The Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), in collaboration with Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), successfully held the 13th ASTHRDP Graduate Scholars’ Conference on September 18–19, 2025 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

With the theme, “Advancing Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship for the Well-being of Every Filipino,” the conference gathered 370 graduate scholars from leading universities across the Philippines, including Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), University of San Carlos (USC), University of the Philippines (Diliman, Los Baños, Manila, Tacloban, and Visayas), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and Visayas State University (VSU).

USC proudly fielded a delegation of 24 scholars: 12 for Biology, 4 for Physics, 1 for Chemistry, and 7 for Mathematics, representing USC’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary climate and environmental research.

A centerpiece of the conference were the oral and poster competitions, where graduate scholars presented their research across five categories: Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Mathematical and Computational Sciences. 

Among the awardees in the poster presentation were Khim S. Hernane (3rd, Physical Sciences) and Rashin D. Nuñez (3rd, Mathematical and Computational Sciences), both representing the University of San Carlos.

This year’s conference was chaired and hosted by MSU-IIT and co-chaired by Central Luzon State University (CLSU). It marked another milestone in the history of ASTHRDP as it continued to expand participation and foster collaboration among institutions in the regions.

By focusing on climate action and environmental stewardship, the conference reaffirmed the vital role of young Filipino scientists in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future. For USC and its 24 participating scholars, the event was not only a showcase of academic excellence but also a call to action—an opportunity to align research with the nation’s urgent environmental priorities.

Reported by Vincent D. Arrogante