US-ISRAELI GOVERNMENT ITIGIL ANG KARAHASAN SA PALESTINA – PINAY COMFORT WOMEN

Nakikiisa ang grupo ng LILA PILIPINA sa pandaigdigang komunidad sa panawagan para sa wakasan ang pananakop ng US-Israeli sa Palestine.

Hiniling ng grupo na itigil ang genocide o malawakang pagpatay ng mga mamamayang Palestinian at ang kakila-kilabot na pambobomba ng Israel sa Gaza strip na halos sumira sa buong lungsod.

Ayon sa kanila, sinusuportahan ng Estados Unidos ang walang puso at mala-kriminal na gobyerno ng Punong Ministro Netanyahu na walang paggalang sa pandaigdigang batas ng kapayapaan sa halip ay pinaiigting ang galit ng lahi ng sa pagitan ng mga mamamayang Israeli laban sa mga Palestinian sa pagpapalawak ng mga imprastrakturang militar ng Israel para sa pagsugpo ng pakikibaka ng mamamayang Palestinian para sa pambansang kalayaan ng mga Palestino.

Nababahala umano ang Lila Pilipina at humihiling ng mga pangdaigdigang pagsisiyasat laban sa iniulat na paggamit ng militar nang sekswal na karahasan ng mga sundalong Israeli laban sa mga babaeng Palestinian.

Ang Lila Pilipina ay ang organisasyon ng Filipino Comfort Women. Bilang naging biktima ng karahasang sekswal ng militar ng Hapon noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, kinondena ng Lila Pilipina ang paggamit ng sekswal na karahasan ng militar laban sa mga kababaihan ng nasasakop o kolonisadong mga bansa.

Nanawagan din kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang mga panukalang kasunduan sa depensa at militar sa gobyerno ng Israel. Ayon sa grupo, bantog ang kakila-kilabot na rekord ng Israel ng genocide, militarismo at apartheid laban sa mga Palestinian at mahabang rekord ng pakikipagtulungang militar sa imperyalistang adyenda ng US.

ITIGIL ANG US-ISRAELI OCCUPATION OF PALESTIN ! ITIGIL ANG ISRAELI MILITARY SEXUAL VIOLEANCE LABAN SA MGA BABAENG PALESTINIAN ! ITIGIL ANG GENOCIDE LABAN SA MGA TAONG PALESTINIAN ! Sigaw ng Pinay Comfort Women.-30-

QCPD’s 1 Day Ops Yield 24 Law Violators of Various Offenses

June 29, 2023—-With the non-stop campaign against all forms of criminality of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), 24 individuals were successfully apprehended through its various units and police stations.

In the campaign against illegal drugs, 15 individuals were apprehended in a series of buy-bust operations. An aggregate value of shabu worth Php114,240.00, buy-bust money, and several drug paraphernalia were confiscated from the suspects.

The Talipapa Police Station (PS 3) under PLTCOL Mark Janis Ballesteros arrested Janeth Raresa at 9:40 PM of June 28, 2023 at Ilalim ng Tulay, Brgy. Unang Sigaw, Quezon City while the Novaliches Police Station (PS 4) under PLTCOL Jerry Castillo arrested Aldrin Bacaran and Ramon Arante at 5:30 AM of June 29, 2023 at Sitio Kawayan Bagong Tuklas, Brgy. San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Likewise, the Fairview Police Station (PS 5) under PLTCOL Elizabeth Jasmin arrested Nelson Rucio and Maria Luisa Sobrepeña at 1:30 AM of June 29, 2023 along JP Rizal St., Brgy. Sta Lucia, Quezon City.

Moreover, the Project 4 Police Station (PS 8) under PLTCOL Leoben Ong arrested Carmela Bacoto at 8:40 PM of June 28, 2023 along Magat Salamat corner Kalantiaw, Brgy. Bagumbuhay, Quezon City while the Holy Spirit Police Station (PS 14) under PLTCOL May Genio arrested Lito Lebrino; Sdran Diño; and Aleah Torralba at 4:00 AM of June 29,2023 along Usaffe St., Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City.

The Project 6 Police Station (PS 15) under PLTCOL Richard Mepania arrested Mark Jonald Ross and Alvin Macapagal at 8:50 PM of June 28, 2023 at Lot 9, Blk 8, No. 102 Seminary Road, Sitio Militar, Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City while the Payatas Bagong Silangan Police Station (PS 13) under PLTCOL Roldante Sarmiento arrested Merfe Barrios; Bryce Jare Bongat; and Angelito Palconet at 11:15 PM of June 28, 2023 at Tagumpay St., Brgy. Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.

Lastly, the PS 4 arrested Randy Mariano who was holding a knife at 12:00 PM of June 28, 2023 at No. 16 Avocado St., Brgy. Capri, Novaliches, Quezon City and when frisked, one (1) piece sachet of shabu was confiscated.

The suspects will be charged for violation of R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charge for violation of C.O. 5121 or the Possession of Bladed Weapon will be filed against suspect Mariano before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

On the other hand, nine (9) gamblers were arrested by the following police stations and units:

For playing “Cara y Cruz”, the PS 3 arrested Nelson Amaro; Anthonie Ramilo; and Kenneth Miranda at 10:30 PM of June 28, 2023 at NDR Camachille, Brgy. Unang Sigaw, Quezon City while the PS 8 arrested Roque Mangado and Cristopher Bacoto at 3:50 PM of June 28, 2023 along P. Burgos St., corner Malong St., Marilag Project 4, Quezon City.

Lastly, the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) under PLTCOL Rolando Lorenzo Jr., arrested four (4) gamblers namely: Jodel Fernandez; Jaime Delacruz; Ezekiel Magallon; and Julius Alipayo at 3:20 PM of June 28, 2023 at Ilalim ng Tulay, Brgy. Balon Bato, Quezon City.

Several gambling paraphernalia and bet money were confiscated from the suspects and they will be charged for violation of P.D. 1602 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

“Ang kampanya laban sa mga wanted persons, ipinagbabawal na droga, at illegal gambling ay patuloy na pinaiigting ng kapulisan ng QCPD upang maaresto at makulong ang mga taong gumawa ng krimen at mabigyan ng hustisya ang kanilang mga naging biktima,” QCPD Director PBGEN Nicolas D Torre III said as he lauded the operatives.

ProudToBeQCPD

PhilSA sa publiko: Gamitin ang open data science para sa space data mobilization sa panahon ng kalamidad at emerhensiya

Ang Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) ay nananawagan sa mga katuwang na media at sa publiko na tangkilin at gamitin ang open data source application na ODK Collect upang mag-ambag ng impormasyon mula sa lupa bago, habang, at pagkatapos ng mga sakuna. Ang nasabing aplikasyon ay ginagamit din para sa pagsubaybay sa kapaligiran.

Ang ODK Collect ay mada-download sa mga Android device nang libre. Ang data na na-upload sa app ay napupunta sa isang server na naa-access ng iba’t ibang ahensya kabilang ang High Performance Computing and Information Services Division (HPCISD) ng PhilSA. Ang impormasyong na-verify ng HPCISD ay ipinapadala sa Space Data Mobilization and Applications Division (SDMAD) para sa aksyon.

Ayon kay Engr. Roel de la Cruz, Supervising Science Research Specialist ng SDMAD, ang crowd-sourced information sa space data mobilization ay nagpapalaki sa pangangalap ng ulat na magagamit sa pagbibigay-priyoridad sa mga satellite tasking sa panahon ng mga sakuna at emerhensiya, at gayundin sa pagtiyak ng ‘space-based mapping outputs’ at pagbutihin ang mga algorithm na ginamit.

Ipinaliwanag ni G. Mark Jayson Felix ng PhilSA ESSMSD ang halaga ng predictive models kasabay ng satellite images at ground data para sa pinahusay na disaster preparedness at strategic response: “Ang mga modelo ay nagbibigay-daan sa amin na gayahin nang maaga ang iba’t ibang mga sitwasyon ng sakuna, na maaaring makapaghanda at tumugon sa napapanahon at mahusay na paraan,” saad ni Engr. Felix.

“Ang Citizen Science ay agham para sa mga tao, ng mga tao, at ang agham ay binuo sa impormasyon at katotohanan. Sa pamamagitan nito, hinihikayat namin ang lahat na mag-ambag ng impormasyon, kung posible, sa pamamagitan ng magagamit na mga tool,” sabi ni G. Randy Beros, Computer Maintenance Technologist III ng HPCISD.

“Lahat ay maaaring gumawa ng agham, at ang kontribusyon ng bawat isa sa atin ay mahalaga sa pagbuo ng siyentipikong kaalaman na pakikinabangan ng lipunan,” sabi ni Engr. Dagdag ni Kristine Bantay, Senior Science Research Specialist ng SDMAD.

Upang i-download ang ODK Collect, maaari mong i-access ang link na ito: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.odk.collect.android&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1

Pinaaalalahanan lamang ang mga publiko sa pagpapadala ng mga impormasyon o larawan gamit ang ODK Collect app na gamitin ito nang tapat at hindi ang layunin ay makapanloko. Paliwanag ni Engr. Randy Beros, na sa iba-ban registered account kung mapapatunayang peke o maling impormasyon ang ipinadala. Tiniyak nila na sa sandaling ang binatong larawaan o impormasyon ay totoong kaganapan o resulta ng anumang kalamidad o sakunang nangyari, makikita ito sa Space Data Dashboard.

Ang Space Data Dashboard ay binubuo ng mga datos ng traffic monitoring, air quality, water quality, night lights at land cover. Bisitahin ang https://mk2.philsa.gov.ph/spacedata/ para sa iba pang datos o impormasyong nais ninyong malaman.

Matatandaan na Setyembre 2022 nang inilunsad ang Pinas Network na kinapapalooban ng iba’t-iba’t kategorya: Pinas LGU’s, Pinas NGA’s, Pinas Academe, Pinas CSO’s, Pinas Enterprise at Pinas Citizen Science.

Ang PhilSA ay tumutulong sa pagbawas sa panganib ng kalamidad at mga pagsisikap sa pamamahala gamit ang mga asset ng kalawakan at data ng espasyo ng bansa ayon sa mandato ng RA 11363 o Philippine Space Act.

Bisitahin din ang website ng Philippine Space Agency: https://philsa.gov.ph/ para sa karagdagang impormasyon o update.#

VP Sara Duterte as the first choice for President in 2028, followed closely bySenator Raffy Tulfo.

A new survey conducted by Tangere, a big data research firm, reveals that 3 to 4 out of 10 Filipinos prefers Vice President Sara Duterte as their first choice for president if the 2028 Presidential Elections were held today. This is driven by respondents from Mindanao (3 out of 4 prefers VP Sara as President), Visayas, Northern Luzon, and Central Luzon. She is followed closely by Senator Raffy Tulfo with 30%. VP Duterte and Sen. Tulfo are followed distantly by Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso (9%), Former Vice President Leni Robredo (8%), and Senator Grace Poe (8%). Other potential candidates for 2028 received less than 2% of the Votes – Sen. Imee Marcos (2%), Former Senator Manny Pacquiao (2%), and Speaker Martin Romualdez (1%).

Senator Raffy Tulfo leads as the secondary choice for president if their initial selected potential candidate will not run, this is driven by respondents who selected VP Sara Duterte as their first choice of president (39%). Former Vice President Leni Robredo is the top potential candidate for the question on the candidates the respondents would not choose or vote for.

The survey was conducted via mobile-based respondents last May 22-24, 2023 and involved a sample size of 2,000 participants. The non-commissioned survey was conducted following the irrevocable resignation of VP Sara Duterte as a member of the Lakas-CMD political party citing ‘political toxicity’ and ‘political powerplay’ as her reason for leaving. The proportion was spread throughout the country with 12% from Metro Manila, 23% from North and Central Luzon, 22% from South Luzon, 20% from Visayas, and 23% from Mindanao.

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Tangere is an award-winning technology and innovation-driven market research, and opinion poll company, boasting a nationwide respondent base of over 700,000, which is continually growing.#

VP SARA DUTERTE ANG GUSTO NG MGA PILIPINO SA 2028 ELEKSYON

VP SARA DUTERTE ang nangungunang pinagpipilian para sa pagka-Pangulo sa darating na 2028 Presidential election ayon sa non-commissioned survey na isinagawa sa pamamagitan ng mobile-based na mga respondent noong Mayo 22-24, 2023 na mula sa 2,000 kalahok.

Bunsod ng ‘irrevocable resignation’ ni VP Sara Duterte bilang miyembro ng Lakas-CMD political party na binanggit ang ‘political toxicity’ at ‘political powerplay’ na dahilan ng kanyang pag-alis. Tumaas ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong nakitaan ng potensyal na susunod na lider ng bansa si Duterte.

Ayon sa bagong survey na isinagawa ng Tangere, isang big data research firm, ay nagpapakita na 3 hanggang 4 sa 10 Pilipino ang mas pinipili si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte bilang kanilang unang pagpipilian para sa pangulo kung ang 2028 Presidential Elections ay gaganapin ngayon.

Ang proporsyon ay kumalat sa buong bansa na may 12% mula sa Metro Manila, 23% mula sa North at Central Luzon, 22% mula sa South Luzon, 20% mula sa Visayas, at 23% mula sa Mindanao.

Mula sa Mindanao (3 sa 4 ay mas pinipili si VP Sara bilang Pangulo), Visayas, Hilagang Luzon, at Gitnang Luzon. Mahigpit siyang sinundan ni Senator Raffy Tulfo na may 30%. Sina VP Duterte at Sen. Tulfo ay sinundan ng malayo nina Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso (9%), Former Vice President Leni Robredo (8%), at Senator Grace Poe (8%). Ang iba pang potensyal na kandidato para sa 2028 ay nakatanggap ng mas mababa sa 2% ng mga Boto – sina Sen. Imee Marcos (2%), Dating Senador Manny Pacquiao (2%), at Speaker Martin Romualdez (1%).

Samantala, nangunguna si Senator Raffy Tulfo bilang pangalawang pagpipilian para sa pangulo kung hindi tatakbo ang kanilang paunang napiling potensyal na kandidato, ito ay hinihimok ng mga respondent na pumili kay VP Sara Duterte bilang kanilang unang piniling pangulo (39%). Si dating Bise Presidente Leni Robredo ang nangungunang potensyal na kandidato para sa tanong sa mga kandidatong hindi pipiliin o iboboto ng mga respondent.

Ang Tangere ay isang award-winning na teknolohiya at innovation-driven na market research, at opinion poll company, na ipinagmamalaki ang nationwide respondent base na mahigit 700,000, na patuloy na lumalaki.#

Manila Water Foundation unites with the world at the UN 2023 Water Conference

Aligned with the celebration of World Water Day, Manila Water Foundation, the social development arm of Manila Water Company, joined the United Nations (UN) 2023 Water Conference last March 22-24. The urgent gathering of world leaders show that water truly unites the world, especially amid climate change. After almost 50 years since the last UN Water Conference, world leaders of government and businesses share commitments to a sustainable future through collaboration and cooperation surrounding water action.

Manila Water Foundation was the only Philippine private organization granted special accreditation to participate in the 2023 UN Water Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The Conference was convened by the United Nations General Assembly and co-hosted by the Government of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Manila Water Foundation Integrated WASH Program Manager Bess Par is part of the delegation from the Philippines. Representatives from national government agencies attended the Water Conference led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System – Corporate Office (MWSS CO), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System – Regulatory Office (MWSS RO), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and National Housing Authority (NHA).

The primary outcome of the conference will be the Water Action Agenda, which is “the collection of all water-related voluntary commitments to accelerate progress in the second half of the Water Action Decade 2018-2028 and the second half of the 2030 Agenda.” There were five interactive dialogues within the Conference: Water for Health, Water for Sustainable Development, Water for Climate, Resilience and Environment, Water for Cooperation and milestones on the Water Action Decade.

The closing session of the conference featured summaries from the five interactive dialogues which got to the heart not only of what water is, but what it can be: a driver of equality, a solution to the climate crisis, a facilitator of peace.

UN-Water Chair and Director General of the International Labor Organization Gilbert Houngbo concluded: “Water is and shall remain everyone’s business”. He noted that the conference demonstrated the importance of cooperation across sectors, stakeholders, and borders.

At the closing plenary, governments, businesses and civil society shared commitments and investments for the water agenda and overall sustainable development.

The Manila Water Company Sustainability Policy and Climate Change Policy along with WASH and environmental programs of Manila Water Foundation demonstrate the company’s commitment to contribute to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or the UN SDGs.

The Power of Innovation and Sustainability: Lessons from Zayed Sustainability Prize Winners in the Philippines

by: Jehan Prochina

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, which is one of the most prestigious sustainability awards globally, held a recent webinar named “A Winners’ Journey.” It was an event where previous winners from the Philippines shared their experiences and encouraged other interested parties to apply for the 2024 Cycle. The prize was named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the UAE to celebrate and support innovative solutions that address global sustainability challenges.

Two Filipino winners spoke at the webinar. Illac Diaz won the energy category in 2015 with his Liter of Light project and Ma. Regaele Olarte and Jason Albaro won the Global High School category in 2019 with their ReVAMP proposal.

Illac Diaz’s Liter of Light project is a lighting solution for marginalized communities that lack access to electricity. The project uses recycled plastic soda bottles, water, bleach, and simple technology to build bottle lights that provide affordable and eco-friendly lighting. Diaz’s NGO, My Shelter Foundation, trains cooperatives on how to build this technology, and it has helped more than 145,200 families in over 15 countries.

Ma. Regaele Olarte and Jason Albaro’s ReVAMP project is a scalable solar-powered micro-farm that produces high-value products from green algae. The project won the Zayed Sustainability Prize in 2019 in the Global High School category for the East Asia and Pacific region. The US$100,000 prize money was used to build their algae micro-farm, and they also used the project to teach their students about sustainability and green energy.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a well-regarded international award that recognizes the most innovative and impactful solutions to global sustainability challenges. Each year, the prize receives thousands of applications from individuals, organizations, and schools worldwide who are working towards creating a sustainable future. The prize is awarded in five categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools. Winners receive a cash prize of up to $600,000 and access to a network of global leaders, experts, and innovators who can help them scale their solutions and maximize their impact.

Applying for the Zayed Sustainability Prize can offer several advantages. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to gain recognition for sustainability efforts on a global stage, and winning the prize can elevate the profile of your project or organization. Secondly, it provides substantial financial support that can help in funding research and development, expanding operations, or scaling impact. Thirdly, the prize provides access to a global network of sustainability experts, policymakers, and thought leaders who can provide valuable guidance and support. Finally, the application process can help reflect on sustainability efforts and refine the approach.

We encourage more Filipino innovators to apply for the prize and be recognized for their invaluable efforts in creating a sustainable future for communities.#

FFCCCII’s Biennial Convention Sees Filipino Chinese Business Leaders Rallying for Sustainable Growth

By: Jehan Prochina

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) is optimistic about the Philippine economy, forecasting growth of 6% to 7% in 2023, citing positive macroeconomic factors and economic recoveries in ASEAN and China. The announcement was made during the FFCCCII’s biennial national convention, which brought together 800 business leaders and delegates from Filipino Chinese chambers across the country. The convention, themed “Unity for Development & Prosperity,” was the first in four years due to the global pandemic.

Hon. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. , President of the Republic of the Philippines

The convention’s opening ceremony featured President Bongbong Marcos as guest of honor and speaker, and the luncheon was hosted by BDO Unibank, SM Investment Corp., and China Bank. The late SM Group founder Henry Sy, Sr. was one of the most respected leaders of the Filipino Chinese business community and was Senior Executive Adviser of the FFCCCII.

Outgoing FFCCCII President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, who is CEO of Sterling Paper Group and founder of hybrid rice pioneer SL Agritech, delivered a welcome speech at the convention. He thanked FFCCCII officers and members for their support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the organization’s contributions to relief efforts and health programs.

FFCCCII was the lead organization in the Filipino Chinese Community Calamity Fund, which raised and donated P300 million worth of relief supplies, including medical goods and food, to those affected by the pandemic and natural disasters.

Despite the pandemic, FFCCCII continued to prioritize its flagship program, “Operation: Barrio Schools,” which constructs school buildings across the country. Since its inception in 1961, the program has built over 6,000 two-classroom school buildings or equivalent to 12,148 classrooms. The organization is currently constructing over 480 school buildings.

In his speech, Dr. Liong emphasized the importance of unity in achieving development and prosperity. He also highlighted the FFCCCII’s efforts to promote sustainable business practices, including the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and the promotion of circular economy principles.

The convention included presentations on various topics, such as digital transformation, international trade, and sustainable development. It also featured a new pledging session for “Operation: Barrio Schools” and the election of new FFCCCII officers.

FFCCCII Chairman Emeritus Dr. Lucio C. Tan of the LT Group, Inc. was also in attendance at the convention. The LT Group is involved in various industries, including banking, airlines, breweries, and distilleries.

Overall, the FFCCCII’s biennial national convention served as a platform for Filipino Chinese business leaders to come together, share ideas, and reaffirm their commitment to promoting economic growth and sustainable development in the Philippines.#

(Jehan Prochina/Tuklasin Natin)

Pinoy inventor jumpstarts monthly innovation forum

Inventors revolutionize the world because they often see in a different light—sometimes literally so, as in the case of this Filipino scientist-entrepreneur.

A distinguished professor and biochemist, Dr. Carlito Lebrilla of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is also a corresponding member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). He will be highlighting his research on mass spectrometry and the fundamentals of innovation for startup companies at the free inaugural iStories webinar hosted by the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) this coming March 27.

A business born from mass spectrometry

Dr. Lebrilla’s research is focused on understanding fundamental processes in the ionization, fragmentation, and detection of ions. This enabled him to build a complex Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer that marked the start of a research and teaching career centered on mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to identify and quantify compounds, and determine structure and chemical properties of molecules via molecular weight determination. Chemists can use a mass spectrometer to ionize a molecular compound in gaseous form, sort the fragments, and then identify the molecule fragments based on their molecular weights. Applications of mass spectrometry include determination of rock ages, biochemical evolution of the Earth, and space explorations.

In Dr. Lebrilla’s case, his work on mass spectrometry helped him transition into the biomedical field that led him to develop methods for characterizing glycoconjugates—the biochemicals that contain carbohydrates bonded to some other compounds such as protein and lipid—in cells, animals, and humans.

Dr. Lebrilla’s further research and discoveries in mass spectrometry have led to several patents and the founding of at least five companies. “I realized there were so many problems that mass spectrometry can solve in food, in health, and even in basic fundamental biological issues. I just kept finding new ideas there, which really appealed to me,” he says in one interview with Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectronomy.

iStories: a monthly series on innovation

iStories is one of UPD-CS’s initiatives to lead more researchers and students to adopt the perception of nation-building through science, according to Dr. Ricky B. Nellas, the Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise (ADRIDE) of the College of Science.

“Innovations, especially recent advances in the fields of data science and breakthroughs in technology, have accelerated our knowledge on relevant fields of science such as disease biology, artificial intelligence, and the knowledge-research-product pipeline. It is only paramount for us, especially young scientists, to be up to speed with current advances in science and technology. We hope that the iStories webinar series would motivate Filipino scientists to forge new collaborations in order to solve relevant and neglected local and worldwide problems, through innovation-centric research.” he explained.

iStories is a free webinar series with innovation-themed lectures, storytelling, and activities featuring local and international scientists. The initiative is aimed at igniting the creativity and inventiveness of young scientists not just from the College of Science, but from other institutes inside and outside UP.

“We started this initiative to showcase the different paths towards scientific innovations that can be emulated by our researchers and students in order to contribute to nation building,” says CS Innovation Team Head, Dr. Lerrie Ann Ipulan-Colet. The team is composed of innovation representatives from nine institutes under the UPD-CS.#

Irreplaceable marine resources of Verde Island Passage under threat from oil spill

The priceless marine resources and famously pristine beaches of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) in the Southern Tagalog region remain under threat from swaths of thick black oil from the MT Princess Empress tanker that sank off Naujan, Occidental Mindoro, last February 28.

Located between Batangas and Mindoro, the VIP is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to thousands of unique species. With some of the highest concentrations of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, seagrasses, and mangroves worldwide, it is the main source of food and livelihood for over seven million people. The area also encompasses Puerto Galera, whose white sand beaches are internationally-acclaimed tourist destinations that are another vital source of revenue for local communities.

Experts from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) have been working closely around the clock with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) alongside other universities, government agencies, and stakeholders in a race to address the oil spill and stop it from spreading.

“The VIP is home to endangered and threatened species including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams,” the UPD-CS MSI said in an update. “Damage from the oil spill may affect biodiversity (including endemic species only found in the Philippines as well as species yet to be discovered), tourism revenues, and food security in the area,” they added.

The UPD-CS MSI’s latest bulletin references a NOAA/NESDIS report based on satellite data which shows that oil was still leaking out of the sunken vessel as of March 19 and the visible oil slick is extending northwest towards the VIP.

“The Verde Island Passage represents a large portion of the country’s marine biodiversity, and is a vital resource for millions of people, past and present,” said UPD-CS MSI Associate Professor Irene Rodriguez. “If we work together, we can still hopefully safeguard it for future generations to come.”