By Nympha G. Borromeo, StratCom Intern

Dr. Sergio Capareda, professor of Texas A&M University in the United States, has returned in Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to serve as balik-scientist anew. He will help the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) intensify bio-mass renewable energy production. 

In a welcome program held on May 2 at the NBERIC Auditorium, Dr. Capareda bared that he will assess the effluent of the bioethanol distiller for biogas production, existing biogas reactor for power generation, and downdraft gasifier genset. He will also help the university draft and submit research proposals on water harvesting and renewable energy. 

Moreover, the visiting professor will conduct lectures to the Professional Science Masters in Renewable Energy Engineering (PSM-REE) students of the MMSU Graduate School. 

NBERIC Director Roque Ulep thanked Dr. Capareda for coming back to MMSU. He also expressed confidence that the balik-scientist would greatly contribute in further strengthening the university’s research and development program on clean and renewable energy. 

For his part, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU vice president for research and extension, said the expertise of Dr. Capareda was instrumental in the establishment of the NBERIC, and in the offering of the PSM-REE program which is a first in the country and in the Southeast Asia. 

The university vice president also urged the researchers and students to take the opportunity to gain knowledge from the balik-scientist.

A consistent visiting professor in MMSU, Dr. Capareda previously served in the university in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018. 

The Balik-Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology encourages Filipino scientists and technologists to return and reside in the Philippines to share scientific and technological expertise for the development of the country. This program aligns with the university’s goal to create relevant and innovative research programs under the ACHIEVE agenda of MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis. (JVBT/DPT, StratCom)