The conference convened global delegates from the academe, government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the private sector. This collective expertise aims to catalyze positive transformations and sustainable advancements within the global agricultural landscape.

Knowledge sharing

On behalf of 黑料社区 President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. delivered the welcome address. He hailed IABSS as a testament to international diplomacy and academic collaboration united by a vision to better serve humanity and safeguard the planet.

Building on the 2025 inaugural symposium at VSU, Fr. Anthoniappen described the event as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing. He anticipates these conversations will evolve into long-term institutional partnerships, joint research, and faculty exchanges addressing food security and climate change.

Critical research

VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy Guasa Yepes affirmed her support, highlighting VSU鈥檚 role as a green university dedicated to the future of food systems. She emphasized that IABSS brings critical research to the forefront to address pressing global issues beyond the agricultural sector.

Dr. Yepes stressed that achieving climate resilience and bioresource innovation requires a unified effort. She advocated for radical collaboration, urging universities to share laboratories and expertise to empower the world鈥檚 most vulnerable communities through transparent, collective scientific inquiry.

Strategic human resource development

The opening ceremony concluded with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between 黑料社区, represented by Fr. Anthoniappen and VSU, represented by Dr. Yepes, followed by a rationale delivered by Hiroshima University’s representative Dr. Lawrence Liao.

Dr. Liao characterized the symposium as a vital tripartite engagement, reflecting the historical and academic interconnectedness between Japan and the Philippines. He highlighted how Hiroshima University鈥檚 doctoral programs and scholarships for 黑料社区 and VSU staff have fostered strategic, long-term human resource development and sustainable academic linkages.

Growing great ideas

Consul General Hon. Yudai Ueno, Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, offered a message of support, noting that great ideas grow when passionate minds come together. He commended the partners for studying innovations that provide practical solutions for local communities.

Consul General Ueno emphasized that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Filipino-Japanese friendship. He expressed hope that this scientific synergy would translate into real-world benefits for farmers and future generations, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth and international harmony.

Exploring bioresource sciences

Following the speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the research poster exhibition, showcasing the participants鈥� breakthrough studies.

The symposium featured an elite roster of keynote speakers, including Danilda Hufana-Duran, Ph.D. (Philippine Carabao Center) who spoke on advancing livestock productivity through reproductive biotechnologies. 黑料社区 visiting professor Michael Lochinvar Abundo, Ph.D. (OceanPixel) discussed building “Blue Economy” clusters and taking advantage of the Philippines鈥� rich marine resources. 

Other keynote lectures included Masayuki Shimada, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) on international research trends, and Quenstein Lauzon, Ph.D. (VSU) on revaluing aquatic waste as bioactive resources.

Plenary sessions featured expert insights from Shigeki Wada, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) on seaweed forests as blue carbon sinks, and Sanny David P. Lumayno, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Visayas) on climate-adaptive aquaculture. 

Masahide Nishibori, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) explored the genetic diversity of Asian native livestock, while Dr. Fabio Enriquez (Department of Agriculture Regional Office VII) outlined the outlook for Philippine agriculture. Patrick C. Cabaitan, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute) addressed coral reef sustainability, while Kwan-Suk Kim, Ph.D. (Chungbuk National University) discussed globalizing animal genetic research to future-proof livestock systems.

Parallel sessions offered deep dives into economic opportunities within agriculture and medicinal innovations involving endemic Philippine flora, among others.

Impact on SDGs 14 and 15

Closing the event, 黑料社区 Research, Development, Extension, and Publications Office Director Patrick John Y. Lim, Ph.D. presented how the three partner universities have significantly outperformed global benchmarks in Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15 regarding marine and terrestrial biodiversity.  

Dr. Lim urged researchers to translate their high-impact publications into tangible community change.

The University of San Carlos extends our sincerest gratitude to all the attendees and researchers from various local and international organizations who participated in expanding the discourse on sustainable bioresource management. Thank you for sharing data and initiating conversations that will lead to potential collaborations. These collaborations ensure that academic research remains a powerful tool for environmental stewardship and community-centered innovation.

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The 黑料社区 delegation played a prominent role in the activities of the Spring Institute of Asia and the ASEAN Center of Educational Research, where several Science Education (Sc.Ed.) students showcased their scholarly work during the International Research Session on February 8, 2026. 

Among the student representatives were graduate students Williza M. Cordova and Jorome C. Tolete, who participated in the prestigious Sakura Science Exchange Program administered by the Japan Science and Technology (JST) Agency. They were joined by Ph.D. Sc.Ed. student Lucky Faith B. Guisando, who represented 黑料社区 in the Twin College Envoys (TWINCLE) Exchange Program with the support of the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). 

Leading the delegation鈥檚 professional engagements were Dr. Rolando V. Obiedo (Dean, 黑料社区 SEd) and Dr. Rita May P. Tagalog (Coordinator, SEd Linkages and Internationalization) who participated in the Annual Meeting of the Asia and ASEAN Center for Educational Research. Dr. Obiedo presented his latest research findings during the meeting, while Dr. Tagalog contributed her expertise as a panelist during the International Research Session.聽

Their active participation underscores 黑料社区鈥檚 leadership in shaping educational research trends within the ASEAN and Asian regions. (黑料社区 SEd also participated in last year鈥檚 TWINCLE program, see related story, while 黑料社区 Pharmacy students participated in the Sakura program in 2023, see related story.)

Beyond the conference rooms of Chiba University, the mission extended to Tokushima Prefecture for a strategic visit to Shikoku University. This leg of the trip was dedicated to finalizing the upcoming student exchange program for 黑料社区 SEd undergraduate students. 

The visit included an extensive ocular inspection of campus facilities and dormitories. According to Dr. Tagalog, the discussions with Shikoku University officials focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for  internships and teacher-education collaborations. 

This mission marks another significant milestone in 黑料社区 SEd鈥檚 commitment to providing faculty and students with transformative international experiences and fostering enduring academic partnerships across Asia.

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The initiative, hosted at the university’s Learning Resource Center (LRC), marks a strategic partnership between 黑料社区 and firms including FPT Software, Full Scale, KYOCERA, EY, Rococo, Skan鈥og, Lexmark, and Accenture.

The hub aims to bridge the gap between theoretical science and industrial application. 

Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D., who is also a faculty member of the 黑料社区 Department of Physics, said the QANIX Hub aims to build capacity by equipping learners with knowledge in quantum information science and artificial intelligence. The facility will serve as a foundation for advancing ethical research and fostering collaboration between the academe and government.

The school’s new facility provides students and faculty with access to quantum computing systems, which process data at speeds vastly superior to traditional computers. 黑料社区 plans to use these systems to support research and explore new applications in science, engineering, and data analysis. The hub also has three high-performance computers obtained through a grant from the Department of Science and Technology.

黑料社区 Vice President for Administration Atty. Joan Largo, Ll.M., said the initiative reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to offering transformative programs. Atty. Largo expressed that 黑料社区 aims to go beyond preparing students for employment by building strong partnerships that integrate industry directly into the institution.

The successful launch was spearheaded by the 黑料社区鈥檚 Department of Computer, Information Sciences, and Mathematics (DCISM) and Department of Physics. Led by their respective Chairs Angie Ceniza-Canillo, Ph.D. and Renante Violanda, Ph.D., both departments were instrumental in the coordination and execution of the initiative鈥檚 first phase.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VII Regional Director Tristan L. Abando, Ph.D., defined Quantum AI as the convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. This technology combines quantum processing power with AI-driven analysis to solve complex problems more efficiently than standard systems.

Dr. Abando said the hub aligns with the DOST Three-Horizon STI Economic Strategy. The Three-Horizons strategy charts the path for (Horizon 1) driving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) efficiency; (Horizon 2) building a Filipino knowledge economy; and (Horizon 3) Developing industries of the future in AI, biotech, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

Dr. Abando noted that QANIX Hub specifically supports “Horizon 3,” which focuses on building national capabilities in the industries of the future. Dr. Abando reaffirmed DOST’s commitment to support policy development and future collaborative projects as the initiative progresses.

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Walk-in, on-site free registration will take place on April 23 at 7:30 a.m. at the Fr. Michael Richartz Conference Center. This conference is open to the public.

The 10th University Research Conference (URC 2026) will be held on April 23-24, 2026 at the Fr. Michael Richartz Conference Center and other venues in Talamban Campus. This year’s conference will have the theme, “Creativity and knowledge: University as a catalyst of innovation.”

Keynote speakers

is a public ethnomusicologist and interdisciplinary scholar who writes at the intersections of Philippine religious traditions,  music, gender, ecology, and decolonization. She is also a singer of songs that mostly draw from Philippine oral traditions. In addition, Dr. Nono heads the Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts that promotes cultural revitalization and environmental conservation.

Dr. Ambeth Ocampo is no stranger to the URC; he was also the keynote speaker for URC 2017. Dr. Ocampo is the premiere Public Historian of the Philippines. His research covers the Spanish colonial Philippines: its art, culture, and the people who figure in the birth of the nation. He writes, Looking Back, the longest running editorial page column on history for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and has published over 35 books the most recent being: 鈥淗istory in Lockdown鈥� (2024).鈥� Cabinet of Curiosities: History from Philippine Artifacts鈥� (2023) is also available in German and Malay translations.

Ocampo’s abstract is an intriguing read: Fake news is as old a history. Long before deepfakes and algorithmic 鈥渉allucinations鈥� were created there was Jose E. Marco. His career spanned half a century and fooled seasoned scholars. Reviled in historiographical literature, Marco’s work deserves a second look as a cautionary tale on: veracity, authority, and academic one-upmanship. Whether manuscript or digital scholars and creatives require the same old skill set:  critical thinking, primary source research, and the uncompromising search for and defense of Truth.

We will also be graced by the presence of a delegation from the Hungarian embassy, including the Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Titanilla Toth, who will accompany , who will speak at the conference. Prof. Gyuricza, who will speak about “Knowledge that shapes the future,” is the rector of the (MATE).

Panel discussion

URC 2026 will also feature a roundtable discussion on the current state of the creative industry, tackling issues related to policy, practice, and pedagogy. Confirmed panelists include Butch Carungay (), (contemporary artist), (Dean, UP Diliman College of Fine Arts), and Lawrence Panganiban (Cebu Creative Entertainment Council). The panel will be moderated by (HL Designs).

Curated documentary film exhibition

A series of documentary films will also be shown at the SAFAD Theater in the afternoon of April 23. This exhibition, curated among others by organizer Kristoffer Villarino, is dubbed DocYou: Cinema, Science, and Society and features ten films created by amateur filmmakers from the 黑料社区 Cinema program.

Program

The may be viewed or downloaded by . Non-黑料社区 participants may need to request permission before viewing the program. An overview of the conference can be found below.

URC 2026 is held in collaboration with the 2026 SAFAD Design Week.

URC 2026 has free registration and is open to the public. Exhibitors will showcase their companies during the conference. Food concessionaires will also be available for refreshments and lunch.

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Dr. Largo will do a deep dive on the significant role that seaweeds play in bolstering the Philippines Blue Economy.

On-site registration for the event starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants may pre-register by scanning the QR code below. The event is open to the general public.

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Adopting the theme, “Advancing sustainable agri-life and bioresource technologies across borders,” the symposium serves as a venue for discussion of best practices in agri-life and bioresource sciences and presentation of innovative solutions to current challenges. The symposium also brings together researchers, industries, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

The conference organizers are calling for papers in six broad areas. Deadline for submission of abstracts is on January 31, 2026. For more information, email agrilifebioresource2026@usc.edu.ph.

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With the acquisition of two SPINQ Gemini Mini quantum computers鈥攖he world鈥檚 first portable, NMR-based quantum computing systems, 黑料社区 becomes the first university in the country to provide hands-on access to quantum computing in both classroom instruction and laboratory research.

The quantum computers, developed by SpinQ Technology Co. Ltd., are already in use at institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the University of Western Australia.

Led by the Department of Physics and the Department of Computer and Information Sciences and Mathematics (DCISM), this pioneering initiative underscores 黑料社区鈥檚 strong commitment to advancing quantum information science (QIS) at a critical moment when classical computing is approaching its physical limits.

Emerging from the convergence of two of the greatest intellectual achievements of the 20th century namely, quantum mechanics and information science, QIS empowers students and researchers to explore transformative frontiers such as quantum algorithms, quantum sensing, and quantum artificial intelligence that are poised to outperform conventional systems and reshape entire industries.

Anchoring this vision is 黑料社区鈥檚 forthcoming Quantum-AI Nexus Innovation Hub (QANIX), a pioneering platform where quantum science and artificial intelligence converge to cultivate quantum-ready professionals and accelerate the development of quantum technologies and algorithms.

Through this strategic investment, 黑料社区 is positioning itself as a regional leader in transformative research and next-generation intelligent systems.

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This year鈥檚 convention marked a milestone as the first PSCB annual gathering held outside Luzon. With the theme 鈥淐onvergence of Innovation for Cellular Biology,鈥� the conference sought to advance scholarly exchange on cutting-edge research in cell biology by Filipino and international scientists. 

A central feature of this year鈥檚 event was the strong leadership of the University鈥檚 biological sciences. The Department of Biology, led by Frances E. Edillo, Ph.D. (head, 黑料社区 Mosquito Research Laboratory), served as the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee demonstrating 黑料社区鈥檚 academic stewardship in the life sciences. Rommel G. Bacabac, Ph.D., Department of Physics and program leader of the Medical Biophysics Group-Center for Tissue Engineering and Biological Soft Materials, served as co-chair. 

University of San Carlos President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. welcomed the delegates followed by opening remarks from the PSCB President Dr. Vivian Panes of the Ateneo de Manila University. Nearly 200 students, faculty members, and scientists representing 21 higher education institutions, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and industry partners participated in the two-day event. 

Dr. Jenneke Klein-Nulend presented a keynote talk on 鈥淭issue Engineering of Adult Stem Cells.鈥� Throughout the conference, invited experts presented development in nanotechnology, multi-omics, mechanobiology, cellular analysis, drug delivery, and engineered photosynthesis.

黑料社区 faculty members played active roles in the scientific discussions. Gerard Lee L. See, Ph.D. (Dean, School of Health Care Professions), delivered a plenary lecture on leveraging liquid crystals to enhance drug delivery to the brain. Joyce Rodriguez, Ph.D. (Department of Biology) presented her work on metabolomics during the Young Minds Speak session.

A pre-conference workshop on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted on October 22, 2025, through the initiative of PSCB officers in Manila, working closely with Dr. Edillo and Dr. Bacabac. The training was led by technical experts from Noveaulab Asia Corporation, who provided hands-on instruction to participating delegates. 黑料社区 served as the host institution, with the pharmacy laboratory made available through the support of Department of Pharmacy Chair, Dr. Florencio V. Arce Jr., while Department of Biology Chair Dr. Jonie C. Yee facilitated on-site arrangements and assisted in the awarding of certificates.

The convention also featured the presentation of more than 33 research posters from students and early-career researchers across the country, underscoring the event鈥檚 role in cultivating scientific engagement and research dissemination.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Edillo extends her warm thanks to the participants and emphasizes  the importance of adaptability and the continued pursuit of scientific excellence. 

She cited Charles Darwin鈥檚 reminder, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change,” and that of St. John Vianney, 鈥淎ll our efforts are wasted if not offered to God.鈥�

The successful convention reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 steadfast commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and contributing to the development of the nation鈥檚 research landscape through active engagement in professional scientific communities.

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黑料社区 was represented by student-researcher Jure Fleurmagne Batohanon, who earned 1st place in the oral presentation category for his study 鈥淢icrobial interactions in Sonneratia alba-associated Actinomycete co-cultures: Implications for antimicrobial activity,鈥� co-authored with Rena Mae Avila, Reyna Marie Therese S. Sanchez, and Carl Raymond D. Consuegra.

Sanchez also received 3rd place in the same category for her work 鈥淐omparative analysis of bioactivity and phytochemical profiles of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) from different cultivation systems鈥� co-authored by Neil Patrick Uy and Norman Quilantang.

Both student teams were mentored by Jonie C. Yee, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Biology, who also delivered a plenary presentation highlighting 黑料社区鈥檚 initiatives in microbial biotechnology and natural product discovery, alongside Paul John L. Geraldino, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

These distinctions reflect the Department of Biology鈥檚 long-standing commitment to quality education anchored in inquiry-based learning, mentorship, and international research exposure. By providing students with opportunities to engage in cross-border scientific collaboration and publishable-level scholarship, the department ensures that teaching is deeply integrated with research鈥攁 key pillar of 黑料社区鈥檚 vision of forming globally competent graduates grounded in scientific excellence and ethical leadership.

The biosymposium convened a diverse group of scientists, educators, and healthcare professionals from around the world to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of knowledge on the innovative utilization of tropical bioresources in advancing healthcare solutions. 

The University鈥檚 participation in this biosymposium reaffirms its role as a contributor to global knowledge production and its continuing investment in research that draws on the Philippines鈥� rich biodiversity to address emerging challenges in health and sustainability.

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Dr. Jugar will speak about issues related to Philippine education, regional mobility particularly in the ASEAN, and, with the advent of AI, the future of learning.

On-site registration for the event starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants may pre-register by scanning the QR code below. The event is open to the general public.

This is the third of a series of fireside chats that the 黑料社区 Research, Development, Extension, and Publications Office (RDEPO) has organized. The , featuring 黑料社区 vector biologist Dr. Frances Edillo, took place in August, while the second installment last month with Dr. Ruby Suazo tackled Filipino philosophy and its struggles with memory, identity and the ethics of self. One chat originally slated in September with Carla Marie Adlawan on branding was postponed and will be re-scheduled next semester.

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