment that increases the chances of entanglement or various illegal fishing activities, such as dynamite fishing.

“We recommend that LGUs and concerned regional offices establish their own stranding response team and rehabilitation tank and eradicate illegal fishing activities in their area by providing appropriate crew and patrol boats,” the researchers stated in their study. They also emphasized the importance of information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns regarding marine mammals and regulating fishers and their fishing gear. By institutionalizing these programs, LGUs and concerned regional offices will help sustain their implementation.

Their study also revealed that the species most frequently stranded in Philippine waters were spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) with 218 strandings, dugongs (Dugong dugon) with 104 strandings, Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) with 100 strandings, Fraser’s dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei) with 95 strandings, and melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) with 89 strandings. By establishing a ‘species stranding status,’ an index of the impacts of stranding on these already vulnerable and endangered species, this study has introduced an important additional key factor in assessing species conservation status by concerned agencies.

Generating more research on stranded marine mammals

Knowing the species—particularly identifying their genetics and genomics—is important for ensuring the proper management of stranded marine mammals. This is the focus of the new ongoing studies by Dr. Aragones and his colleagues.

“We should determine the main causes of strandings. Since we suspect that dynamite blasts can cause strandings, we want to understand the acoustics of marine mammals,” elaborated Dr. Aragones. “We also like to examine the impact of fisheries on our marine mammals, to identify what types of fishing gears can entangle them, and the bycatch rates as well.”

Their findings underscore the importance of continuing and advancing monitoring efforts for marine mammal strandings, given the inevitable impacts of human activities such as increasing population, illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. The evidence-based results provided by this study can guide stranded hotspot LGUs and concerned regional offices in managing and conserving Philippine marine resources, including marine mammals.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

References:

Aragones, L. V., Morado, A. N., Obusan, M. C., Laggui, H. L., Bondoc, J. L., Suarez, L. J., & Lawler, E. K. (2024). Spatiotemporal variation of stranded marine mammals in the Philippines from 2005 to 2022: Latest stranding hotspots and species stranding status. Aquatic Mammals, 50(4), 302-322. https://doi.org/10.1578/am.50.4.2024.302