MMSU hosts 7th JAAP International R&D Confab
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
To further strengthen international research cooperation, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP), in collaboration with the JSPS Bangkok Office, held its 7th International Research Development Conference on November 21 at the MMSU Teatro Ilocandia, City of Batac.
Themed, “Advancing Global Research Synergies for Resilient and Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems,” the conference was co-organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), and Central Luzon State University (CLSU).
The event brought together researchers from JSPS Bangkok, University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, De La Salle University - Manila, representatives from state universities and colleges in the country, as well as MMSU officials, faculty, staff, and students. MMSU was represented by Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog, on behalf of President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah Buendia, delivered the keynote message, sharing DOST’s different programs and strategies to promote research and development in the country. Among these programs are the Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D, R&D Leadership (RDLead), Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE), and the Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program.
In his message, Dr. Alibuyog recognized that scientific progress cannot flourish in isolation; thus, it “thrives in collaboration with institutions, researchers, and communities working together to generate knowledge and address plural challenges.” He added that engagements like this further enhance MMSU’s research outputs and strengthen institutional resources to contribute to meaningful global innovations.
The conference also featured two MMSU research experts, sharing insights on biological science and innovative materials. Dr. James Paul Madigal presented his study, “When White meets Red: The case of the Natural Mutant Mulberry Wood Lacking Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase”. Meanwhile, Dr. Emie Mirasol shared her insights on the study "Innovating High-Value Materials from Agriwaste: A Comparative Exploration of Rice Hull-Derived Silica and Carbon from Japan and the Philippines.”
Speakers from other institutions in Japan and the Philippines also shared valuable insights on topics that promote inclusive innovation ecosystems, addressing both global and local challenges. For the Philippines, the priority is to establish resilient food security, agriculture, fisheries, health, and environmental sustainability to achieve long-term national development goals.
Prior to the conference, the organization convened at MMSU Center for Flexible Learning (CFL) on November 19 for their general assembly and awarding of outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellows.
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is an independent administrative institution in Japan dedicated to contributing to the advancement of science in all fields of the natural and social sciences and the humanities. JAAP is currently led by its president, Dr. Karl Marx Quiazon.
A collaborative research partnership exists between JSPS and the Philippines through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This partnership includes initiatives like the DOST-JSPS Joint Research Project, which supports joint research between Filipino and Japanese scientists. Additionally, there are scholarship and fellowship opportunities for researchers, such as the JSPS International Fellowships for Research in Japan, which are open to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines. JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) is the official JSPS Alumni organization in the country.
Nov, 21, 2025 02:33:pm
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STRATCOM
