UK Recognizes UP Scientists’ Contributions to Philippine Research and Development

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Photo above shows Students using VISSER, a portable learning device CS Dean Giovanni Tapang helped commercialize (Photo credit: making.technology)

Pamela Louise Tolentino of UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) and CS Dean Giovanni Tapang are among the Filipino scientists highlighted by the UK in their decadal recap of joint scientific achievements with the Philippines.

Since 2014, Filipino scientists have been collaborating with UK scientists through the scientific partnership between the two countries. In 2016, the Newton Agham Fund was launched, aimed at providing £3 million (about ₱180 million) of funds for key research projects in health and life sciences, environmental resilience, and energy security.

Tolentino is one of the lead investigators in their project examining where rivers flow and how they change landscapes. By understanding the geomorphological processes behind river systems, their work provides evidence-based solutions for a more effective flood risk assessment and planning. Tolentino and colleagues’ work is under the “Understanding the Impacts of Hydrometeorological Hazards in Southeast Asia Programme” and is funded through the Newton Agham Fund.

In 2016, Dean Tapang was a Leaders in Innovation Fellow, a program that trains and mentors scientists in bringing their inventions to the market. Last year, he spearheaded the commercialization of the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER), a portable learning device that allows students to conduct 120 experiments in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and physics. At the end of the year, the company distributed 43 VISSER units and generated ₱3.4 million in total revenue. Read the VISSER press release here.

“Every project should have collaboration and inclusion at its core to have impacts that last way beyond its lifetime,” said Tolentino in UK’s Science Snapshot. “I honestly believe that more than the outputs such as methods and data developed from the project, it is truly the conversations where the common goal of providing a better future for everyone that will drive the changes.”

To express interest in continuing the partnership, the UK and the Philippines held the first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) at The Manila Peninsula Makati City on February 22, 2024. The JCM would now be held every two years to bolster cooperation between both parties.



By Harvey Sapigao

“Bridging Hearts and Hands”: The Pilot and the Scientist Unite for Social Good

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Left: Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas, Middle: Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD; Right: Capt. Stanley Ng




In a heartwarming collaboration, the President of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the UN-acclaimed scientist have come together to create a powerful outreach program called “Bridging Hearts and Hands”. This program aims to make a lasting impact on communities by fostering connections, empathy, and positive change.

Captain Stanley Ng, both a seasoned pilot and astute businessman, imparts invaluable wisdom drawn from his aviation journey and professional life. Recently, he kindled hope and joy during a visit to the Sandiwaan Center for Learning in Tondo, Manila. There, he delivered an inspiring talk, emphasizing hard work and the pursuit of dreams. Reflecting on his challenges as a student in Manila, Capt. Ng urged young listeners to persevere: “Life is an unpredictable adventure, much like climbing a mountain. As you ascend, you’ll encounter steep slopes, rocky paths, and breathtaking vistas. Remember that every step, even the challenging ones, contributes to your growth.”

“When doubt whispers, drown it out with determination. Remember, you’re not alone on this climb. You are capable, and your potential knows no bounds. The world needs your unique light, your unwavering spirit. Surround yourself with fellow adventurers, seek wisdom from those who’ve scaled their own peaks, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The summit awaits—your legacy etched against the sky,” Ng declared.

Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas, the UN Sasakawa Laureate and multi-awarded scientist, expressed his profound message: “Passion is the fire that ignites our souls, the compass that guides us through life’s labyrinth. It’s not about the accolades, the trophies, or the applause. No, true passion resides in the quiet moments when we lose ourselves in our craft, when time ceases to exist, and the world fades away. It’s the late nights spent perfecting a brushstroke, the melodies composed in solitude, the code written line by line with unwavering dedication.”

“Chase your passion relentlessly. Let it consume you, shape you, and propel you forward. And remember, the greatest reward lies not in the spotlight but in the quiet satisfaction of knowing you’ve poured your heart into something that matters," Banaguas added.

The “Bridging Hearts and Hands” initiative is a powerful reminder of shared humanity and the importance of kindness in every interaction. It’s a call to action that resonates deeply, inspiring every individual to create an atmosphere of compassion in communities. This project is a testament to the power of inspiring courageous deeds and the difference it can make in people’s lives.

Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD, the Sandiwaan Center Administrator, conveyed his appreciation for the contributions made by the two remarkable individuals: “May your kindness reverberate through the ages, a legacy etched in hearts and whispered by the wind. For every peso, every gesture, every act of love, we say: Thank you,” the priest mentioned.

Captain Stanley Ng, currently serving as President and COO at Philippine Airlines, boasts over 15 years of aviation expertise. His leadership has driven transformative initiatives, enhancing PAL’s punctuality and reliability. An alumnus of St. Stephen's High School, he completed the Advance Management Program at Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Major in Computer Applications from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Meanwhile, Banaguas—a distinguished scientist and science diplomat—stands as one of Asia’s foremost authorities on environment, climate change, and disaster risk. He studied Climate Change and Energy from the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University and Sustainability Leadership from Yale University. He took the Applied Remote Sensing Program from the National Aeronautics Space Administration and other postgraduate courses from the different world-class institutions.

The “Bridging Hearts and Hands”, which exemplifies the impact of compassion and understanding, resonates with the message, echoing hope and ambition for the next generation.

Japanese delegates conducts mission visit to PHLPost

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Representatives from Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Japan Post together with the Embassy of Japan successfully visited and conducted a two-day mission at the facilities of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) aimed at helping the postal service improve its mail dispatch and operations.

Japanese delegates met with PHLPost officials led by Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos. The visit is sponsored by the MIC Japan.

Japan is keen on collaborating with PHLPost on projects that would comprehensively carry out a broad range of activities to help improve the postal operations particularly at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

This will enable PHLPost to improve and optimized its mail delivery to meet the growing demand especially in e-commerce.

Japan has one of the best postal services and infrastructure in the world. Japan Post Co., Ltd. is a member of the Japan Post Group and operates approximately 24,000 post offices nationwide that provide universal postal, banking and insurance service.

The delegates from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan are Mr. Goto Akira, Deputy Director, Mr. Yamaguchi Hirohisa, Assistant Director, Mr. Hitomi Akihiko, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Ms. Takachi Haruko, Executive Manager and Mr. Okada Naoto, Expert from Japan Post Co. Ltd.

Aside from CMEC in Pasay City, the Japanese delegates observed and studied mail dispatch and operations in Makati Central Post Office and Quezon City Central Post Office, two of the biggest post offices in Mega Manila.

According to Postmaster General Carlos, the output of the visit will help PHLPost increase its operational efficiency and will contribute to the Integrated Index for Postal Development Score of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in terms of Reliability.

“Our goal is to increase the ranking of the Philippines in the UPU from rank 4 to 6. To comply with this requirement, we need to increase the four (4) R’s, which is Reliability, Reach, Relevance and Resiliency”, he said.