The Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute (DOST SEI), in collaboration with the University of San Carlos, successfully hosted the 12th Graduate Scholars’ Conference of the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resources Development Program (ASTHRDP) on September 12–13, 2024 at the Dusit Thani Mactan Resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
With the theme, “Artificial Intelligence: Embracing Change and Ethical Use in Research,” the conference provided a platform for DOST graduate scholars to present their research outputs and gain deeper insights into emerging trends in science and technology.
It opened with welcome remarks from Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD (President, University of San Carlos); Engr. Jesus F. Zamora Jr. (Regional Director, DOST Region VII); Hon. Atty. Linda Susan C. Baring (Councilor, Lapu-Lapu City) on behalf of Hon. Mayor Junard Q. Chan, and Engr. Albert G. Mariño (Director III and Officer-In-Charge, DOST SEI).
Fr. Estepa emphasized the timeliness of the conference, stating, “As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, it is imperative that we harness the power of artificial intelligence while upholding the highest ethical standards.”
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, DOST Secretary Hon. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Ph.D. reiterated DOST’s commitment to leveraging AI as a transformative tool for science, technology, and innovation in the Philippines. Speaking to nearly 200 graduate scholars, he urged them to actively advocate for the responsible use of AI.
“Now is the time to champion ethical AI for the common good. We need our scholars to foster meaningful conversations and discourse where these advocacies can thrive,” he said, emphasizing the critical role young scientists play in shaping the future of AI and its impact on Filipino society.
Key officials from the Department of Science and Technology were in attendance, including Josette T. Biyo, Ph.D. (former Director, DOST SEI), several academicians, and ASTHRDP program leaders of the different institutions across the country.
AI in Healthcare, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Business, Governance
The conference featured five plenary speakers who provided valuable insights into the wide-ranging impact of AI across various disciplines, offering an in-depth perspective on the AI research landscape in the Philippines.
Luis Gerardo S. Cañete Jr., Ph.D., a professor from the USC Department of Computer Engineering, opened the plenary session with his presentation, “Approaching Assistive Technologies Enabled by Artificial Intelligence.” He explored two key areas of his research: AI-driven assistive technologies designed to aid the rehabilitation of individuals with hand paralysis and the use of AI in detecting microplastics in environmental samples.
Next, Jose Ildefonso U. Rubrico, Ph.D., a Balik Scientist awardee and program leader of two flagship AI initiatives at the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST ASTI), presented “SkAI-Pinas and ASIMOV: An Overview of the DOST Flagship R&D Programs in AI and Robotics.” He introduced the Philippine Sky Artificial Intelligence Program (SkAI-Pinas) and the Autonomous Societally Inspired Mission-Oriented Vehicles Program (ASIMOV), describing them as enabling technologies with applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, among other fields.
Meanwhile, DJ Darwin R. Bandoy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and head of Epidemiology and Data at the UPLB Zoonoses Center, followed with his talk, “Di-likas na Talino sa Islang Pantropiko: Challenges of AI Implementation in the Context of the Philippine Animal Industry.” His presentation focused on the use of automated machine learning to develop vaccines and address the rising threat of microbial resistance.
Joining virtually from the USA, Rigoberto C. Advincula, Ph.D. (Governor’s Chair Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee; Group Leader, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences), presented “Materials, AI, and Advanced Manufacturing: Philippine Innovationeering.” He shared how his research group is utilizing AI and machine learning to innovate the manufacturing of polymer materials and 3D printing techniques, with far-reaching applications in engineering and business sectors.
Closing the plenary session, Franz A. de Leon, Ph.D., Director of DOST ASTI and Associate Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman, provided updates on AI development in the country with his presentation, “Promoting Research and Innovation in Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines.” He discussed ongoing AI initiatives spearheaded by DOST-ASTI and highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government to foster innovation and ensure the ethical development of AI technologies.
Discussion on AI Ethics
Following the plenary talks, Reinabelle Reyes, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the National Institute of Physics in UP Diliman and Head of the Data and Computation Research Group, facilitated an engaging discussion on the ethics of AI. The session brought the plenary speakers together to share their thoughts on the complex ethical considerations that arise with AI development—from ensuring fairness and avoiding biases in algorithms to addressing the potential for misuse in sensitive sectors like healthcare and environmental management. Dr. Reyes emphasized the importance of building ethical guidelines that can keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology, stressing the need for accountability and transparency in AI systems.
The scholars actively engaged in the discussion, raising important questions about how AI can impact society and how ethics can be built into future AI research. The conversation highlighted that while AI holds great potential, it also comes with risks that need to be carefully managed. The session concluded with a call for greater collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure AI is used responsibly, with fairness and human welfare as guiding principles.
Oral and Poster Presentations
Among the key highlights of the conference were the oral and poster presentations delivered by scholars across four categories: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences, Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences, and Mathematical and Computational Sciences.
From the 70 oral and 110 poster presenters, the following individuals were declared winners in their respective categories:
Oral Presentation (Ph.D. and M.S.)
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Romeo R. Patano Jr. (Central Mindanao University) and Loraine M. Ortega (University of San Carlos)
- Biological and Health Sciences: Zypher Jude G. Regencia (University of the Philippines Manila) and Anne O. Parajinog (University of Santo Tomas)
- Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences: Jumar Cadondon (De La Salle University) and Anjela A. Ilagan (University of the Philippines Diliman)
- Mathematical and Computational Sciences: Aaron Pagaygay (De La Salle University) and Arlan V. Castro Jr. (Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology)
Poster Presentation (1st to 3rd, respectively)
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Pauline Angela S. Maglipon (University of Santo Tomas); Rizaldy A. David (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Julius C. Medellin (Visayas State University)
- Biological and Health Sciences: Kristina Casandra L. Pava (Central Mindanao University); Misshell L. Lavilla (Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology); Kamille N. Poblete (University of Santo Tomas)
- Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences: Nikko M. Balanial (University of the Philippines Diliman); Theo Victor A. Cavite (University of Santo Tomas); Vladimir U. William (De La Salle University)
- Mathematical and Computational Sciences: Kurt Anthony C. De Los Santos (Ateneo de Manila University); Jerwin G. De Leon (University of the Philippines Baguio); Juan Paolo C. Santos (University of the Philippines Diliman)
In addition to academic excellence, scholars also showcased their creativity and talent during the Fellowship Night Talent Contest. The winners were: Jhoanna Faye P. Jacinto (1st, University of the Philippines Visayas); Elgie A. Jimenez (2nd, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology); and Nevel Taurine C. Auxilio (3rd, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines).
Milestone conference
Chaired by the University of San Carlos and co-chaired by the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, this year’s conference marked a significant milestone as the first to be held outside of Metro Manila. It also saw the inaugural inclusion of scholars from the STRAND program, making it a more inclusive event.
The 12th ASTHRDP Graduate Scholars’ Conference gathered nearly 400 participants, including scholars, faculty members, and project leaders from DOST-SEI’s ASTHRDP and STRAND programs, representing 20 universities from all over the Philippines.
The conference provided a platform for scholars to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest advancements in science and technology, with a focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence. It also emphasized the value of collaboration and the importance of pushing the boundaries of innovation while maintaining ethical standards. As the event concluded, it left participants inspired to continue their pursuit of scientific excellence and meaningful contributions to national development.
by Ann Clowee J. Hurboda