JAAP Held “2025 JAAP National Research Forum” and “7th International Research Development Conference”

On 19–20 November 2025, in conjunction with the Philippines’ 2025 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (DSTW 2025), the JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) organized the “2025 JAAP National Research Forum, Awarding Ceremonies of the Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellows, and JAAP General Assembly”, and its “7th International Research Development Conference (JAAP-IRDC-7)”, in Laoag City, Philippines.

The conferences were co-organized with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and the JSPS Bangkok Office. After the welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Karl Marx A. Quizon, President of NJAA and Professor at CLSU, the following representatives delivered opening remarks and keynote speeches:
– Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., President of MMSU
– Dr. Yoshio Otani, Director, JSPS Bangkok Office
– Mr. Shigehiro Matsuda, Japan Information and Culture Center Director (JICC) , Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
– Dr. Leah Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development, DOST
– Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director, DOST Region I

Dai Liping, International Program Associate at the JSPS Bangkok Office, presented “JSPS and Its International Programs.” Both conferences concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Laura B. Fermo, JAAP Vice President.
The events brought together around 100 participants, including experts from universities, research institutions, and government agencies from Japan and the Philippines. Presentations and discussions focused on promoting inclusive innovation ecosystems, strengthening food security, and advancing in agriculture, fisheries, health, and environmental sustainability to support long-term national development.
Overall, the conferences served as a platform for strengthening scientific partnerships and promoting international cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

Lecture Titles
– Theoretical and Numerical Studies on Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation Using Guided Waves
Assoc. Prof. Taizo Maruyama, Institute of Science Tokyo
– Adaptation for Climate Change: What Can We Do as a Society?
Prof. Kensuke Fukushi, The University of Tokyo
– Epistemic Goals and Practices in the Biology Curriculum: A Comparison Between the Philippines and Japan
Dr. Denis Dyvee Errabo, De La Salle University
– The Status of Biological Control Approaches Against Aedes-borne Diseases: How Far Are We in Effectively Controlling This Mosquito Vector?
Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal, De La Salle University
– When White Meets Red: The Case of the Natural Mutant Mulberry Wood Lacking Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Dr. James Paul T. Madigal, Mariano Marcos State University
– Innovating High-Value Materials from Agri-waste: A Comparative Study of Rice Hull-Derived Silica and Carbon from Japan and the Philippines
Dr. Emie S. Mirasol, Mariano Marcos State University
– From Waste to Worth: Advancing Circular Innovation for a Resilient and Inclusive Society
Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla, De La Salle University
– Education 5.0: Integrating Research, Creativity, And Innovation For Transformative Teaching in Philippines Higher Education
Dr. Fernan B. Tupas, Northern Iloilo State University
– Sharing Experience by 2025 JSPS RONPAKU Awardee Dr. Nonnatus S. Bautista
– Sharing Experience by JSPS Bridge Fellow Dr. Krintine S. Pascual