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Researchers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are recipients of the University’s first-ever recognition for its Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS).

Six graduates of the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science’s National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) secured spots in the top 10 of the Philippine Regulation Commission’s (PRC) annual Geologists Licensure Examination.

Two scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) have been honored with the 2024 NSTW (National Science and Technology Week) Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research by the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL).

Dr. Pia Bagamasbad of the UPD-CS National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) and Dr. Aurelio de los Reyes V of the UPD-CS Institute of Mathematics (UPD-CS IM) were commended for their exceptional contributions to Philippine society through their research.

NAST PHL recognized Dr. Bagamasbad for her research on the connection between stress, altered light-dark cycles, and breast cancer. Her study identified KLF9 as a gene connecting cortisol and circadian rhythm disruptions to breast cancer risk and progression. “The knowledge that is generated from basic research provides the solid foundation that enables us to answer many practical problems,” said Dr. Bagamasbad, noting that many Nobel Prize Laureates in Physiology or Medicine were recognized for understanding molecular and cellular processes without immediate practical aims.

The Academy also acknowledged Dr. de los Reyes for his groundbreaking research on hormone-based contraceptives, awarding him the outstanding research prize. “Our research on contraception dosing strategies goes beyond controlling population growth. It’s about empowering women by giving them safer, more informed ways to decide when to conceive and start motherhood. This is about supporting their health, their choices, and their futures,” he shared. “Using mathematics, we aim to design strategies that not only improve medical outcomes but also ensure that these decisions can be made confidently and with better understanding.”

NAST PHL, mandated with recognizing outstanding contributions to science and technology by Filipino scientists across all fields, honors individuals and institutions that have made significant advancements in knowledge generation, research, and the promotion of science and technology in the Philippines.

Dr. Bagamasbad and Dr. de los Reyes will be awarded the Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal for basic research, along with a plaque and cash prize, during the opening ceremony of NSTW on November 27. They are also invited to present their research at the ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth on November 28.

Both scientists will be featured in #PilipiNAST Kapehan, a series of discussions between NAST PHL and media and science communicators designed to highlight the Academy’s programs, activities, awardees, members, and relevant national issues.

The University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) recently organized a campaign focused on Genetic Modification (GM) and Gene Editing (GE) research in the country, as well as on the challenges faced by its researchers.

Titled “#GeneTalks,” the two-part, multi-stakeholder awareness campaign, spearheaded by the UPD-CS Office of the Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise (OADRIDE), aims to foster understanding and elevate the level of public discourse on genetic research by discussing the challenges, opportunities, and potentials of research in GE and GM, while also addressing common misconceptions related to the field. This event series emerged in response to the Court of Appeals’ ruling, case no. CA-G.R. SP No. 00038, which restricts the use, testing, and importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and its potential impact on the academe’s role as a research institution.

The first forum held on November 4 and titled “Lab to Field,” explores GM research, its regulatory processes in the Philippines, and its importance in agriculture. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Dr. Ernelea Cao, Professor Emeritus at the UPD-CS Institute of Biology on regulatory processes for GM research and its significance; Atty. Edmund Jason Baranda, Managing Partner of Baranda and Associates, on the Court of Appeal’s ruling on GMOs; and Dr. Lourdes Taylo, Bt Eggplant Project Leader, on Bt eggplant and the role of GMOs in food security and nutrition.

“Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring the ethical and responsible conduct of research, and for expanding our insights into GM research for the benefit of scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders,” said  UPD-CS National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) Director Dr. Pia Bagamasbad during the forum, who observed that scientists may not be aware of the broader implications of GM research and products.

On the other hand, the second forum, held on November 11 and titled “Edit to Innovation,” covers GE technologies, their potential across various fields, and their broader implications. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Dr. Reynante Ordonio, Senior Science Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, on the current status of biotechnology in the Philippines and GE applications; and Dr. Ron Leonard Dy, Associate Professor at the NIMBB, on the use of GE in molecular diagnostics.

“Communicating genetic research through talks such as #GeneTalks provides transparency, allowing the public to ask questions and check the validity of the scientists’ claims. It is a way to bring about societal trust and acceptance.” shared Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista, NIMBB Deputy Director for Research and Extension and Member of the UPD-CS Technical Working Group for GMO-related concerns. “When scientists share information about genetic research and their outcomes, they implicate their authenticity, accountability, and moral and social values.”

Selected students and researchers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman (UPD) participated in the Commservation Workshop, a two-day event focused on the basics of science communication and conservation. The workshop was organized by the UPD College of Science (UPD-CS) in collaboration with the non-profit organization Save Philippine Seas (SPS) and took place on October 12 and 14.

The Commservation Workshop is designed to build the science communication skills of conservation practitioners and enthusiasts, fostering a community of communicators for conservation. The workshop was open to UPD constituents interested in the conservation and restoration of the Philippines’ natural resources and environment, as well as in science communication.

A total of 21 participants were selected to join the workshop, and were introduced to the fundamentals of science communication, as well as data visualization, public speaking, grant writing, and fundraising. The activities allowed them to apply what they learned to their conservation efforts.

Apart from talks by invited speakers, the Commservation Workshop also included slam book sessions where participants could discuss their conservation efforts and aspirations in detail, as well as interactive mentorship sessions where they presented their communication outputs based on what they learned to the UPD-CS and SPS team for feedback and suggestions.

A documentary featuring projects of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) received the Best Science and Technology Investigative Story (Audio-Visual) trophy at the Department of Science and Technology’s 2024 Bantog Awards for Science Communication.

Produced by the GMA Integrated News Digital Innovation and Strategic Lab for their DigiDokyu segment, the episode, “Ang Plastic Mo! The Philippine Plastic Problem,” delved into the effects of plastic on the country’s marine environment, the livelihoods of fisherfolk, and the food supply.

According to the World Bank, as cited in the documentary, the Philippines produces 2.7 million metric tons of plastic annually, 20% of which ends up in the ocean. Published research on plastics frequently mentions the Philippines as a top contributor to marine plastic pollution, yet most of this research is based on model projections and lacks actual baseline data collected from Philippine marine areas. The growing problem of plastics in the country and the lack of accurate data on plastics pushed MSI to create projects addressing plastic pollution.

PlastiCount Pilipinas

PlastiCount Pilipinas aims to raise awareness among Filipinos about the widespread presence of plastics, particularly in marine environments and coastal communities, by quantifying plastic pollution in the Philippines, thereby encouraging action to address the issue. The Institute’s innovative project utilizes advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to efficiently count and collect comprehensive and reliable information on plastics in Philippine waters, and to effectively visualize and understand their composition in local communities. Quantifying mismanaged plastics allows the Philippines to establish metrics to track increases or decreases in plastic waste. Identifying plastic debris in the country’s waters can also help in developing policies and solutions tailored to the types of plastic found in specific locations.

Circular Explorer Project

In partnership with the cement manufacturing company Holcim and the environmental organization One Earth One Ocean, MSI launched the Circular Explorer Project to empower students and communities to practice environmental sustainability through a science-driven approach to ocean research. The Circular Explorer is the first solar-powered sea vessel designed to collect plastic waste from the water for recycling and is capable of clearing up to four tons of plastic daily with its built-in sensors and plastic collectors.

PlasMics Project

MSI also oversees the DOST-funded Plastics in the Marine Environment, Trophic System, and Aquaculture in the Philippines (PlasMics) Project, which aims to determine the prevalence and potential impact of plastics on the marine environment, as well as their implications for biodiversity and aquaculture.

Dr. Deo Florence Onda, principal investigator of the Microbial Oceanography Laboratory (MOLab) responsible for these projects, shared that MSI is now working with agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to harmonize the projects’ methodologies for national baselining. “The technology we are developing is already being adopted by national government agencies. That’s what we want – the university develops technology, and the national government adopts it for roll-out, application, and institutionalization.” MOLab also aims to make its initiatives more accessible to the general public through collaborations with media organizations.

DOST’s Bantog Awards for Science Communication aims to expand public interest in science, technology, and innovation, as well as to enhance science literacy in the Philippines. This year’s theme is “Driving Developments through Science Communication.”

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

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.