On 27 November 2020, the National Research Forum and Awarding of Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellows was held by JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) in cooperation with Department of Science & Technology (DOST) and JSPS Bangkok Office.
The theme of the forum is “Kabalikat ng DOST sa Pagsulong ng Agham at Teknolohiya Tungo sa Maayos na Kalusugan, Kabuhayan at Kinabukasan.”
The forum and the awarding ceremony were opened with a welcome address by Dr. Renato G. Reyes, President of JAAP, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Central Luzon State University

After the welcome address by Dr. Renato, the following 3 distinguished guests gave speeches.
– Opening Remarks: Dr. Yoshio Otani, Director, JSPS Bangkok Office

– Inspirational Message: Ms. Junko Sato, Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC)

– Keynote Speech: Dr. Fortunato Dela Peña, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

[Awarding Ceremonies of 2020 Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellows]
In the Awarding Ceremonies of 2020 Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellows, Dr. Leah Buendia, Chair, Board of Judges Assistant Secretary, DOST conferred the award to the following three researchers. They expressed their appreciation to receive the award.

1. Medicine
Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, MD, MSc, PhD, University of Philippines College of Medicine

2. Chemistry/Chemical Science
Dr. Lucille V. Abad, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute

3. Agriculture
Dr. Roel R. Suralta, Career ScientistⅡ, PhilRice

[National Research Forum]
The National Research Forum was started with the introduction of speakers by the moderator Dr. Eden Piadozo PRO, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

At this forum, three researchers who were awarded the Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellow delivered the presentations.
Their presentation titles were as follows.

First presentation;
“Molecular Epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in different Settings and Selected High Risk Populations in the Philippines”
Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, MD, MSc, PhD, University of Philippines College of Medicine

Second presentation;
“Harnessing the Benefits of Ionizing Radiation”
Dr. Lucille V. Abad, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute

Third presentation;
“Rooting for Rice to Adapt to Climate Change”
Dr. Roel R. Suralta, Career Scientist Ⅱ, PhilRice

After their presentation, many questions raised and they answered each question politely.

[Presentation of JSPS International Programs]
After the National Research Forum, JSPS Bangkok Office made the introduction on JSPS international programs.

Finally, Dr. Danilda Hufana-Duran, Vice President of JAAP delivered the closing remarks.

The research forum ended successfully with 60 attendees.

[JAAP general assembly]
Following the research forum, JAAP general assembly was held by the webinar with the attendance of 23 alumni members.
Dr. Danilda H. Duran was appointed as the new President of JAAP for the following term.