Category Archives: Latest News

UP scientist’s novel tech empowers rural fisherfolk

UP scientist’s novel tech empowers rural fisherfolk

Published: November 9, 2023

By: Timothy James M. Dimacali

Innovative data-driven technologies are empowering Filipino coastal communities by enabling them to make better informed decisions on when and how to utilize marine resources. 

 

An advocate of sustainable fishing practices, Dr. Aletta Concepcion T. Yñiguez of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) has been working closely with small-scale fishers and government agencies to help rural fisherfolk with technologies developed by UP scientists.

Dr. Yñiguez holds a SensPak tube, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Physics, off the coast of Bolinao in June 2021. Once lowered in the water, such devices can help scientists and fisherfolk monitor the health of the marine environment almost in real time. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MSI DOST HABHazard Program)

Yñiguez collaborated closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the UP Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Physics (NIP), led by Dr. Giovanni Tapang,  to create compact sensor arrays that fit neatly into an ordinary PVC tube. Dubbed SensPak, the devices can monitor environmental conditions and send this valuable data in real time to scientists, fisherfolk, and decision makers for assessment and action.

 

She and her fellow MSI researchers also created ARAICoBeH (A Rapid Assessment Instrument for Coastal Benthic Habitats), an inexpensive tool for taking underwater photos of endangered areas such as coral reefs without needing to dive. She also spearheaded HABHub (Harmful Algal Bloom Hub), an online platform that facilitates the detection and reporting of algal blooms, which could threaten both the lives and livelihoods of affected fisherfolk. 

 

HABHub utilizes robust early-warning systems that allow for more proactive mitigation and enhanced understanding of HAB phenomena. HABHub also makes use of the Automated Water Quality Monitoring System (AWQMS) developed by the MSI’s Dr. Cesar Villanoy, Dr. Charina Amedo-Repollo, and Rachel Francisco, which continually looks at the temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and amount of chlorophyll in the water.

 

These and other innovations and insights from Dr. Yñiguez were the focus of a recent iStories webinar, hosted by the UPD-CS. 

 

“To ensure the sustainable utilization and management of ocean resources, it is critical that observational, monitoring and decision-support tools are in place to provide concrete, science-based information and management. But the technologies, tools and capacity for these are sorely lacking,” Dr. Yñiguez said at the event. 

 

“Our present efforts help bridge this gap through interdisciplinary collaborations to develop cost-effective sensors that automate ocean observation, building ocean data repositories and models for understanding, forecasting and decision-support,” she added.

 

For her work, Dr. Yñiguez was bestowed The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) award in 2022. Given by the TOWNS Foundation, Inc., the prestigious award honors Filipinas 21 to 45 years old who have contributed greatly to Philippine society in their chosen fields.

 

iStories is a series of monthly innovation-themed talks, storytelling, and activities featuring local and international scientists. The initiative aims to ignite the creativity and inventiveness of young scientists not just from UPD-CS but also from other institutes inside and outside of UP.

 

For inquiries about iStories, please message adride_staff@science.upd.edu.ph 

 

For interview requests and other media concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph  

4th Graduate Student Research Conference

4th Graduate Student Research Conference

Save the Date! 

Join us at the 4th Graduate Student Research Conference on November 13, 2023, at the CS Admin Building Auditorium! 

Get ready to be inspired by the innovative research and groundbreaking ideas of our talented graduate students!

UPD-CS celebrates 40 years with Science Film Festival in partnership with Goethe Institut

UPD-CS celebrates 40 years with Science Film Festival in partnership with Goethe Institut

Published: October 24, 2023

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, the UP Diliman College of Science in partnership with the Goethe-Institut is providing free university and public screenings of the Philippine Science Film Festival Philippines 2023.

 

The two days of screenings (see schedule below) will kick off on the College’s Anniversary on Thursday, October 26, and will be held at the UPD-CS Institute of Biology Auditorium at the National Science Complex, UP Diliman. Students and members of the public are free to attend but may be asked to show a valid university or government ID for security purposes.

 

Founded in 1983, the UP Diliman College of Science is the country’s premier generator of new scientific knowledge and the leading producer of PhD and MS graduates in the basic and applied sciences and mathematics. In 2023 alone, the College graduated 19 PhDs, the most in its four-decade history.

 

The Science Film Festival Philippines, now in its 14th year, will be held from October 25 to December 01, 2023. Celebrated as one of the biggest and longest-running science events in the Philippines, the festival offers a roster of 34 science-related films in support of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

FILM SCHEDULES

 

DAY 1 (October 26, Thursday)

 

Short Film Entries

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Ranging in length from 6 minutes to 10 minutes, these brief documentaries cover a range of topics from “The Forgotten Forest” to “Redesigning the Wheel”. 

 

Powering Puerto Rico

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

This is a film about a Northeastern University professor’s innovative solution to provide affordable renewable power to Puerto Rico using reconditioned hybrid car batteries after Hurricane Maria left millions without electricity.

 

A League of Extraordinary Makers: Rise of the Makers

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

A documentary exploring the rise of the Maker Movement, highlighting individuals who create, innovate, and hack a wide range of products and technologies, from everyday items to groundbreaking innovations, as they become the heroes of this movement.

 

Kelp – South Africa’s Golden Forests | The Last Seed

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

“Kelp” explores the hidden beauty and importance of the Great African Seaforest on South Africa’s Western coastline, emphasizing its contributions to livelihoods, conservation, and cultural heritage while advocating for its sustainable management in the face of climate change.

 

“The Last Seed” is a close-up look at the challenges facing food and agriculture in 21st-century Africa, with a central focus on the control of seeds, while raising questions about lost values and the search for sustainable solutions, using music, dance, visuals, and the experiences of small-scale food producers and experts.

 

DAY 2 (October 27, Friday)

 

Short Film Entries

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Ranging in length from 6 minutes to 10 minutes, these brief documentaries cover a range of topics from “The Forgotten Forest” to “Redesigning the Wheel”.

 

Duty of Care – The Climate Trials

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Lawyer Roger Cox’s pioneering legal actions against the Dutch government and Shell resulted in landmark climate rulings that sparked a global wave of climate cases, with a cast of characters and experts exploring the principles of justice in addressing humanity’s greatest climate challenge.

 

Gardening Marine Forests: A Hands-on Approach to Restoration | Wild Hope – Coffee for Water

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

In “Gardening Marine Forests,” two marine scientists explore how a hands-on approach to marine restoration is reviving kelp forests in South Korea by emphasizing the deep connection between people and the ocean, showcasing inspiring examples of community involvement and sustainable practices.

 

“Coffee for Water” showcases the inspiring change-makers who are actively restoring and safeguarding the environment. With a focus on growing coffee to preserve Mozambican rainforests, this film emphasizes the power of local actions and offers a hopeful perspective.

 

Forest Partners

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This documentary explores the symbiotic relationship between public and private organizations, local communities, and tropical forests, showcasing innovative solutions that blend technology and traditional knowledge to protect and sustainably manage these landscapes, with a focus on success stories from South America, Africa, and Asia.


For further inquiries, please message media@science.upd.edu.ph

UP scientists make composite flowers to fight cancer-causing dyes

UP scientists make composite flowers to fight cancer-causing dyes

Published: October 6, 2023

By: Timothy James M. Dimacali

Scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) have simplified the process of making microscopic composite flowers that can neutralize the highly carcinogenic azo dyes widely used in food, clothes, and medicines.

Seen under an electron microscope, these nanoflowers—each one less than half the width of a human hair—feature a gold center surrounded by ‘petals’ made from a copper compound. This nanomaterial has been found to facilitate the degradation of widely used but highly toxic azo dyes. (Photo credit: Wiley-VCH; see reference below)

Azo dyes are synthetic colorants that come in a variety of vivid colors, including red, orange, and yellow. They were commonly used in everything from denim and leather to soft drinks and jams. However, it was discovered that some azo dyes are closely linked to bladder cancer. Moreover, the regulated use and safe disposal of these carcinogenic azo dyes remain a global concern.

 

A new material that may help to safely degrade azo dyes was recently investigated by Enrico Daniel R. Legaspi, Prof. Michelle D. Regulacio, and Leila Andrea E. Pineda from the Institute of Chemistry (UPD-CS IC); Luce Vida A. Sayson of the Material Science and Engineering Program (UPD-CS MSEP); and colleagues from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR).

 

The nanocomposite material exhibits a flower-like structure, each just around 50 nanometers in diameter or less than half the width of a human hair, with a gold (Au) center surrounded by petal-like copper oxide (Cu2O) crystals. It was found that this configuration greatly enhances Cu2O’s ability to catalyze the breakdown of azo dyes into harmless chemicals.

 

The researchers said that this is the first time that this flower-like configuration has been synthesized in a single manufacturing setup, thereby paving the way for easier and more affordable production.

 

“The one-pot synthesis protocol presented in this work is a more straightforward and less laborious approach that does not require a separate pre-synthesis step. Furthermore, the synthesis can be conveniently performed at ambient conditions using nontoxic reagents,” the researchers explained in their paper.

 

“The uniquely designed Au-Cu2O nanoflowers were found to effectively catalyze the borohydride-mediated degradation of synthetic azo dyes. The hybrid exhibited superior catalytic activity relative to pristine Cu2O, underscoring the significance of creating a nanocomposite,” they added.

 

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

 

References:
Legaspi, E. D. R., Regulacio, M. D., Pineda, L. A. E., Sayson, L. V. A., Jiang, W., Heng, J. Z. X., Wu, W., & Ye, E. (2023). Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of Uniquely Designed Au−Cu2O Nanocomposites for Effective Catalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes. ChemistrySelect, 8(25), e202300904. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202300904

Bee nests inspire UP scientists to make new ‘smart’ materials

Bee nests inspire UP scientists to make new 'smart' materials

Published: September 25, 2023

By: Timothy James M. Dimacali

Bee nests are a marvel of natural engineering that have inspired human engineers and inventors for centuries. Now, Filipino researchers are investigating ways to create porous materials that not only mimic the strengths of beehives but are also able to selectively trap microparticles. These new materials have potential uses in everything from water purifiers to medical sensors.

The researchers from the UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry include the paper’s authors (counter-clockwise, from middle left) Jose Jesus Gayosa, Dr. Susan Arco, Gillian Kathryn Yap, and Marco Laurence Budlayan. Not in photo is fellow UP researcher and co-author, Jonathan Patricio. Also in photo (at back, L to R) are Leo Sabolboro and Miguel Karlo Santos. (Photo credit: Dr. Susan Arco)

Jonathan Patricio, Gillian Kathryn Yap, Jose Jesus Gayosa, and Dr. Susan Arco of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Chemistry (UPD-CS IC) and colleagues from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) were able to control the physical properties of porous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films by adjusting the drying temperature used in the manufacturing process.

 

The PVC is formed around droplets of water which, when they evaporate, leave a pattern of microscopic holes reminiscent of a bee’s nest. Such honeycomb structures have long been recognized for their engineering applications:

 

“One of the most interesting structures inspired by nature is the honeycomb pattern… Its unique properties and structure inspired the construction of light and robust aircraft and spacecraft, protection gear, panels, packaging, and cushioning because of an ability to absorb impact and energy,” the researchers explained in their paper.

 

“The repeating units of a honeycomb pattern can also effectively trap particles and impurities thus making them a promising structure for air and water filters,” they added.

The UP researchers investigated the difference in the honeycomb structure of PVC films that were dried at room temperature (a) and at temperatures above 80°C (b). (Photo credit: M. L. M. Budlayan)
Drying temperatures in the manufacturing process for PVC films affects the wall thickness and cell size of the films’ honeycomb structures. These PVC films have a wide range of potential uses. (Photo credit: M. L. M. Budlayan)

The researchers also explored the wettability of the various honeycomb PVC materials they created, as well as the potential of selectively trapping microparticles by subjecting the honeycomb to an electric charge.


The study “opens the possibility of integrating polymeric honeycomb structures into substrates used for microparticle trapping, sensing, and other related applications,” the researchers concluded.


For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph. 


References:


Budlayan, M. L. M., Patricio, J. N., Yap, G. K. B., Gayosa, J. J. A., Arco, S. D., Diaz, J. M. A., & Guerrero, R. A. (2023). Honeycomb pattern formation on poly(Vinyl chloride) films: Electrically-driven microparticle trapping and the effect of drying temperature. Materials Research Express, 10(8), 085304. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/acefb1

Investigating the role of bird perches in reforestation

Investigating the role of bird perches in reforestation

Published: September 12, 2023

By: Timothy James M. Dimacali

Reforesting damaged forests is crucial for fighting climate change and protecting wildlife. One common way to do this is by planting trees, but this can be expensive and labor-intensive. A cheaper and more effective approach is Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), which can involve the use of bird perches to attract fruit-eating birds that can help spread tree seeds and speed up the natural regeneration of the forest.

A Philippine green pigeon (Treron axillaris) is seen eating a fig, the seeds of which will be dispersed the next time the bird defecates. Researchers are looking at the potential role of artificial and natural bird perches in this dispersal process towards restoring degraded forests.(Photo credit: Jelaine Lim Gan)

Researchers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB), the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, and the UK’s Newcastle University aim to embark on a systematic review and meta analysis of previous studies and observations to figure out how well artificial and natural perches work in increasing seed dispersal and seedling growth on degraded areas.

 

“The results will synthesize available evidence on the topic, identify knowledge gaps we need filling to upscale the strategy, and inform their use in concert with other ANR strategies,” the researchers said in their paper. “The search strategy was informed through a literature scan and discussions with stakeholders and experts,” they added.

 

The meta study aims to see if perches help bring in more seeds and seedlings in terms of numbers and types. The researchers hope to learn how to use perches better and combine them with other strategies to bring damaged forests back to life.

 

The results of the meta study are expected to be available in 2024.

 

References:

Gan, J. L., Grainger, M. J., Shirley, M. D. F., & Pfeifer, M. (03 August 2023). How effective are perches in promoting bird-mediated seed dispersal for natural forest regeneration? A systematic review protocol. Environmental Evidence, 12(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-023-00308-z

Beyond Einstein: Pinay physicist investigates exotic subtonic particles

Beyond Einstein: Pinay physicist investigates exotic subatomic particles

Published: September 5, 2023

By: Timothy James M. Dimacali

Building on Albert Einstein’s work, a Filipina physicist and an international team of researchers recently discovered that a special class of subatomic particles can be described using concepts from the famous scientist’s Theory of Relativity.

UPD-CS NIP associate professor Dr. Gennevieve Macam and her colleagues are working to understand the behavior of a relatively new subatomic particle called a Weyl fermion. (Photo credit: Dr. Gennevieve Macam)

UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP) associate professor Dr. Gennevieve Macam and her colleagues were investigating Weyl fermions, exotic subatomic particles that are similar to electrons but have no mass. They found that the behavior of these particles can be understood by adapting Einstein’s ideas on causality.

 

Causality refers to how one event can directly lead to another event in a cause-and-effect relationship. Einstein took this idea further when he realized that nothing can travel faster than light. This led to the concept of “light cones,” which represent all the possible paths that light—or any signal moving at the speed of light—can take from a given event in space and time. Anything inside the light cone of an event could potentially be influenced by that event, while anything outside the light cone cannot be affected by it due to the limitation imposed by the speed of light. The outer boundary of this cone is called the “event horizon.”

 

Dr. Macam collaborated with Prof. Guoqing Chang of Nanyang Technological University and his team. They found that these concepts, which normally apply to space and time, could also be used to describe the behavior of Weyl fermions in terms of energy and momentum.

 

“Our work shows how Einstein’s equations can be adapted to describe quantum materials,” Dr. Macam said. “This paves the way to a better understanding of how the strange quantum world and our everyday reality are intertwined.”

 

Weyl fermions were first theorized by German physicist Hermann Weyl in 1929 but their existence was only proven almost a century later, in 2015. Due to their charged but massless nature, Weyl fermions may have future applications in electronics and computers.

 

References: 

Chiu, WC., Chang, G., Macam, G. et al. Causal structure of interacting Weyl fermions in condensed matter systems. Nat Commun 14, 2228 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37931-w 

 

Gold Eagle College Scholarship Grant for STEM – AY 2023-2024

Gold Eagle College Scholarship Grant for STEM - AY 2023-2024

The Gold Eagle College Scholarship Grant for STEM aims to support intelligent and deserving students who need financial assistance to have access to the best education they need to improve their lives, their homes, and the country.

 

Who can apply?

 

The scholarship program will choose eleven (11) students from UP Diliman: two (2) for BS Mathematics, four (4) for BS Statistics, and five (5) from any Science, Technology, and Engineering courses, including the following:

 

  • Applied Physics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
  • Physics

 

What are the scholarship benefits?

 

  • Financial assistance every semester to cover for the stipend, and transportation and book allowance.
  • Scholars who graduate with honors will receive cash incentives from Insular Foundation.
  • Scholars and alumni of the program will have access to Insular Foundation’s network, leadership training, and other capacity-building programs.

 

How will I know if I am qualified?

 

  • You must be a bona fide student at UP Diliman, enrolled in any of the courses previously listed;
  • You must be an incoming 1st year college student, and must have passed UPCAT;
  • You must have a general weight average (GWA) of 85% in Grade 11 and Grade 12 up to the first term or second grading period;
  • You must be enrolled in at least 15 units at the time of the award of the grant;
  • Your parents’ annual gross income must not exceed P500,000.00;
  • You must not have been liable for any disciplinary action worse than a five-day class suspension in Senior High School; and
  • You must not be a recipient of any other scholarship grant at the time of the grant.

 

What are the requirements?

 

  • Duly Accomplished Application Form – https://tinyurl.com/GoldEagle2023ApplicationForm
  • 2×2 photo in white background
  • Certified True Copy of Grade 11 and Grade 12 Report Card with General Weighted Average (For the Grade 12 Report Card, available grades should be up to the first term or second grading period at the minimum.)
  • Certified True Copy of BIR Latest Income Tax Return (ITR). If not available, submit a Notarized Affidavit of Source of Income.
  • Certified True Copy of Certificate of Registration/Admission in UP Diliman

 

What are the dates I should remember?

 

  • September 10, 2023: Deadline of submission of applications
  • November 2023: Announcement of Newly Admitted Scholars and Scholar Onboarding

 

Where can I submit my application?

 

 

For more information, visit https://www.insularfoundation.com.ph/news/gold-eagle-college-scholarship-grant-for-stem-ay-2023-2024-183 or email Insular Foundation at info.foundation@insular.com.ph.

Source: https://www.insularfoundation.com.ph/news/gold-eagle-college-scholarship-grant-for-stem-ay-2023-2024-183

Tañon Strait dolphins declining and in peril

Tañon Strait dolphins declining and in peril

Published: August 16, 2023

By: Timothy James M. Dimacali

Researchers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are warning that unchecked ecotourism and overfishing are threatening the cetacean biodiversity of the famous and richly diverse Tañon Strait.

A lone spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) plies the waters of Tañon Strait. Whereas in previous years one might spot as many as 500 individuals in a single day, only no more than 90 were spotted over a recent four-day survey. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MMRCL)

A narrow passage of water between Cebu and Negros islands, Tañon Strait is renowned worldwide for its rich marine life. It is home to numerous cetaceans, including 15 species of dolphins and whales. However, recent findings suggest that the populations of these marine creatures are on a fast decline.

 

“We encountered only between 80 and 90 individual spinner dolphins throughout our four-day survey. This is in stark contrast to surveys in previous years, where we might spot as many as 100 to 500 individuals in just one day,” said Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, head of the UPD-CS Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology’s Mammal Research and Conservation Laboratory (UPD-CS IESM MMRCL). 

 

Tañon Strait, designated as a protected seascape in 1998 under Presidential Proclamation No. 1234, has been a sanctuary for a diverse array of marine species. A popular destination for ecotourism, particularly dolphin and whale watching, the strait has attracted numerous visitors eager to witness these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.

 

Dr. Aragones spearheaded the survey from July 20 to 23, focusing on dolphin populations within the southern part of Tañon Strait. The initiative revealed deeply concerning trends, such as a decrease in dolphin numbers, a reduction in species diversity, and evasive behavior possibly linked to increasing human activity in the area.

 

In the past, these surveys witnessed vibrant gatherings of diverse species of cetaceans—including numerous kinds of dolphins and species of whales, with groups of as many as 100 individuals spotted in a single day. However, the recent survey was starkly different, showcasing only three species: spinner dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, and dwarf sperm whales. 

 

Of particular concern was the notably evasive behavior of the dolphins, a possible sign of stress or disturbance due to the persistent presence of aggressive dolphin watching boats. Dr. Aragones and his team, who have been monitoring the region since 1997, noted a significant increase in the number of dolphin watching boats, even notwithstanding the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. 

 

The area now hosts around 60 boats, down from the original 260. Nevertheless, Dr. Aragones fears that this may still be too much: “Too many dolphin watching boats in the area disrupts the cetaceans’ habits,” he said. 

 

Dr. Aragones also warned against the overutilization of the area’s resources. “There should also be a comprehensive assessment of fisheries resources in the entire Strait as there is clearly less food now for these creatures,” he explained.

UPD-CS MMRCL head Dr. Lemnuel Aragones (foreground) surveying Tañon Strait with his former PhD advisee, Dr. Kimberly Benjamin (center) and intern Cheska Espiritu. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MMRCL)

To preserve the delicate ecosystem and to safeguard the remarkable marine mammals in Tañon Strait, the scientists have proposed several measures. First, they recommend a moratorium on adding more boats to the already existing fleet. Second, a comprehensive assessment of fisheries resources including fishing activities in Tañon Strait is essential, as a decline in food availability may be exacerbating the dolphins’ struggles. Furthermore, strict monitoring and regulation of illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices in the area are necessary.

 

Dr. Aragones emphasized the importance of educating boat operators on responsible dolphin watching protocols. A certification process that trains operators to navigate around dolphins without causing stress could play a pivotal role in protecting these charismatic animals. Research also suggests that previous ecotourism activities negatively impacted dolphin behavior, reinforcing the need for responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

 

The findings from this survey underscore the critical situation facing dolphins in Tañon Strait. Urgent action is imperative to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures and to maintain the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem they inhabit.

 

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

‘Huwag bibitiw’: UP professor emeritus urges new scientists to shape PHL’s future

‘Huwag bibitiw’: UP professor emeritus urges new scientists to shape PHL’s future

Published: August 3, 2023

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

In the face of a future yet to be written, beset by Promethean technologies and an Apolakian climate, one of the country’s foremost Filipino writers calls on a new generation of Filipino scientists to stay grounded—and stand their ground.

UP Diliman Professor Emeritus Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu exhorted UPD-CS’ graduates to remain hopeful but vigilant of the future. (Photo credit: Garcia Photography Services)

“Ihahabilin ko ito nang may pakiusap: huwag sanang magbago ang isip ninyo. Kailangan ng bansa natin ng higit pang maraming scientist,” distinguished writer Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu exhorted the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) graduating class of 2023, noted for having the most number of PhD graduates in the College’s 40-year history. 

 

A professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Arts and Letters (UPD-CAL), Dr. Torres-Yu expressed cautious optimism for the future in her keynote address delivered at the UPD-CS Special Recognition Program last July 29. She also underscored the fundamental role of Filipino scientists in safeguarding the country’s future.

 

UPD-CS’s newly-minted graduates should never forget why they became scientists, Dr. Torres-Yu said, waxing poetic: “Ang kinang ay dapat timplahin ng kabuluhan para higit na maging kapakinabangan sa bayan at sambayanan. Samakatwid, hindi tayo nabubuhay para sa sariling kinang lamang.”

 

Hopeful vigilance for the future

 

Dr. Torres-Yu said she would be remiss as a professor and mentor if she did not urge vigilance and caution amid the celebration. She reminded UPD-CS’ new scientists that their lives and work are not isolated from the rest of the world:

 

“Anuman ang laboratoryong piliin, hindi ito maitatago sa nangyayari sa mundo. Kumbaga sa bagyo, literal at metaporikal, umaabot sa atin ang unos, baha, lindol, pagkawasak ng kapaligiran,  kabuhayan at  kapayapaan…  Gusto ko mang iwasan ang pagbanggit  tungkol dito, dahil ang pagtatapos ninyo ay dapat na maging masaya, magkukulang naman ako bilang guro kung hindi ko man lang mabanggit ang tungkol dito,” she told the gathered crowd of over 400 graduates.

 

“Ang mahalaga ay manatili ang ugaling mapagmatyag na taglay na ninyo dahil mga scientist kayo; maging mapanuri, makilahok at pumanig sa pagbabagong makabubuti sa ating bayan at sa sangkatauhan,” she added.

UP Diliman Professor Emeritus Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu exhorted UPD-CS’ graduates to remain hopeful but vigilant of the future (Photo credit: Shedy Masayon, UPD-CS SciComm)

She also touched on the need to inspire Filipino children to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through literature. Dr. Torres-Yu’s non-profit organization, Supling Sining, Inc. (SSI), collaborated with UPD-CS to create the Sulong-Agham multilingual children’s books series.

 

UPD-CS’s Class of 2023 produced a total of 454 graduates. This number consists of 19 PhD graduates, 108 MS graduates, seven MA graduates, three Professional Masters, five diploma recipients, and 312 BS graduates. The number of the College’s PhD graduates for 2023 is also almost double that of the previous year, the most number of PhD graduates UPD-CS has had in its 40 years of existence.

 

The full text of UP Diliman Professor Emeritus Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu’s keynote address to the UPD-CS Class of 2023 can be found here: https://science.upd.edu.ph/cs-2023-recognition-day-inspirational-message/ 

 

For interview requests and other media inquiries, please email media@science.upd.edu.ph