UPV Researchers participated in the recently concluded 2024 Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Scientific Conference and 21st Visayas Regional Assembly in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental last July 23, 2024, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence for Responsive Transdisciplinary Research Towards a Sustainable Scientific Future”.

Researchers of the two projects implemented by UPV RRC joined in the Scientific Poster Competition. Requisites to join the competing posters category include DOST-funded researches and to have at least one (Regular or Associate) NRCP member as its main, co-author, or corresponding author. The teams included the DOST PCAARRD-funded project entitled “Production and Evaluation of Dried Microalgal Biomass for Improved Shelf-life and Product Diversifications”, and the DOST PCIEERD-funded project entitled “Farm to Fashion: Characterization of Philippine Yarn Products Supply and Value Chain, and Sustainability Plans”.

The Dried Microalgal Biomass (DMB) Project Team competed in Cluster 3 (Natural Sciences) category with the research poster entitled “Optimization and evaluation of post-harvest methods for the production of dried microalgal (Chlorella sorokiniana) biomass using Response Surface Methodology”, and the Farm to Fashion (FTF) Project Team competed in Cluster 1 (Social Sciences) category. The Farm to Fashion Team was awarded as the winning poster for the Cluster 1 (Social Sciences) category entitled “Farm To Fashion: Initiating Digital Transformation of the RYPIC-produced Natural Textile Fibers (NTFs) Value Chain Mapping System in the Philippines.

The DMB project team are composed of Brittany Miroslava Briton (RRC), Cezarie L. Golingay (RRC), and Dr. Jade G. Pahila (RRC, Project Leader, and NRCP Associate Member). Meanwhile, the FTF project team are composed of Jonathan Chris C. Bañas (RRC), Adrianne Fritz D. Parra (RRC), Claire Samantha T. Juanico (PGC Visayas), Dr. Jade G. Pahila (RRC, and NRCP Associate Member), and Jose Marie A. Eslopor (RRC, Project Leader, and NRCP Associate Member).

At the same time, other UPV researchers also participated and were newly inducted as Associate and Regular Members. Newly-inducted NRCP Associate Members included Asst. Prof. Jonalyn P. Mateo (CFOS IMFO), and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sanley S. Abila (Prof Ed), and newly-inducted NRCP Regular Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cherryl Joy Fernandez-Abila (CM). Asst. Prof. Engr. Dennis C. Ong, PhD (SoTech) also participated in the same event; meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Dr. Cherry P. Añasco (CFOS IA) was one of the three plenary speakers of the conference.

The DOST NRCP is crowd of the nation’s scholars which aims to promote and support the fundamental or basic research for the continuing improvement of the research capability among researchers; foster linkages with local and international scientific organizations for enhanced scientific information collaboration; advance national interests through research-based recommendations; and promote scientific and technological culture in fostering an inclusive and progressive research and development for the Filipino people.

#ScienceForAll #InclusiveRanD #NRCP2024 #DOST #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

Written By: Jose Marie Eslopor, RRC