By: Janelle Faulve
Rizal, Philippines – The 2024 Annual PAASE Meeting Symposium (APAMS), themed “Technological Innovation towards Sustainable Education, Agriculture, and Ecotourism,” commenced at the University of Rizal System on July 13-14. This event, organized by the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), extended its reach with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Batangas State University, and Eastern Visayas State University until July 22.
The symposium opened on July 13 with registration beginning at 7:30 AM. The program started at 9:00 AM, marked by an opening ceremony led by Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares, Governor of Rizal. The inauguration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the opening of exhibits showcasing innovative projects and research.
Dr. Nancy Pascual, University President, delivered the welcome address, setting a collaborative tone for the event. Subsequent messages from Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares, Governor of Rizal Province; and Dr. Gladys Cherisse Completo, President of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) and APAMS Convenor, emphasized the importance of technological innovation in driving sustainable development.
Engr. Ria Liza Canlas, Executive Member of the National Innovation Council, delivered the keynote address, highlighting technology’s critical role in fostering sustainable practices. A special number by Mr. Christian Russell Rones, staff at OVP-RDEP, provided a cultural interlude.
The first plenary lecture, “Technological Innovations towards Sustainable Ecotourism,” was delivered by Engr. Michael Caballes, Chief Executive Officer of Bukid Amara, followed by an open forum moderated by Dr. Joanne Concepcion, Campus Director of URS Binangonan. The second plenary lecture, “Technological Innovations towards Sustainable Agriculture,” by Dr. Ralph Turingan, Professor from the Florida Institute of Technology, sparked engaging discussions moderated by Prof. Jerry Esperanza, Campus Head for Research, URS Cardona.
Post-lunch sessions included Plenary Lecture C on “Driving Sustainable Management Across Disciplines with Technological Innovation” by Dr. Rommel Sergio, Interim Associate Dean/Professor of the Canadian University of Dubai, and Plenary Lecture D on “Technological Innovations towards Sustainable Education” by Dr. Chona Camille Vince Cruz-Abeledo Professor from De La Salle University. Dr. Edwin Tecarro Associate Professor from the University of Houston-Downtown delivered Plenary Lecture E, “The Modelling of Biological Systems.” An open forum followed moderated by Prof. Ruff Jon Florendo Jr., Dean, College of Agribusiness Management of URS Tanay Campus.
By 3:00 PM, three simultaneous activities were conducted: Research Output and Technology Commercialization Pitching, led by Dr. Leo Rio, Director of Production Services, and Head, URS Intellectual Property Office; Paper and Poster Presentation Session, led by Dr. Jannie Manimtim, Campus Head for RDEP; and a Research Publication Writeshop, led by Niclie Tiratira, Director for Research Development, and Dr. Jocelyn Gagalang, Director of the Office of Public Affairs.
The day concluded with a Fellowship Night at the Huntahan in Morong, Rizal. Gov. Nina Ricci Ynares and Mayor Sidney Soriano, Mayor of Morong, Rizal, gave welcoming remarks. A cultural presentation by the URS Center for Culture and the Arts entertained the attendees before Dr. Nancy Pascual’s closing remarks, bringing the first day to a close.
The second day began with registration at 7:30 AM, followed by a recap of the previous day’s highlights. Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, ASEAN Engr, and PASUC President, delivered the keynote address.
A series of panel discussions followed, starting with Dr. Bernardo Sepeda, Executive Director of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP), discussing NRCP programs. Engr. Albert Marino, Director of DOST-SEI, presented the DOST-SEI Programs. Other panelists included Dr. Mariano Sto Domingo from the University of Maryland, Dr. Maria Oliva Lucas from Unang Hakbang Foundation, Inc., Dr. Sevilla Detera Wadleigh from NIH, and Dr. Reinable Reyes, Executive Director of Pinoy Scientists, who discussed various aspects of supporting STEM education and young researchers.
A vibrant Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Lourdes Herold, Secretary of PAASE, followed the panel discussions. Dr. Gladys Cherisse Completo conducted the awarding of poster and research pitch winners before Dr. Nancy Pascual’s closing remarks officially concluded the symposium.
The two-day event wrapped up with a guided tour of Morong, Rizal, led by Dr. Xenia Canale, URSM Campus Director, and her team. The tour provided attendees with an immersive experience of the campus’s innovative facilities and an in-depth understanding of the historical significance of the sites visited, enriched by detailed commentary from knowledgeable guides.
The 2024 APAMS highlighted the indispensable role of technological innovation in achieving sustainable development across various sectors. The symposium facilitated knowledge exchange and fostered collaborations expected to drive impactful advancements in education, agriculture, and ecotourism.
